DHAKA: At a private working lunch for the five most powerful members of the United Nations Security Council, the conversation turned to the question of the next UN secretary-general.

A European ambassador reminded colleagues of a General Assembly resolution nearly as old as the 70-year organization itself, a guiding document for a selection process for UN chief that has remained secretive and almost completely male. The January 1946 resolution says a “man of eminence and high attainment” should hold the post.

Perhaps, the ambassador suggested, some might want to add the words “or a woman”, reports the Times of India.

No doubt. Just three female candidates have been included in past closed-door votes and straw polls that the security council has used to make its choice for decades, but now two campaigns are launching to make sure the next ‘Your excellency’ is a she.

Secretary-general Ban Ki-moon will remain in office through December 31, 2016, but the talk about his successor has already started, especially among UN watchers who’ve gone as far as scrutinizing the handwriting on paper ballots after Security Council straw polls.

Ban’s successor is expected to be chosen late next year, though there is no official date.

On Sunday, the campaign will launch WomanSG.org to feature around a dozen women it says are outstanding possible candidates with political experience. Every few weeks, another group of possible candidates will be posted online.

BDST: 1813 HRS, MAR 10, 2015