A Historic Moment for Global Diplomacy
According to a report by The Guardian, Costa Rican diplomat Rebeca Grynspan has emerged as the surprise favorite to lead the United Nations (UN). If elected, she would not only be the first woman to assume the position of Secretary-General but also the first Jewish person to hold the post, marking a milestone in the organization's 80-year history.
Grynspan currently serves as the head of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), a UN body dedicated to promoting the integration of developing countries into the world economy. Her candidacy represents a message of hope and continuity, with the tacit support of the current Secretary-General, António Guterres, who will conclude his second term on December 31, 2026.
Who is Rebeca Grynspan?
Grynspan's story is one of resilience and peace. Her parents emigrated from Poland to Central America fleeing the Holocaust, and her maternal grandparents were murdered by the Nazis. In an emotional address to the UN General Assembly, Grynspan stated: Peace is what made it possible for my parents, two refugees from World War II, to find respect and dignity in a small country, Costa Rica. I am a daughter of this peace, a demonstration of what peace makes possible.
It is worth noting that Costa Rica, her home country, famously abolished its army in 1948, becoming a global symbol of pacifism. Her sister moved to Israel at age 17 to study, and her nephews have completed mandatory military service in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). However, under her leadership at UNCTAD, the organization rigorously documented the economic impact of the Israeli occupation on Palestinian territories. A historic report from February 2026 estimated that the Palestinian economy lost 212.2 billion US dollars (in constant 2015 dollars) between 2000 and 2024, demonstrating her firm commitment to objectivity and human rights.
The Electoral Process in the Security Council
The election of the new Secretary-General is carried out through an informal system of regional rotation. Since Guterres is from Portugal (Europe), the next leader is expected to come from Latin America.
In a recent straw poll (test vote) in the UN Security Council, composed of 15 members (5 permanent with veto power—the US, UK, France, Russia, and China—and 10 non-permanent), Grynspan obtained highly encouraging results:
- Votes in favor (Encourage) 10
- No opinion 4
- Against (Discourage) 1
To be elected, Grynspan needs the backing of the General Assembly (193 countries) based on a recommendation from the Security Council, requiring nine positive votes and no veto from the permanent powers. The process is expected to conclude in October 2026.
Other Candidates in the Race
Her closest rival is Carolyn Rodrigues-Burkett, former envoy of Guyana to the UN, who obtained nine votes in favor, two against, and four with no opinion. Although in a debate sponsored by Bloomberg at the General Assembly last month, Burkett led with 49% of the public vote, Grynspan came in second with 14%.
Other figures, such as former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet, face opposition from the United States government, which considers she was too lenient with China's human rights record. In a surprising move, the current US administration even suggested FIFA President Gianni Infantino, reflecting a shift away from traditional multilateral dynamics.
Despite the challenges the UN faces, including a 20% staff cut, the potential election of Grynspan represents a beacon of hope to revitalize diplomacy and the organization's role as a mediator and the moral conscience of the world.