A recent analysis highlights persistent racial, gender, and nationality imbalances in United Nations’ (UN) leadership roles, despite efforts to address these issues. Research by the Center on International Cooperation (CIC) at NYU reveals that from 1995 to 2022, the Permanent Five (P5) members of the UN Security Council, which represent less than 3% of member states, secured over 20% of senior appointments. Additionally, countries from the Western Europe and Other Group (WEOG), comprising just 15% of member states, received 48% of senior positions.
These trends reinforce inequalities, with many key UN bodies—like the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA), and the Department of Peacekeeping (DPO)—dominated by individuals from the P5 and Western states, limiting opportunities for underrepresented regions. The findings stress the need for transparent, disaggregated data and robust policies to ensure racial equity, gender balance, and broader representation in global leadership. Addressing these imbalances is crucial for aligning the UN’s internal practices with its principles of equality and nondiscrimination.
Read the full article: Why Race and Gender Matter in National Monopolies at the UN