Rebeca Grynspan, Costa Rica’s former vice president and current secretary-general of the UN Conference on Trade and Development, is a frontrunner to become the next United Nations secretary-general. The selection process formally began last week, as member states were invited to nominate candidates to succeed Antonio Guterres of Portugal from January 1, 2027. Publicly declared candidates also include Chile’s former President Michelle Bachelet and Argentine diplomat Rafael Grossi.
The UN, founded in 1945 with 51 member states, has never had a woman as its secretary-general in its 80-year history, despite the significant contributions and qualifications of women globally. Grynspan has highlighted this discrepancy, emphasizing that the issue is one of equality rather than special treatment.
Why It Matters
The next UN secretary-general will lead the world body at a critical time, potentially during Donald Trump’s U.S. presidency. Trump has been skeptical of multilateralism and critical of the UN, claiming it has underperformed in conflict mediation. Grynspan’s leadership could thus influence not only the internal reform and inclusivity of the organization but also its relationship with major powers like the United States.
Her election would also mark a historic first for women at the helm of the UN, signaling a broader commitment to gender equality in global leadership. Moreover, the role is likely to rotate to Latin America and the Caribbean, reflecting the UN’s tradition of regional rotation, and giving Grynspan’s candidacy additional regional weight.
Key stakeholders include UN member states, especially those from Latin America and the Caribbean, who have traditionally influenced regional rotation in leadership. The U.S. government, under Trump, is another critical stakeholder due to its influence on UN funding and global diplomatic priorities. Other candidates, such as Bachelet and Grossi, and the broader UN bureaucracy, which Grynspan hopes to reform, are also directly involved in shaping the outcome and direction of the institution.
What’s Next
The nomination and selection process will continue over the coming months, with member states submitting candidates and conducting consultations. If Grynspan secures the role, she will focus on promoting equality, inclusivity, and institutional reform, while addressing criticisms from major powers and enhancing trust in the UN’s capacity to maintain global stability. Her leadership could also set a precedent for women in top international positions and potentially reshape UN governance to better reflect today’s 193-member world.
With information from Reuters.
