Indian-origin employee launches campaign to become the next secretary-general of the UN

AN Indian-origin employee at the UN has launched a campaign to become the next secretary-general of the world organisation.

Arora Akanksha, 34, launched #AroraForSG campaign against incumbent Antonio Guterres, who is seeking a second five-year term in January 2022.

Currently, Akanksha is working as an audit coordinator for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

“People in my position aren't supposed to stand up to the ones in charge. We are supposed to wait our turn, hop on the hamster wheel, go to work, keep our heads down and accept that the world is the way it is,” Akanksha said in short video posted online.

“For 75 years, the UN has not fulfilled its promise to the world - refugees, humanitarian aid has been minimal, and technology and innovation has been on the back-burner. We deserve a UN that leads progress.  That is why I am running for the secretary-general of the UN. I refuse to be a by-stander. I will not accept this is the best the UN can do."

Last month, Guterres, 71, had confirmed that he will seek a second five-year term as chief of the UN.

Guterres assumed office on January 1, 2017 after a reformed selection process that included a public informal dialogue session in the general assembly.

He is the 9th secretary-general of the UN and no woman has held the position in its 75-year history.

The secretary-general is appointed by the general assembly, on the recommendation of the security council, making the selection subject to the veto of any of the five permanent members of the council.

Akanksha graduated from York University, Toronto with a bachelor of administrative studies.   She received her master in public administration from Columbia University.

Her profile states that she was recruited at the UN to “help with the financial reforms of the organisation” and her work included updating financial regulations and rules of the UN and managing the internal and external audits at UNDP.

Reports said that India-born Akanksha has an overseas citizenship of India and a Canadian passport.