COMMENT: Malcolm Turnbull has dispensed with the old rules and done the right thing by announcing Kevin Rudd is not a suitable person to lead the UN.

Reports say Kevin Rudd's bid to run for the United Nations' top job is set to fail

COMMENT: It's early days yet in the quest for UN chief with many rounds of voting to come.

Helen Clark's chances of securing the United Nations' top job should be known by October.

Helen Clark would have wanted a better result in the first poll for the United Nations top job - but isn't out of the contest, David Shearer says.

The contest to find the next Secretary General of the United Nations "is a marathon, not a sprint," says Foreign Minister Murray McCully

John Key says he would still like Australia to support Helen Clark's bid for Secretary General but does not believe a Kevin Rudd campaign would hamper Clark's chances.

COMMENT: For such a wily campaigner Kevin Rudd has left his run late for the world's top diplomatic post.

Labour MP Phil Goff says Australia should turn down Kevin Rudd's request to run for UN Secretary General and back Helen Clark because she was more likely to be successful.

COMMENT: Judging by Helen Clark's performance and the audience enthusiasm for her, she may be the UN Secretary General.

Helen Clark put in a strong performance in a debate between candidates for the United Nations' top job.

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.

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

Helen Clark says revelations about her tenure at the UN were 'totally fabricated'.

Helen Clark says allegations she retaliated against a critical investigation of the UN by driving one of the investigators out of their job are "totally fabricated".

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.