Backroom Deals

How are senior positions within the UN system filled, and what role do political deals play in the process? Selection processes have long been considered opaque and shaped by power politics. A report by our partners 1 for 8 Billion and Strategy for Humanity examines the role of such “deals” in UN selection processes. It draws on more than 40 interviews with former diplomats, candidates in previous selection processes, and former senior officials. The report concludes that, throughout UN history, all five permanent members of the UN Security Council (P5) have sought to influence the independence of candidates.