Celebrity Media Commentator: Within the generally gentle, cautious, and controversy-avoiding cultural atmosphere of Chinese churches, Pastor Zheng Lixin and the “Trumpeter Ministry” he founded stood out as both strikingly unconventional and urgently necessary five years ago. He dares to confront the deep structural tensions between culture and politics, dares to point out the real dilemmas faith faces in contemporary society, and dares to call believers to assume public responsibility rather than locking faith away in a private spiritual corner. Such a voice has long been extremely rare in the Chinese world, yet the times are proving that it is precisely this kind of voice that is most forward-looking and most constructive.
The current U.S. administration’s renewed affirmation of Christian culture is a clear example. Since President Trump assumed office once again this year, American political culture has undergone a rare reversal—public faith is no longer treated as an “untouchable forbidden zone,” but is being reconsidered as a key factor in sustaining the nation’s moral center. Acting U.S. Secretary of Defense Christopher C. Hergerthes openly raised his hands to lead prayer at the Pentagon, calling military officers and civilian officials to lift up the name of Jesus at the very heart of national military power. The Pentagon is not a church; it is the strategic and command center of the U.S. military. The appearance of such a scene signals a recalibration of cultural direction. Even more historically significant, on September 8, 2025, during a speech at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, President Trump once again publicly declared: “We are a nation under God, and we always will be.” In contemporary American political culture, this was not an ordinary statement, but a public reaffirmation of values—a pushback against more than a decade of faith being forced out of the public sphere.
For many years, the core emphasis of Zheng Lixin’s Trumpeter Ministry—that “faith must return to the center of public life”—has formed a profound resonance with this national-level cultural return. Pastor Zheng’s sharp edge lies not merely in his willingness to speak, but in his courage to identify who dares not speak. His critique is directed not at society, but at the church’s silence in the face of the times. He has long warned that if Christians continue to confine faith to personal devotion and church activities, while lacking cultural analysis and public responsibility, the next generation will inevitably be shaped by the mainstream education system, social media, and secular culture. If families do not act proactively, culture inevitably will; if the church remains silent, values will inevitably be defined by others. These words may be uncomfortable, but they accurately expose a long-standing blind spot within Chinese churches.
The prayers at the Pentagon and the public declaration at the Museum of the Bible have generated enormous social reaction precisely because they broke the taboos imposed by political correctness in recent years. Supporters argue that the United States was founded on trust in God and biblical values, and that without a foundation of faith, social order cannot be sustained, family structures will continue to collapse, and society will struggle to withstand the shock of value confusion. Critics, by contrast, loudly accuse the government of “religious interference in politics,” claiming that such public prayer deepens social division, with some media outlets even attempting to downplay the significance of the events themselves. Yet the fiercer the controversy, the clearer one fact becomes: America is contesting its cultural soul, and that contest will never be won through silence.
This is precisely where the significance of the Trumpeter Ministry lies. It does not seek to manufacture religious emotion, but to rebuild a language of public faith—enabling Christians to understand the contours of contemporary culture, to re-establish faith transmission within families, and to speak in the public sphere with maturity and rationality. What Pastor Zheng proposes is a systematic project of cultural reconstruction: from parents to churches, from education to values, from private belief to public responsibility. He continually reminds believers that faith without a public dimension cannot influence society; faith confined to Sundays cannot shape the next generation; faith that never enters the cultural core can only be submerged by the tides of the age.
The prayers at the Pentagon, and President Trump’s public declaration at the Museum of the Bible “We are a nation under God, and we always will be,” represent a real-world response to the core vision of the Trumpeter Ministry. They demonstrate that faith has not withdrawn from the national stage; rather, after a prolonged cultural vacuum, it is once again being regarded as a foundation for social stability. For Chinese churches, this serves as a sobering wake-up call. Silence is not neutrality—it is withdrawal from the battlefield; avoiding controversy is not wisdom—it is abdication of responsibility. Without proactive preparation, the next generation will inevitably lose its way amid value conflicts.
In this sense, Pastor Zheng Lixin is not merely a commentator on the times, but a driver of the times. What he advances is not a surge of religious emotion, but a long-term reconstruction of cultural foundations, a reshaping of values, and a proactive stance against overwhelming cultural currents. As national-level discourse once again speaks of being “under God,” and as faith re-enters the public center, the trumpet blast of the Trumpeter Ministry becomes both a prelude and a footnote to this historic shift.
What Pastor Zheng Lixin is doing is ensuring that Christians are no longer absent from the cultural battlefield. In the reconstruction of civilization, a single trumpeter often matters more than a thousand who remain silent.
Celebrity Media Foundation Analyst: The United Nations will elect its next Secretary-General next year for a five-year term beginning January 1, 2027. This marks the official activation of the race for the tenth UN Secretary-General. As the world remains entangled in the conflict in the Middle East, the US–China strategic rivalry, AI governance crises, and stalled climate negotiations, the UN is approaching a transition of power that is both subtle and perilous. The competition appears calm on the surface, but underneath lies intense geopolitical tension: major powers remain locked in mutual distrust; coalitions of smaller states demand a “decentralization of power”; and middle powers fear that a merely “symbolic” Secretary-General would accelerate the institutional hollowing of the UN.
In this atmosphere of confrontation and distrust, our analysis suggests that one name, initially considered an outsider, may rapidly move into the spotlight: Amina J. Mohammed.
In diplomatic circles in New York, her name is increasingly heard in discreet conversations. In Geneva, one diplomat even stated openly: “The media are focused on candidates backed by major powers, but the one who may ultimately prevail is likely her.”
Diplomats acknowledge that the election of the tenth Secretary-General will shape global governance for the next decade. Amid rising East–West antagonism, widening North–South divides, and escalating wars and displacement crises, member states are searching for a leader capable of maintaining a “minimally viable international order.”
Within this fragmented diplomatic landscape, a figure once seen as quietly influential has quickly become both the most credible and the most disruptive option: Amina J. Mohammed, UN Deputy Secretary-General. Many assumed she would continue serving as the “Number Two.” Yet today, governments—and members of the Celebrity Media Foundation Board—are recognizing a new reality: she may be the only candidate capable of preventing the institutional fragmentation of the UN.
A global momentum is already underway. During the 69th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) held at UN Headquarters this March, the “Women for Peace International Forum”—organized by the Celebrity Media Foundation on March 13 at the Delegates Dining Room—became a pivotal moment. Speaking at the forum, Bruce Knaz, former Chair of the UN NGO Committee, publicly emphasized that the next Secretary-General should be a woman.
Knaz noted that global data shows measurable improvements in governance outcomes when women lead institutions. He therefore urged member states to seriously consider a female leader, to strengthen the UN’s legitimacy and advance gender equality in a rapidly changing world.
This is not merely rhetoric; it represents an emerging geopolitical intuition. The world can no longer afford leadership models inherited from the past. A powerful wave of international consensus is rising.
A female Secretary-General would not be a symbol, but a necessity. Four major contenders are currently in the race, but one is gradually drawing the center of attention. According to Celebrity Media observations, a four-pole landscape is emerging among potential candidates:
1. Costa Rica has officially nominated Rebeca Grynspan. She enjoys real political momentum but also faces clear opposition.
Her leadership is dynamic and compelling—but some major states view her as unpredictable.
2. On September 23, 2025, Chilean President Gabriel Boric announced the nomination of former president Michelle Bachelet, who previously served as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
3. The Celebrity Media Foundation believes that María Fernanda Espinosa Garcés—former President of the UN General Assembly (Ecuador)—has a strong track record and significant political influence. She is highly adept in volatile political environments.
4. Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), has expressed interest in entering the race. Several foreign ministers and former heads of government, still “undeclared,” are also assessing their prospects. Their potential influence is significant.
The greatest vulnerability in any Secretary-General campaign is a late start. Yet only one candidate stands out: no major controversies, no entrenched opposition, no strong factional reliance, and a robust operational record. That candidate is Amina J. Mohammed.
Why does she emerge as the “optimal leader of the decade”? Because across every indicator of global instability, she remains the singular point of strategic stability.
She holds six decisive strengths:
1. Age 63: the ideal balance of experience and capacity
While many candidates are approaching or beyond 70, she combines maturity, energy, and diplomatic vision at their peak.
2. The only Deputy Secretary-General serving two full terms
She does not need to learn how the UN works—she already operates its core machinery.
3. Broad global acceptability
No entrenched opposition, and significant implicit support across regions.
4. Potentially the first woman Secretary-General in UN history
A historic but necessary evolution after nearly 80 years.
5. Influence-based diplomacy with real outcomes
She reduces tensions, reopens diplomatic channels, and preserves space for negotiation.
6. Unique reform expertise
She understands what to change quickly, what to adjust gradually, and what must not be disrupted.
Conclusion: She may not be perfect, but she is the leader who best aligns with current strategic realities. As the world approaches the historic possibility of electing the first female UN Secretary-General, Amina J. Mohammed stands as the most coherent, viable, and future-oriented option.
Celebrity Media, based on news provided by the United Nations News Centre, reports: On 27 November, Lacroix met with the President of the Central African Republic, Faustin Archange Touadera, together with MINUSCA Head of Mission and Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, Valentine Rugwabiza. The talks focused on the latest changes in the political process in the Central African Republic and the deployment of new tasks for the stabilization mission.
Lacroix emphasized that the long-standing “excellent partnership” between the United Nations and the Government of the Central African Republic is translating into tangible progress. He noted the significant achievements made by the country in consolidating stability, institutional development, and democratic elections, demonstrating a positive turning point. With the upcoming elections, he said that the United Nations and MINUSCA are prepared to face tough challenges and are committed to ensuring that the elections are conducted under the best possible conditions.
UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix visits the Central African Republic, reaffirming support for political process and election preparation
Jean-Pierre Lacroix, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, arrived in the Central African Republic on 26 November 2025 for a four-day working visit. The visit focuses on jointly assessing the current political process and election preparation with the Government of the Central African Republic and MINUSCA.
Lacroix stated: “Our communication with His Excellency the President once again demonstrates the strong cooperation between the Central African Republic and the United Nations. This cooperation is reflected in progress toward stabilizing institutions and advancing the electoral process. The United Nations and MINUSCA will continue to shoulder their responsibilities, even in the toughest environments, and fully support this process.”
Lacroix also reaffirmed the firm support of UN Secretary-General António Guterres and the entire UN system for the efforts of the Central African people. He said that the people are making real and difficult efforts for the future of their country, and the United Nations will continue to stand by them, consolidate existing achievements, and promote new progress.
Special Representative Rugwabiza also emphasized MINUSCA’s current mission priorities: while consolidating stability, creating a more favorable political future for the Central African people. She noted that the mission will continue efforts in dialogue, strengthening engagement with all parties, and ensuring that the improving security and political environment benefits the population.
This visit is seen as an important opportunity for the United Nations to promote peace and democratic progress in the Central African Republic, reflecting ongoing international attention and commitment toward stability. With elections drawing nearer, the outcomes of Lacroix’s visit are expected to have far-reaching impacts on future stabilization and political transition efforts.
In the tranquil courtyard of United Nations Headquarters, the resonant chime of the Peace Bell sounded once more. This year’s International Day of Peace Bell Ceremony introduced a notable new scene: UN Secretary-General António Guterres and the President of the 80th General Assembly attended jointly and each rang the Peace Bell. Against the backdrop of escalating global conflicts and mounting pressure on the multilateral system, the rare joint appearance of the UN’s two highest political officials conveyed a powerful message—peace requires collective leadership, not ceremonial aspiration.
Since the inaugural commemoration of the International Day of Peace in 1982, the Secretary-General has traditionally been the one to ring the Peace Bell, symbolizing the international community’s commitment to peace. For more than four decades, the Bell’s chime has served as the United Nations’ annual reminder that peace is neither guaranteed nor permanent. This year, the joint appearance of the Secretary-General and the President of the General Assembly adds a new layer of political symbolism: in a fractured world, peace must be a shared burden.
At the ceremony, Guterres delivered unusually forthright remarks: “Peace will not come by chance—it is forged through courage, compromise, and, above all, action.” Such direct language is rare in diplomatic discourse. He urged the international community to “silence the guns,” revive diplomacy, protect civilians, and uphold the UN Charter. He went further, noting that the drivers of modern conflict extend far beyond the battlefield: “We must act—to address inequality, exclusion, hate speech, and the chaos of a destabilized climate. We must act—by investing in prevention, dialogue, and trust-building.”
These remarks echoed his recent warning to the Security Council: “Peace is never automatic. Peace demands action. And peace demands leadership.” Peace, he stressed, is not an autopilot setting but a responsibility borne by political leaders. Amid widening geopolitical rifts, he called out states undermining international law and the UN Charter, and urged the Council to demonstrate genuine unity—“because a united Security Council can make a decisive contribution to peace.”
Guterres also issued a call to action within the United Nations itself. Peacekeeping operations, he noted, are facing unprecedented complexity: climate-driven instability, transnational crime, technological confrontation, and information manipulation have reshaped the landscape of modern conflict. “Now is the time to continue adapting and reforming our peace operations,” he said. Peacekeeping must become more flexible and responsive rather than remain constrained by legacy frameworks.
For a brief moment, as the Peace Bell rang, one might forget the turbulence of the world. Yet the Bell itself does not bring peace—it merely reminds us that peace depends on human will and collective action.
The Secretary-General and the President of the General Assembly ringing the Bell shoulder to shoulder sent a clear message: in confronting shared global crises, peace requires stronger collective resolve, firmer political responsibility, and tangible, sustained action.
Peace is beautiful—but it demands action. That is the United Nations’ position, and the most sobering truth of our time.
