London: As the United Nations prepares for the election of its next Secretary-General, Rebeca Grynspan, the current head of the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), has emerged as a leading contender and made a historic assertion: if equality is upheld, the UN could soon appoint its first female Secretary-General. Speaking to Reuters in London, Grynspan emphasized that her candidacy represents both a call for merit-based selection and a historic opportunity to correct a long-standing gender imbalance within the organization.
“Women do not need special treatment,” Grynspan said. “What we are asking for is equality. If equality prevails, we will achieve this milestone.” At 69, she brings decades of experience in international diplomacy, development economics, and global governance, making her a prominent figure in the ongoing discussions for UN leadership. Her statement underscores the increasing global demand for gender inclusivity at the highest echelons of international institutions.
The UN, now in its 80th year, has never had a woman hold its top office, despite numerous qualified candidates over the decades. Analysts say Grynspan’s candidacy reflects both a regional and gender balance imperative. Member states are particularly attuned to the upcoming rotational pattern, which favors candidates from Latin America and the Caribbean, giving Grynspan, a Costa Rican diplomat, added leverage in the selection process.
The formal nomination process for the new Secretary-General began recently, with member states submitting candidates for consideration. Grynspan’s main rivals include former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet and Argentine diplomat Rafael Grossi, among others. Observers note that the UN’s next leader could symbolize a shift toward greater inclusivity, equity, and reform-oriented leadership.
Grynspan stressed that her vision for the UN goes beyond gender representation. She called for institutional reforms, including expanding representation in the Security Council to include African and Latin American nations. “When the UN was founded in 1945, there were only 51 member states. Today, there are 193. Our structures must evolve to reflect today’s global realities,” she said.
She also addressed criticisms questioning the relevance of the UN, including from high-profile world leaders. Grynspan framed these critiques as opportunities for constructive change, emphasizing that the UN’s record on reducing global poverty, advancing maternal and infant health, and coordinating development initiatives remains significant. For her, the next Secretary-General must combine visionary leadership with practical reforms to restore confidence in the organization.
Civil society groups, international observers, and several member states have increasingly called for gender parity in the UN’s top leadership. A woman at the helm, Grynspan argues, would not only be symbolic but also send a powerful message about the UN’s commitment to equity, justice, and inclusive governance.
As discussions and lobbying intensify in the lead-up to António Guterres’ departure on January 1, 2027, Grynspan’s candidacy highlights a pivotal moment in UN history. If successful, her election would not only mark the first female Secretary-General in eight decades but also reflect a broader shift toward modern, inclusive leadership capable of addressing 21st-century global challenges.