Helen Clark has criticised the United Nations' record on peace and security in a debate between candidates for the top UN's job.

Candidates vying to become next UN Secretary General, including Helen Clark, will face further public scrutiny today in a televised debate in New York.

A UN-backed international tribunal has ruled that China has no "historic title" over waters or resources in the South China Sea.

Helen Clark is one of 11 candidates seeking the job, each of whom has held a public job interview with the UN General Assembly.

The slowdown in the global economy is now affecting the UN Development programme.

Helen Clark says the United Nations is feeling the effects of the slowing global economy and says conflicts around the world are adding to the problem.

Robert Martin has come a long way from an institution in Levin.

United Nations secretary-general Ban Ki-moon says he's concerned by reports of violent clashes between students and police in Papua New Guinea.

Former Prime Minister Helen Clark imposed sanctions on Fiji Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama's regime after the 2006 coup.

New Zealand has criticised the United Nations Security Council for often being mired in paralysis and failure.

COMMENT: Murray McCully believes Helen Clark had the best start possible in the first phase of her bid to become the next Secretary General of the United Nations, writes Audrey Young.

Helen Clark's campaign to win the United Nations' top job might have received the ultimate celebrity backing.

Prime Minister John Key and Foreign Minister Murray McCully will start campaigning in force for former rival Helen Clark this week.

COMMENT: I want that job. I want it. I want it. I want it badly.

Former Prime Minister grilled more than any other candidate for top UN job.

Helen Clark will be laying low in New York this week preparing for her crucial appearance at the UNGA early Friday about her bid to run the show.

COMMENT: Former Prime Minister and now United Nations high-flyer is a role model every Kiwi girl can look up to.

Helen Clark is a front-runner to secure Secretary-General position.

MIKE HOSKING: Having Helen Clark at the top of the UN will give New Zealand more influence in the world.

Helen Clark is heading into uncharted territory, entering the first open contest to become the world's most important international diplomat.

From the day she landed on the third rung of the United Nations ladder, seven years ago next week, Helen Clark was intent on making it to the top, writes Barry Soper.

Helen Clark's bid for the top job at the UN gets unanimous support from NZ.

The announcement at long last that Helen Clark is a candidate for the post of Secretary-General of the UN is one all NZers can greet with pride.

Helen Clark's potential rival for the UN's top job, former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, has tweeted best wishes to her.

COMMENT: Few who know Clark would doubt her ability to do the job, and the fact that Clark will be in contention is an incredible achievement, writes Audrey Young.

Former PM says she is "deeply honoured" to be nominated by the New Zealand Government for the role of United Nations Secretary-General.

In an interview with Forbes magazine last year, Helen Clark said the most powerful lesson she had learned was the power of persistence.

John Key says New Zealand would provide the former Prime Minister with resources to conduct a campaign to capture Secretary-General job.

Tenacity, competence and caution have been touchstones of Helen Clark's enduring political career.