Rebeca Grynspan, a prominent U.N. official and candidate to become the first woman secretary-general of the United Nations, has reiterated her dedication to restoring trust within the organization amidst ongoing critiques from U.S. President Donald Trump. The nomination process for the next U.N. leader officially began last week, intending to fill the position currently held by Antonio Guterres starting January 1, 2027.
Grynspan, who is presently the secretary-general of the U.N. Conference on Trade and Development and previously served as Costa Rica’s vice president, stands as one of the openly declared candidates for the position. If elected, her term would coincide with Trump’s presidency, during which he has taken a critical stance on multilateralism and questioned the U.N.’s effectiveness in mediating global conflicts. While Trump recognizes the organization’s potential, he insists on the necessity for substantial operational improvements.
In response to such criticisms, the U.N. has highlighted its ongoing reform initiatives and the essential role of U.S. support in their accomplishments, which have positively influenced lives around the globe. In a recent interview, Grynspan articulated that Trump’s critiques could serve as beneficial impetus for reforming the U.N. She emphasized the crucial need to recognize and address the dwindling trust in the institution, which she believes is vital for fostering global stability.
She further underscored the U.N.’s significant achievements in reducing poverty and improving maternal and infant mortality rates, defending its enduring value despite the calls for reform. Grynspan contended it would be shortsighted to disregard the decades of experience and infrastructure that the U.N. has built over its 80-year history, stating that the organization has fundamentally benefited the world.
The growing demand for a woman to assume the role of secretary-general is becoming increasingly pronounced, with Grynspan noting the curious absence of female leadership thus far, despite a wealth of qualified women ready to step into such roles. She argued for genuine equality in leadership opportunities rather than seeking special treatment, asserting that true equality is crucial for meaningful progress.
In addition to Grynspan, other candidates like former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet and Argentine diplomat Rafael Grossi have emerged, with expectations that the next secretary-general will likely come from Latin America as per the traditional regional rotation.
Grynspan also remarked on the evolution of the U.N., which began with only 51 member states after World War Two and now includes 193 nations, most of which lacked a voice in its original formation. She advocates for amplifying the representation of underrepresented member states through reforms like granting permanent Security Council seats to African and Latin American nations.
As the election process unfolds, the possibility of electing a woman as the U.N. leader sparks optimism for a more inclusive and effective international organization, one that is better equipped to tackle contemporary global challenges while building trust among its member states.