APD Foundation invited to UN Civil Society Town Hall on selection of next Secretary-General

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, August 4, 2026: Mangaluru-based Anti Pollution Drive (APD) Foundation was among the accredited civil society organisations from across the world invited to attend the United Nations Civil Society Town Hall held at the UN Headquarters in New York on July 23, 2026 as part of the selection process for the next Secretary-General of the United Nations.

Organised once every ten years as part of the selection of a new Secretary-General, the Town Hall provides an opportunity for accredited civil society organisations to engage with the candidates seeking to lead the United Nations. During the programme, the candidates outlined their priorities for the organisation and responded to questions submitted in advance by participating organisations.

The Town Hall featured candidates Michelle Bachelet (Chile), María Fernanda Espinosa (Ecuador), Rafael Grossi (Argentina), Rebeca Grynspan (Costa Rica), Carolyn Rodrigues Birkett (Guyana) and Macky Sall (Senegal).

APD Foundation was represented at the programme by its Founder and CEO, Abdullah A. Rehman. The Foundation was among the few organisations from India to participate in the Town Hall. Reflecting on the programme, Abdullah Rehman said the discussions provided a useful perspective on the challenges facing the international community and the role civil society organisations can play in addressing them.

Founded in 2012, APD Foundation has been working in the areas of environmental protection and public health through initiatives relating to air quality, sanitation, waste management, sustainable mobility and environmental awareness in Coastal Karnataka, Bengaluru and parts of Tamil Nadu.