WorldBBN WORLD

Could the UN get its first woman chief in 80 years?

The next UN chief is chosen by a process few outsiders understand, in which a small group of powerful countries holds the decisive say; the public gets no ballot.

On air: Gloria Vance and Kenji Moonfield on Late Night BBN
Published 1:08 AM ET, Saturday, October 17, 2026

Photo: Jakub Hałun · CC BY 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons · altered by BBN

Photo: United Nations HQ — Photo: Jakub Hałun · CC BY 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons · altered by BBN

At a glance

First reported by Hindustan Times: “Could the UN get its first woman chief in its 80-year history? The unusual selection process explained”.
Covered on BBN on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at 1:08 AM ET on Late Night BBN, by Gloria Vance and Kenji Moonfield; aired 2 times.

The real story

The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.

Hindustan TimesCould the UN get its first woman chief in its 80-year history? The unusual selection process explained

What BBN said about it

Gloria Vance · World News AnchorIn New York tonight, the question is whether the United Nations could pick its first woman secretary-general in its eighty-year history, and the process for choosing one is unusual.
Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentSo it's a vote, like a talent show, and the whole planet texts in.
Gloria Vance · World News AnchorIt is not. A small group of powerful countries has the final say, and the public is not invited to text anything.
Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentOh. So it's the judges' table and everybody else is the audience.
Gloria Vance · World News AnchorEighty years, and the audience is still waiting for a woman to be picked.