New Zealand prime minister supports Helen Clark for the United Nations top job

New Zealand Prime Minister, John Key, on Tuesday threw his support behind his predecessor, Helen Clark, following her announcement she would campaign to be the next United Nation secretary-general. NEW ZEALAND PRIME MINISTER, JOHN KEY <<< "There are major global challenges facing the world today and the United Nations needs a proven leader who can be pragmatic and effective. Having served as the prime minister of New Zealand for nine years and holding one of the top jobs in the United Nations for the past seven years, Helen has the right mix of skills and experience for the job." "If you think about the role of the secretary-general of the United Nations, it is the most important diplomatic role in the world. This is the body that shows leadership on behalf of the globe." 

Ban, a former South Korean foreign minister, will step down at the end of 2016 after two five-year terms. The 66-year-old Helen Clark is currently up against seven candidates. At least 53 countries, led by Colombia, want a female secretary-general. Several civil society groups are also lobbying for a woman to lead the organization. The 15-member U.N. Security Council, including veto powers China, Russia, the United States, Britain and France, will recommend a candidate for election by the General Assembly later this year to succeed Ban. The General Assembly will hold a series of informal public meetings with each candidate next week. The top job at the United Nations has always been held by a man, since the body's inception 70 years ago, and there is a strong push for a woman to be elected.