New Zealand's Prime Minister Helen Clark has been named by Time magazine as a possible contender for the role of United Nations secretary general.
United Nations secretary general Kofi Annan steps down at the end of this year, couldn't be sooner in my opinion, and there has been speculation about who will replace him.
Speculation is that no candidate should come from one of the five nations with a permanent seat at the UN Security Council. This ruled out candidates from the United States, Britain, France, Russia or China, although Bill Clinton would probably be good for the job.
To win the post of Secretary General, a candidate must have the backing of all five permanent members. With NZ's interesting attitude towards USA under the leadership of Helen Clark, do you think that she'd get the nod from them?
Helen Clark said last month that she had had no approach about the UN secretary general job and she is enjoying being the PM of NZ. Although she may now need the money to pay back the public. Maybe she should apply.
NZ has had a good record of sending our ex PM's and public figures into the international spotlight in leadership roles. Mike Moore and Don McKinnon are two that come to mind.
The next Secretary General of the UN needs to have a firm handshake, big balls, and can't be a walk over. They can't be overly staunch and one sided, and need to have an ability to get out there and do the business. Helen Clark has not been the most diplomatic PM, but she does like travel, and I wouldn't call her a walkover. I think she has all of the attributes to be the next Secretary General of the UN.
This will also allow for new leadership in the Labor Party. It is time.
11 comments:
What a good idea.
Kofi and Helen have alot in common.
With her long history of anti-Americanism, it's doubtful the US will give her the thumbs up (imho).
She'd be excellent in the job. He understanding of foreign affairs is excellent. Apparently, Colin Powell really liked her for this reason.
Most anyone has to be better than Kofi Annan. She might show anti Americanism, but NZ does work closer with US than we think. I cant imagine the Americans bending over backwards to get her the job, but she may pass.
Ur mom says i can go fishing with her and that im not too heavy haha
-B.C.A.
But who will run the Labour Party? Cullen may retire soon. Perhaps Taito Fields????
UN Sec Gen has to be one of the toughest jobs in the world. I think she would be more than up to the challenge of the position. I met her a couple of years ago at a function in LA, she has a really good working knowledge of global affairs.
Anyone but Anwar bloody Ibrahim...
I think she could do it too Ry. DOesn't mean I'd vote for her in NZ though.
I don't think she does have a firm grip on foreign affairs. She places low importance on it with her appointment of Winston as FA minister outside of cabinet.
And who could forget her comment that NZ lives in a benign strategic environment. Her anti Americanism and her steadfast inability to accept fault will guarantee she will never get this job.
You are probably right Mr Heine
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