A Panel Discussion with a United Nations Secretary-General Candidate and Global Leaders on the UN Secretary-General, Democracy and Human Rights

This high-level panel discussion will bring together candidate for Secretary-General of the United Nations Maria Fernanda Espinosa and global leaders to discuss the mandate, authority, room for maneouvre and tools available to the Secretary-General, an increasingly challenged global democracy landscape and democratic backsliding among UN Member States, and the practical opportunities for the next officeholder to strengthen the UN’s contribution to democracy, human rights and civic space. The dialogue will be moderated by CNN journalist Larry Madowo.

Speakers: 

Maria Fernanda Espinosa, Candidate for UN Secretary-General

Pedro Abramovay, Vice President of Programs, Open Society Foundations

Kevin Casas-Zamora, Secretary-General of International IDEA

Robert C. Orr, Professor, University of Maryland, Assistant Secretary-General for Strategic Planning in the Executive Office of the UN Secretary-General (2004-2014)