Candidates vying for the post of UN Secretary General: Irina Bokova (L) and Vesna Pusic. (Photo: AP)

The candidates responded to the question of how to improve gender balance within the UN's most senior management levels. Danilo Turk, former president of Slovenia, said a 50-50 ratio would be ideal. Vesna Pusic, former Croatian Foreign Minister, stressed the need to elect the best qualified people to the UN’s leadership. Natalia Gherman, former Deputy Prime Minister of Moldova, said women should be given the opportunity to contribute to the UN’s development. Irina Bokova, UNESCO Director General and a potential candidate for the post of UN Secretary General, said peace and sustainable development will not be achieved without gender equality.
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon's term ends at the end of 2016.