The World Toughest Job Consultation - Shaping young people's expectations for the Next UN Secretary General
1. Background
The world’s toughest job is open. This year, the world will choose the next United Nations Secretary-General at a critical moment for multilateral cooperation and for generations who will live with the consequences of today’s global decisions.
The UN Secretary-General cannot solve every crisis alone or force governments to act. But the role still matters enormously. At its best, the Secretary-General can bring people together when trust is broken, defend the UN Charter, use their voice and good offices to advance diplomacy, and help turn global commitments into action that people can actually feel.
The World’s Toughest Job, a campaign led by the UN Foundation, invites young people to reflect on what this role now demands and share their expectations for the next Secretary-General. Through a global survey, public dialogues and consultations, the campaign is building a youth-informed understanding of what the next Secretary-General should do, what qualities they need, and how their leadership should be tested.
Building on this initiative, the Youth Negotiators Academy (YNA) will convene a dedicated consultation bringing together young people and youth organizations engaged in multilateral negotiations, diplomacy, climate, land, biodiversity, sustainable development and global governance.
2. Objective
The consultation will provide a space for young people to discuss what leadership the world needs now and translate their reflections into concrete expectations for the next Secretary-General. The discussion will focus on how the next Secretary‑General can set bold priorities, strenghten trust in multilateralism, champion future generations, and turn global commitments into real action.
Convened by the Youth Negotiators Academy (YNA), this 90-minute interactive consultation will combine a short introduction, plenary discussion, small-group conversations, collective reflection and participation in The World’s Toughest Job youth survey.