Costa Rican diplomat emerges as frontrunner to become first female UN chief
Rebeca Grynspan (photo: Getty Images)
Costa Rican diplomat Rebeca Grynspan has emerged as one of the leading candidates for the post of UN secretary-general. She could become the first woman to lead the organization, The Guardian reports.
According to The Guardian, Grynspan received significant support during an informal poll in the UN Security Council. In the vote, she received 10 "encourage" votes, while four representatives expressed no opinion on her candidacy and one opposed her.
Grynspan currently heads the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). She previously served as vice president of Costa Rica and held a number of international positions.
Her candidacy is particularly significant amid expectations that the next UN secretary-general will come from Latin America. Other candidates for the post include Guyana's Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett.
Grynspan is also known for her work in the economic sphere. Under her leadership, UNCTAD has, in particular, prepared reports on the economic consequences of the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories.
Her personal history is also connected to the theme of war and peace. Grynspan's parents were Jewish refugees who survived the Holocaust and settled in Costa Rica after World War II.
The final decision on the new UN secretary-general will be made by the Security Council and the General Assembly. The organization's current head, António Guterres, is due to leave office at the end of 2026.
On July 31, the UN Security Council held its first informal straw poll on candidates for the position of the organization's next secretary-general.
Seven candidates are running for the position of UN chief.
