The UN prepares for its first woman as secretary-general
Costa Rican diplomat and former vice president of the country Rebeca Grynspan has become one of the leading contenders for the post of UN secretary-general. If elected, she would become the first woman to head the organization.
As Report informs, citing The Guardian, Grynspan currently heads the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).
In a straw poll in the UN Security Council, she received 10 votes in favor, four neutral, and one against. Her closest rival, former Guyanese permanent representative to the UN Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, received nine votes in favor.
The current secretary-general, António Guterres, completes his second term on December 31, 2026. Under the informal system of regional rotation, his successor should represent Latin America. Grynspan is seen as a candidate ensuring continuity and may enjoy the tacit support of Guterres. The results of the election are expected in October.
