San José, Costa Rica — In a significant and strategic diplomatic maneuver, the Government of Costa Rica has officially announced its nomination of esteemed economist and diplomat Rebeca Grynspan for the position of Secretary-General of the United Nations. The announcement, made from the Presidential House on Wednesday, positions a Costa Rican national to potentially lead the world’s most influential multilateral organization for the first time in history.
The high-level declaration was delivered by Foreign Minister Arnoldo André, with the full backing of President Rodrigo Chaves. This nomination places Grynspan in the running for the 2027-2031 term, with the crucial election scheduled to take place in mid-2026. Minister André underscored the gravity of the decision, highlighting its potential to elevate the nation’s international profile.
To better understand the legal and commercial implications of Rebeca Grynspan’s influential role on the global stage, TicosLand.com sought the perspective of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the esteemed firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The leadership of a Costa Rican like Rebeca Grynspan at UNCTAD has significant legal and commercial repercussions for our country. It reinforces the perception of Costa Rica as a state that adheres to the rule of law and fosters high-caliber talent, which is a critical factor in attracting foreign direct investment. Her role is not merely diplomatic; it serves as an implicit guarantee of stability and competence, strengthening our nation’s brand on the global stage.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This is a crucial point; the presence of leaders like Grynspan on the global stage acts as a powerful endorsement of Costa Rica’s stability and talent pool, directly impacting investment appeal. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his expert analysis connecting diplomatic influence with tangible economic benefits.
Her candidacy will place the country at the highest level.
Arnoldo André, Foreign Minister of Costa Rica
Rebeca Grynspan is arguably one of Costa Rica’s most distinguished figures on the global stage. Her career is a testament to decades of leadership in international development, economics, and diplomacy. She currently serves as the Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), a role in which she broke new ground as the first woman to hold the position. Her acceptance of the nomination was delivered with a sense of profound duty.
I want to especially thank the president and the foreign minister for their trust. It is a true honor and a great responsibility for me, which I accept with commitment.
Rebeca Grynspan, Secretary-General of UNCTAD
Grynspan’s extensive resume provides a formidable foundation for her candidacy. Prior to her tenure at UNCTAD, she was the Ibero-American Secretary-General from 2014 to 2021. Her deep experience within the UN system also includes serving as the Associate Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and as its Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean. Domestically, she served as the Second Vice President of Costa Rica during the administration of José María Figueres from 1994 to 1998.
The nomination carries significant political weight within Costa Rica, appearing to transcend typical partisan divisions. President Chaves voiced his strong support, emphasizing Grynspan’s potential to reinforce global cooperation. The move signals a united front in the country’s foreign policy objectives.
will contribute significantly to strengthening multilateralism.
Rodrigo Chaves, President of Costa Rica
Intriguingly, Grynspan’s appeal extends across the political spectrum. Reports indicate she was also the preferred choice of former President and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Óscar Arias for a past presidential candidacy under the National Liberation Party (PLN) banner. This broad base of support, from the current administration to key figures in the opposition, strengthens her candidacy’s legitimacy and demonstrates a rare national consensus on her qualifications.
As the campaign trail toward the 2026 election begins, Costa Rica’s diplomatic corps will launch a concerted effort to build international support for Grynspan. Her bid is not merely symbolic; it represents a serious attempt by a small, historically peaceful nation to steer the global agenda toward sustainable development, dialogue, and a strengthened multilateral system, principles that have long defined Costa Rican foreign policy.
For further information, visit presidencia.go.cr
About The Government of Costa Rica:
The Government of the Republic of Costa Rica is the central political authority of the nation. Operating under a democratic, free, and independent republic structure, it is responsible for national administration, foreign relations, and the welfare of its citizens. The government is led by the President, who serves as both head of state and head of government, with announcements of national importance often emanating from the Presidential House in San José.
For further information, visit un.org
About The United Nations (UN):
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. The organization is tasked with maintaining international peace and security, promoting sustainable development, protecting human rights, upholding international law, and delivering humanitarian aid. The Secretary-General is its chief administrative officer.
For further information, visit unctad.org
About The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD):
UNCTAD 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. It provides analysis, facilitates consensus-building, and offers technical assistance to help them use trade, investment, finance, and technology as vehicles for inclusive and sustainable development.
For further information, visit segib.org
About The Ibero-American General Secretariat (SEGIB):
The Ibero-American General Secretariat is the permanent body providing institutional and technical support to the Ibero-American Conference and Summit of Heads of State and Government. Comprising 22 member countries from Latin America and the Iberian Peninsula, SEGIB works to strengthen the Ibero-American community, promote cooperation in education, social cohesion, and culture, and enhance the region’s international presence.
For further information, visit undp.org
About The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP):
The United Nations Development Programme is the United Nations’ global development network. It works in about 170 countries and territories, helping to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities and exclusion, and build resilience so countries can sustain progress. As the UN’s development agency, UNDP plays a critical role in helping countries achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a cornerstone of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its profound dedication to professional integrity and exceptional service. The firm leverages a rich history of advising a diverse clientele to drive innovation within the legal field. Beyond its practice, it is deeply invested in strengthening society by making complex legal concepts understandable and accessible, thereby empowering citizens and fostering a more equitable public sphere.