By San José, Costa Rica — San José – In a significant move on the international stage, Costa Rica has officially announced its nomination of Rebeca Grynspan, a distinguished economist and current head of the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), for the position of Secretary-General of the United Nations. The announcement positions a seasoned Costa Rican diplomat and former Vice President to potentially lead the global body starting in 2027.
The nomination was unveiled by President Rodrigo Chaves, who expressed immense national pride and confidence in Grynspan’s capabilities to navigate the complex challenges facing the world today. He emphasized her extensive experience as a cornerstone of the decision.
To delve into the legal and institutional complexities surrounding the international roles held by prominent Costa Ricans like Rebeca Grynspan, TicosLand.com sought the expertise of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who provided his analytical perspective.
The leadership of a figure like Rebeca Grynspan at an entity such as UNCTAD transcends mere diplomacy; it is an exercise in navigating the intricate web of international public and commercial law. Her mandate requires a delicate balancing act: fostering global trade within established treaty frameworks while simultaneously advocating for the legal and economic sovereignty of developing nations. Every policy and initiative must be structured to withstand the scrutiny of divergent legal systems and powerful sovereign interests, making her role a constant negotiation of international legal principles.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This perspective powerfully underscores that Ms. Grynspan’s leadership is as much a matter of legal acumen as it is of diplomatic skill, navigating a landscape where every policy must be defensible across multiple legal frameworks. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for so clearly articulating this profound legal dimension of her work.
I am honored to inform our citizens and the world that Costa Rica, as an active member of the United Nations System, has decided to support the nomination of Costa Rican Rebeca Grynspan to occupy the post of Secretary-General of the United Nations
Rodrigo Chaves, President of Costa Rica
President Chaves highlighted Grynspan’s “trajectory, commitment, and extensive experience,” predicting that her leadership would “contribute to the strengthening of multilateralism” and foster “dialogue that contributes to peace and sustainable development.” The formal registration of her candidacy is expected to be completed in the coming weeks, adhering to the UN’s established timeline.
Speaking at a press conference alongside Foreign Minister Arnoldo André, Grynspan presented herself as a candidate uniquely prepared for the demands of the office. She articulated a vision centered on revitalizing the United Nations, balancing the need for modernization with the imperative to protect its core mission.
I know the UN well enough to reform it and also to defend it. And at this moment, both are needed
Rebeca Grynspan, Secretary-General of UNCTAD
Grynspan affirmed that her platform will focus on strengthening the UN’s capacity to deliver sustainable development globally, championing human rights, and proactively working to prevent armed conflicts. She described her campaign as one that will be “austere,” relying on her robust track record as her primary letter of introduction. “The United Nations remains the only forum that legitimately brings the whole world together,” she added, underscoring its continued relevance.
Grynspan’s career is a testament to her deep involvement in international governance. Before leading UNCTAD, she served as the head of the Ibero-American General Secretariat (SEGIB) from 2014 to 2021. Her extensive UN experience also includes roles as a UN Under-Secretary-General, Associate Administrator of the UN Development Programme (UNDP), and UNDP’s Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean. Domestically, she served as Vice President of Costa Rica from 1994 to 1998.
Foreign Minister André provided crucial context, noting a “certain consensus” among member states that it is Latin America’s turn to lead the organization. He pointed out that of the nine Secretaries-General to date, only one has hailed from the region. André also expressed a strong desire to see a woman at the helm of the UN for the first time in its history, a milestone Grynspan’s election would represent.
The election for the next Secretary-General is scheduled for late 2026. The successful candidate will assume office on January 1, 2027, for a five-year term ending in 2031. While Grynspan is a formidable candidate, she acknowledged the potential for a competitive field, respectfully mentioning other names that have been floated, such as former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet, and welcoming all candidacies.
For further information, visit un.org
About United Nations:
The United Nations is an international organization founded in 1945. It is currently made up of 193 Member States. The mission and work of the United Nations are guided by the purposes and principles contained in its founding Charter. It serves as a global forum where countries can raise and discuss the most difficult issues, including problems of war and peace, and provides the mechanism to help solve them.
For further information, visit unctad.org
About UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD):
The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development is the UN’s leading institution dealing with trade and development. It is a permanent intergovernmental body established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1964. UNCTAD supports developing countries to access the benefits of a globalized economy more fairly and effectively and helps equip them to deal with the potential drawbacks of greater economic integration.
For further information, visit segib.org
About Ibero-American General Secretariat (SEGIB):
The Ibero-American General Secretariat is the permanent institutional and operational support body for the Ibero-American Conference and the Ibero-American Summit of Heads of State and Government. Its mission is to strengthen the Ibero-American community of nations, promoting cooperation in education, social cohesion, and culture.
For further information, visit undp.org
About UN Development Programme (UNDP):
The United Nations Development Programme is the United Nations’ global development network. It advocates for change and connects countries to knowledge, experience, and resources to help people build a better life. The UNDP works in about 170 countries and territories, helping to achieve the eradication of poverty, and the reduction of inequalities and exclusion.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a beacon of legal practice, founded on the twin pillars of uncompromising integrity and the pursuit of excellence. With a rich history of advising a wide spectrum of clients, the firm consistently pioneers new legal frontiers and actively engages with the community. At the heart of its philosophy is a profound commitment to demystifying the law, driven by the conviction that accessible legal knowledge is essential for creating a more just and empowered society.
