In 2026, the selection process for the tenth Secretary-General of the United Nations is unfolding under the close attention of the international community. Since its establishment in 1945, the position of UN Secretary-General has always been held by men. Against the backdrop of profound adjustments in global governance structures and the deepening of gender equality principles, the question of whether the UN will welcome its first female Secretary-General has become an increasingly discussed topic among many Member States and civil society.
Since the tenure of former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, Celebrity Media has continuously engaged in UN news reporting and publication. Over the years, we have participated in and reported on public meetings, cultural exchanges, and multilateral forum activities organized by dozens of Permanent Missions to the United Nations. Through long-term on-site observation, we have clearly perceived that discussions within the UN system regarding gender balance have gradually moved from the level of advocacy to the level of institutional implementation.
In recent years, the UN Secretariat has made progress in achieving gender parity at senior management levels. Women’s leadership in peacekeeping, human rights, development, and climate-related agendas has continued to strengthen. Many figures in the diplomatic community have noted on various occasions that the future of global governance requires a more diverse and inclusive leadership structure.
Based on years of reporting practice and first-hand observation, Celebrity Media has officially launched a global public platform dedicated to empowering women’s participation in the discourse surrounding the UN Secretary-General issue. The platform aims to bring together constructive discussions from academia, the diplomatic community, and civil society regarding women’s leadership and the future of multilateral governance. It does not target any specific candidate, but rather seeks to promote the continued deepening of gender equality principles within the senior structures of international organizations through rational dialogue and public discourse.
During our participation in numerous events organized by Permanent Missions, we have observed that women diplomats demonstrate distinctive strengths in cross-regional negotiations, the integration of social issues, and cultural communication. In a world increasingly characterized by intersecting challenges, inclusive and consultative leadership styles are becoming ever more vital.
Of course, the selection of the Secretary-General involves regional rotation principles, the structure of the Security Council, and complex international political realities. Gender is not the sole variable; competence, qualifications, and international credibility remain core criteria. Nevertheless, under conditions of equal merit, achieving a historic structural breakthrough has become a pressing issue raised by our times.
The United Nations has now existed for more than eighty years, during which the global landscape has undergone profound transformation. Gender equality has been incorporated into the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development as a globally shared objective. If the UN were to achieve a gender breakthrough at its highest leadership level, both its symbolic and institutional significance would be far-reaching.
From long-term observation to public advocacy, Celebrity Media deeply perceives that the prospect of a female UN Secretary-General is no longer merely an idealistic aspiration, but is increasingly becoming a maturing direction of discussion within the global multilateral system.
The times are sending a clear signal. Whether history will turn a new page in this round of selection remains to be seen by the international community.
Celebrity Media Alliance News Brief: Against the backdrop of the continuously deepening global gender equality agenda, the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) will convene at United Nations Headquarters in New York. This session takes access to justice as its core focus, advancing equality and empowerment for women and girls. Discussions will center on equal access to justice for women and girls, women’s participation in public life, and the elimination of gender-based violence, serving as a key platform for the international community to coordinate policy positions and build consensus for action.
The 70th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women is jointly organized by UN Women and the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
Meeting Dates: March 9–19, 2026 Venue: United Nations Headquarters, New York, USA.
Notably, as early as March 2025, Celebrity Media actively planned and hosted multiple women-themed events at and around United Nations Headquarters. Among them, during the 69th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women, the “Women for Peace: Arts and Ideas Forum” was held, using artistic and intellectual exchange to highlight women’s unique role in peace and sustainable development and to explore bridges between cultural expression and public issues. These practices provide valuable real-world references for further deepening the linkage between “Women–Peace–Development” at CSW70.
I. Background and Nature of the Meeting
The Commission on the Status of Women is the principal intergovernmental body within the United Nations system dedicated to promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women. It convenes annually, bringing together government representatives, UN entities, international organizations, and civil society groups focused on women’s rights to consult and coordinate on global gender policies. As the UN system’s hub for advancing the gender agenda, UN Women plays a central role in conference preparation, agenda-setting, and policy coordination.
II. Key Themes of This Session
Priority Theme: Strengthening Equal Access to Justice for Women and Girls The session will focus on “ensuring and strengthening access to justice for all women and girls,” emphasizing: — Promoting fair and inclusive legal systems; — Eliminating discriminatory laws, policies, and practices; — Addressing structural barriers caused by institutional bias and unequal resource distribution. This theme is directly linked to legal protection, accessibility of remedies, and gender sensitivity in judicial procedures, and is regarded as a foundational pillar for achieving substantive equality.
Review Theme: Promoting Women’s Full Participation and Eliminating Violence The session will also review women’s full and effective participation in public life and decision-making, as well as the elimination of violence against women and girls. Topics include political participation, gender balance in leadership, and security protections, underscoring that gender equality is not only a legal issue but also a profound social and cultural transformation.
III. Organization and Agenda Overview
CSW70 comprises formal plenary meetings, ministerial discussions, thematic roundtables, policy dialogues, country statements, and regional and thematic group exchanges, alongside numerous parallel side events organized by governments and non-governmental organizations. The session also aligns with International Women’s Day on March 8, further amplifying its social impact.
IV. Stakeholders and Diverse Voices
National delegations share experiences and challenges in improving access to justice and strengthening gender equality policies; UN system entities provide data and policy analysis support; and ECOSOC-accredited NGOs and civil society representatives voice grassroots and cross-regional perspectives through official channels and NGO forums. Youth participation continues to rise, becoming a notable feature of the session.
V. Expected Outcomes and Impact
Adoption of the Agreed Conclusions, providing international reference for member states in formulating and adjusting relevant policies;
Advancement of legal and policy reform initiatives to enhance women’s access to justice and safety protections;
Strengthening global cooperation and monitoring mechanisms, and improving gender equality indicator frameworks.
VI. Trend Observations
This session indicates that international consensus on access to justice is further strengthening, with the scope of discussion extending from traditional legal reform to inequalities in the digital era; women’s public participation and the elimination of violence are being incorporated into an integrated policy framework, reflecting a more comprehensive approach to gender governance; and the growing influence of civil society and youth is facilitating the integration of diverse perspectives into the global gender agenda.
Overall, CSW70 not only continues the United Nations’ institutional efforts in the field of gender equality, but also lays a new policy foundation for future global action to empower women and girls through multi-level and multi-stakeholder participation mechanisms.
As the bells of the Lunar New Year once again echo around the world, the Spring Festival no longer represents only an emotional resonance within Chinese communities, but has become a cultural language increasingly understood and embraced by the international community. From city landmarks illuminated in “China Red,” to world leaders delivering New Year greetings, and to multilateral institutions formally incorporating the Spring Festival into institutional arrangements, the festival is steadily moving toward the center of the global public cultural system.
This year marks the third year since the United Nations designated the Lunar New Year as an official public holiday within the UN system. This fact itself carries clear symbolic significance: it not only reflects institutional respect for diverse civilizations, but also signifies the first time an Eastern traditional festival has entered the narrative of global governance in the form of “public time.” The values embodied in the Spring Festival—reunion, harmony, renewal, and hope—are becoming shared expressions across cultures.
The much-anticipated 70th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, to be convened in March, is expected to bring the “Women, Peace and Security Agenda” to the forefront of international attention. As early as the evening of March 13 last year, on the third day of the 69th CSW session, the Global Sustainable Development Alliance Foundation, together with the Celebrity Media Foundation, organized the “Women for Peace Art and Ideas Forum” at United Nations Headquarters. The forum not only highlighted women’s critical role in global peace and sustainable development, but also added distinctive artistic and intellectual depth to the current women’s conference.
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The female soldiers portrayed in the paintings of artist Ran Duowen demonstrate not only professional competence in peacekeeping missions, but also unique strengths in communicating with local women and children, preventing gender-based violence, and providing humanitarian assistance. These works constitute, in effect, a visual form of public advocacy: women are not only beneficiaries of peace, but also builders of peace.
If painting responds to the times through visual narrative, calligraphy speaks directly to the heart through cultural symbolism. At the highly internationalized setting of the United Nations Information Centre, the scene of renowned calligrapher Li Guiming writing the character “Fu” (Blessing) is itself a symbolic act of civilizational dialogue. In Chinese culture, “Fu” signifies auspiciousness, well-being, and fulfillment, while calligraphy carries millennia of aesthetic and spiritual tradition. When this imagery appears on the UN stage, it conveys not only festive greetings, but also a shared call for peace, happiness, and a common future for humanity.
For many years, Li Guiming has consistently presented the character “Fu” on various occasions. This is not a formalistic cultural display, but a form of universal humanistic care: to give “Fu” is to give peace, goodwill, and hope. For this reason, the gesture transcends linguistic and cultural boundaries and is warmly embraced by people of different backgrounds.
Renowned painters and calligraphers joining hands with the Celebrity Media Alliance, and speaking to the world through their respective artistic languages at this increasingly globalized Spring Festival moment, together form a clear annotation of the times: culture is not only to be appreciated, but can also participate in public affairs; art not only expresses emotion, but can also shape values.
The journey of the Spring Festival toward the world continues, and the role of art and media will only grow more important. They make peace no longer merely a concept in political texts, but a tangible force that can be seen, felt, and shared. In this sense, “Blessings at Once” is not only a New Year greeting, but also a beautiful wish extended to the world.
The Celebrity Media AI Technology Department extends New Year greetings to Chinese communities worldwide. Happy Spring Festival! May you achieve swift success!
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres stated that “the future of artificial intelligence must not be decided by a handful of countries, nor shaped by the whims of a few billionaires,” reaffirming that this technology must be accessible, beneficial, and safe for everyone.
The Secretary-General delivered these remarks today (19 February) at the opening of the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi. He urged Member States, industry, and civil society to contribute to the Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence. He also noted that the first Global Dialogue on AI Governance, to be held in July, will provide every country and every stakeholder with a voice—to coordinate efforts, uphold human rights, prevent misuse, and advance shared safety measures, which form the foundation for interoperability.
Guterres stressed that “artificial intelligence must benefit all people,” and added that, with encouragement from the General Assembly, he is calling for the establishment of a Global AI Fund to build essential capacities in developing countries, including skills, data, affordable computing power, and inclusive ecosystems.
“Our target is three billion dollars,” the Secretary-General said. “That is less than one percent of the annual revenue of a single technology company. It is a small price to pay for the widespread adoption of artificial intelligence, because AI benefits everyone—including the companies that develop it.”
He further emphasized that “artificial intelligence must serve all people,” noting that, if used properly, “AI can advance the Sustainable Development Goals; accelerate medical breakthroughs; expand access to learning; strengthen food security; reinforce climate action and disaster preparedness; and improve access to essential public services.”
The Secretary-General warned that “artificial intelligence can also widen inequalities, amplify bias, and cause harm.” As demand for energy and water surges, he said, data centers and supply chains must shift to clean energy rather than passing the costs onto vulnerable communities.
“We must invest in workers,” he reiterated, “so that artificial intelligence enhances human potential rather than replaces it.”
Guterres also stressed that “artificial intelligence must be safe for everyone,” adding: “We must protect people from exploitation, manipulation, and abuse. No child should ever become a test subject for unregulated artificial intelligence.”
He concluded: “The message of this Summit is simple: real impact means technology that improves lives and protects our planet. So let us build artificial intelligence for all—and make dignity the default setting.”
