In our latest newsletter, Elbegdorj Tsakhia reflects on the shifting geopolitical landscape and urges that women’s voices be at the forefront of global decision-making.
Adapted from The Elders' monthly newsletter. Sign up for regular email updates from The Elders.
Dear friends,
Russia’s brutal full-scale invasion of Ukraine is now in its third year. The Elders remain steadfast in our solidarity with the courageous Ukrainian people and with President Zelenskyy as their democratically-elected leader.
But we recognise that the wider geopolitical context in which the war is taking place is changing rapidly and dramatically, especially with regard to the new administration in the United States. The conflict is entering a critical phase, and Ukraine’s direct participation in any peace talks is absolutely essential.
These developments formed the backdrop to my participation last month in the Munich Security Conference, where I was joined by my fellow Elders Juan Manuel Santos, Mary Robinson, Helen Clark and Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein.
In our public and private meetings, our message was clear and consistent: leaders need to step up and defend the multilateral system and the rule of international law, as the best way to ensure conflicts are resolved in a just and sustainable way. This applies to the three priority conflicts we work on as Elders – Israel/Palestine, Russia/Ukraine and Myanmar – as well as in Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and countless others.
Leaving the conference, it seemed clear to me that the world needs to change tack. Looking ahead to International Women’s Day, we need to explore new ways to ensure women’s voices are heard in the peace and security sphere which has traditionally been male-dominated, and at all levels of global leadership.
The Elders have a strong history of supporting gender equality and women in leadership, and we have recently been supporting the 1 for 8 Billion campaign’s call: after 80 years of men-only leadership, it’s time for a woman to serve as UN Secretary-General.
The UN’s glass ceiling remains unbroken, and it is vital that we ensure it is fit for purpose in the 21st century. This includes appointing a woman as the next Secretary-General through a fair and transparent process that seeks the most qualified candidate.
As the time for member states to make nominations approaches, we urge them to champion this cause and nominate only women candidates. This is our opportunity to drive transformative change and send an unequivocal message that women are essential to solving the world’s most pressing challenges.
If we are to build a more stable and united world, we must guarantee that women have an equal voice at the table – not as a symbolic gesture, but as a necessity.
With thanks for your ongoing support,
Elbegdorj Tsakhia
