Meet The Three Women Seeking To Become The UN’s Secretary-General

Three prominent women are among the leading contenders to become the next Secretary-General of the United Nations, renewing calls for the global body to appoint its first female leader in its 80-year history.

The candidates — Michelle Bachelet of Chile, Rebeca Grynspan of Costa Rica, and Maria Fernanda Espinosa of Ecuador — are all vying to succeed António Guterres, whose second five-year term ends later this year.

The three candidates highlighted their leadership experience and diplomatic credentials during a debate in Geneva, Switzerland, organised by independent organisations.

Espinosa argued that the time had come for a woman to lead the United Nations.

“I think, of course, a woman – it’s about time, isn’t it? After 80 years” of the UN’s existence,” she said.

However, the former Ecuadorian foreign minister stressed that the position should go to the most qualified candidate.

“But the next secretary-general should be ‘the best woman, not any woman’; a ‘leader with a lot of energy’.”

Bachelet, a former President of Chile and former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, also supported the idea of a woman taking the helm of the organisation.

“Women can bring more humanism,” she said.

Like Espinosa, Bachelet emphasised that competence should remain the primary consideration.

She said the next UN chief should be a woman, “but not any woman”, describing herself as someone unafraid of taking risks.

“I’m not afraid of speaking up when it’s needed,” she added.

Meanwhile, Grynspan, who currently heads the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), said her candidacy was based on merit rather than gender considerations.

“I’m running because I think I am the best person for the job,” she said.

The former Costa Rican vice president also called for a selection process free from preferential treatment based on gender.

The debate took place at Geneva’s Maison de la Paix, which hosts several international organisations and is located close to the UN’s European headquarters.

Also invited to participate were two other declared candidates: Rafael Grossi of Argentina and Macky Sall. While Grossi attended, Sall contributed via a recorded video message.

Candidates Outline Vision For The UN

The race comes at a challenging period for the United Nations, which is facing financial constraints, multiple global conflicts and increasing scepticism about multilateral cooperation.

Espinosa acknowledged the growing number of international actors but stressed the unique role of the UN.

“The UN is not the only game in town,” she said.

“But the UN is irreplaceable because it’s the only universal platform that brings all countries together to face and respond to the challenges of the world of today.”

Grynspan echoed similar sentiments, noting that while the UN remains unique, it must adapt and strengthen partnerships outside its traditional structures.

“The UN is unique, but it’s not alone,” she said, adding that the organisation also faces “a culture problem.”

Bachelet pledged that if elected, she would serve as “an independent secretary-general, always on the ground.”

Selection Process Underway

The next Secretary-General will be chosen through a process that begins with recommendations from the UN Security Council before a final vote by the UN General Assembly.

The five permanent members of the Security Council — United Kingdom, China, France, Russia and United States — each hold veto power over the selection.

Security Council discussions are expected to begin in late July, with the General Assembly expected to vote in the following months.

Bachelet Responds To Potential Opposition

Bachelet has already faced criticism from some Republican lawmakers in the United States, who have reportedly urged Washington to oppose her candidacy due to her support for abortion rights.

Responding to the criticism, she said:

“If somebody vetoes me because I believe in democracy, because I believe in multilateralism, because I believe in women’s rights, and because I believe in human rights, I mean, I would be honoured.”

With growing calls for gender representation and regional balance, the contest is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched leadership races in the history of the United Nations.