Costa Rica Backs Rebeca Grynspan for UN Secretary-General
Costa Rica has formally proposed Rebeca Grynspan as a candidate to become the next United Nations secretary-General. Grynspan, currently the Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Growth (UNCTAD), brings a wealth of experience in international affairs and a distinguished career within the UN system to the potential role.
Grynspan previously served as Vice Minister of Finance in Costa Rica during the first administration of Óscar Arias (1986-1988).More recently, she has held prominent positions within international organizations, a track record prioritized by Arias, who in 2021 suggested she would be a strong presidential candidate – a nomination she declined due to existing international commitments. Grynspan herself asserts that each institution she has lead has been improved during her tenure.
the candidacy is being viewed as having significant potential. Carlos Cascante, a professor at the National university of Costa Rica coordinating the International policy Program, highlighted Grynspan’s valuable curriculum and deep understanding of the UN system, suggesting she likely assessed potential vetoes from powerful Security Council members. Her gender, geographical origin, and established career within the UN are also considered advantages.
However, Cascante also cautioned that some nations seeking substantial changes within the UN might prefer a candidate with less institutional involvement. Grynspan addressed this concern, stating she is prepared to both reform and defend the United Nations, viewing multilateralism and reform as intertwined.
Support for Grynspan’s candidacy is reportedly growing, with initial expressions of backing from numerous countries. Costa Rican Foreign Minister Arnoldo André indicated the campaign will be relatively modest, leveraging existing familiarity with the candidate.
Analysts have also noted Grynspan’s Jewish heritage as a factor that coudl lead to increased scrutiny of her positions on the conflict in Gaza, notably regarding Israeli actions impacting the Palestinian population. Cascante suggested countries will likely examine her long-term record and views on the issue.
Grynspan responded by reaffirming her commitment to the UN’s established position advocating for a two-state solution and expressed hope that her qualifications and experience would outweigh any potential prejudice.She emphasized that her identity fosters empathy, not bias, citing her demonstrated record throughout her UN career.
Grynspan has returned to Geneva to continue her duties at UNCTAD while simultaneously managing the demands of her campaign for the Secretary-General position, with formalization of her nomination expected in the coming months. The chaves government in Costa Rica, which maintains a pleasant relationship with Washington and has expressed concerns about Chinese investment, is expected to support her bid.