In a move that could reshape the future of global diplomacy, Costa Rica has officially nominated Rebeca Grynspan, its former vice president and current head of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), for the position of United Nations secretary-general. The announcement, made on October 8, 2025, by President Rodrigo Chaves in a nationally broadcast statement, signals both a push for greater Latin American representation in international leadership and a historic bid for a female leader at the helm of the UN.
Grynspan, 69, stands out as a seasoned economist and diplomat whose career has spanned both national government and top international posts. She currently leads UNCTAD, making history in 2021 as the first woman to hold that office. Her leadership has been marked by a focus on some of the world’s most pressing challenges, including the impact of climate change on trade, ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, and the disruptive effects of U.S. tariff hikes under former President Donald Trump. According to Reuters, Grynspan’s nomination was presented at a news conference in San José by Foreign Affairs Minister Arnoldo André Tinoco, who praised her as “the most qualified” candidate and said her candidacy would place Costa Rica “at the highest level.”
Grynspan’s resume is as broad as it is deep. She served as Costa Rica’s vice president from 1994 to 1998 under President José María Figueres, and has held various key government posts, including deputy finance minister, housing minister, and coordinating minister for economic and social affairs. On the international stage, she was the UN’s deputy secretary-general in 2010 and associate administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). From 2014 to 2021, she led the Ibero-American General Secretariat, focusing on reducing inequality, poverty, and advancing gender equality and South-South cooperation. Her academic credentials include an economics degree from the University of Costa Rica and a master’s from the University of Sussex in the United Kingdom, with honorary doctorates from institutions such as Salamanca and the European University for her work in human development and global issues.
“We trust that the track record and commitment of Ms. Rebeca Grynspan, who has extensive experience in development, international cooperation and regional leadership, will significantly contribute to strengthening multilateralism,” President Chaves stated in a pre-recorded video, as reported by Reuters. The government’s campaign for Grynspan will be modest, relying on regular foreign ministry channels without any additional budget allocation, reflecting Costa Rica’s pragmatic approach to global advocacy.
If successful, Grynspan would become the first woman to lead the United Nations since its founding in 1945 and only the second Latin American, following Peru’s Javier Pérez de Cuéllar, who served from 1982 to 1991. The symbolism of her candidacy is not lost on observers or member states. According to The Times of India, Grynspan’s nomination comes amid “increasing calls for a female leader to assume the role for the first time in the organization’s 80-year history,” and with the next secretary-general likely to be chosen from Latin America, her bid could represent a watershed moment for both the region and for gender equality in international leadership.
Grynspan’s candidacy is not without challenges. The race for the top UN post is heating up, with several strong contenders from Latin America and beyond. Former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet, who has led UN Women and served as high commissioner for human rights, announced her candidacy just two weeks earlier. Mexico’s former foreign minister Alicia Bárcena, who previously headed the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), is also rumored to be in the running. Other names circulating include Ecuador’s María Fernanda Espinosa, New Zealand’s former prime minister Jacinda Ardern, and Kristalina Georgieva, the former managing director of the International Monetary Fund.
The selection process for the next secretary-general is a complex affair. It involves both the UN General Assembly and the Security Council, with the latter recommending a candidate for approval. While regional rotation and gender balance are often discussed, there are no formal rules mandating either consideration. The current secretary-general, António Guterres of Portugal, will complete his second term on December 31, 2026, setting the stage for what is expected to be a closely watched and potentially transformative election.
Grynspan’s supporters point to her reputation as a moderate and a bridge-builder—qualities seen as essential in a turbulent global environment that has called the UN’s ability to maintain international peace and security into question. “Her extensive resume and insider knowledge make her a competitive candidate, although the current global climate makes the outcome very difficult to predict,” noted Carlos Cascante, a Costa Rican international relations analyst, in comments to Reuters. Yet, Cascante also warned that Grynspan’s Jewish heritage and Costa Rica’s close ties to the United States, especially during the Trump administration, could present diplomatic hurdles, particularly with the ongoing war in Gaza nearing its two-year mark.
During recent UN forums, Grynspan has not shied away from addressing tough issues. At a meeting in New York, she discussed the impact of U.S. tariffs on trade rules with China’s commerce minister. She has repeatedly warned about the growing debt burdens in developing countries, noting that many now spend more on interest payments than on health or education. Her advocacy has included calls for urgent reforms in debt, investment, and trade policies, as well as a focus on technology’s role in development. In UNCTAD’s 2025 report, Grynspan highlighted how artificial intelligence is reshaping economies but cautioned that, without proper policies on infrastructure, data, and skills, AI could deepen global inequalities. She has also urged the United States to ease tariffs on poorer nations to prevent worsening their debt crises.
The formal campaign for the secretary-general post is set to begin soon, with the election scheduled for late 2026. Costa Rica’s nomination of Grynspan comes at a time when the UN faces mounting criticism over its handling of conflicts and persistent global inequality. Her track record in bridging divides, advocating for vulnerable nations, and championing inclusive development could appeal to member states searching for fresh and effective leadership.
As the international community looks ahead to a pivotal election, all eyes will be on whether Grynspan’s historic candidacy can unite a fractured world and finally break the glass ceiling at the United Nations.
