Rebeca Grynspan, a senior U.N. official and contender to become the first female secretary-general of the United Nations, has expressed her commitment to improving trust in the organization amid ongoing criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump. The nomination process for the next U.N. chief began recently, with member states invited to propose candidates to succeed Antonio Guterres from January 1, 2027.
Grynspan, who currently serves as the secretary-general of the U.N. Conference on Trade and Development and has previously held the role of vice president in Costa Rica, is one of the openly declared candidates for the prestigious position. If selected, she would take office during Trump’s presidency.
Trump has consistently expressed skepticism toward multilateralism, echoing the sentiments from his previous term. He has criticized the U.N. for its inability to facilitate peace in global conflicts, acknowledging the organization’s potential while insisting it needs significant reforms to fulfill its mission effectively.
In response to Trump’s criticisms, Grynspan noted that while they could be seen as constructive rather than destructive, it is essential for the U.N. to acknowledge “a weakening of trust” and the need for reform. “The U.N. has to embrace reform, not be defensive about it,” she remarked, highlighting the organization’s crucial role in fostering global stability and progress.
Grynspan emphasized the U.N.’s impressive achievements, including advancements in reducing poverty and improving maternal and infant health. She stressed that while the U.N. should be open to reform, it must also retain the valuable experiences and resources it has built over its 80 years.
Moreover, Grynspan pointed out that the U.N. has yet to have a female secretary-general, an oversight she argues is unjust given the numerous qualified women ready to lead. “What we don’t need is special treatment. What we are really asking for is no discrimination,” she asserted, advocating for equal opportunities for women in leadership roles.
As calls intensify for a woman to assume the role, attention is also drawn to the likelihood that the next secretary-general may emerge from Latin America, aligning with the traditional regional rotation for the position. Alongside Grynspan, other declared candidates include former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet and Argentine diplomat Rafael Grossi.
Grynspan underscored the importance of inclusivity in the U.N., noting that when it was established post-World War II, it had only 51 member states, a stark contrast to today’s 193. “Those voices have to have wider space to be heard,” she remarked, suggesting that adding permanent Security Council seats for Africa and Latin American nations would be a meaningful reform.
With her notable experience and vision for reform, Grynspan represents a significant candidate for a transformative opportunity within the U.N., embodying the hope for a more inclusive and effective global governance structure.
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