![UN takes historic step to open selection of new UN chief(4/15)](http://www.ecns.cn/hd/2016/04/13/0bfd308307914f489fe62dde549d2d19.jpg)
The first-ever hearings of candidates vying to become the next UN secretary-general, at UN headquarters in New York on April 12, 2016. The United Nations opened the three days of public hearings in a packed chamber, breaking from the secrecy that has surrounded the choice of the UN chief throughout its 70-year history. (Photo: China News Service/Liao Pan)