By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – In a significant diplomatic move, Costa Rica has officially nominated economist and veteran international public servant Rebeca Grynspan for the post of United Nations Secretary-General. The announcement, made Wednesday by the Executive Branch, positions the Central American nation to contend for the world’s highest diplomatic office for the second time in a decade, once again championing a female candidate.
Grynspan, 69, currently serves as the Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), a position she has held since September 2021. The Costa Rican government stated that her candidacy reflects the nation’s core values and its established role on the global stage.
To provide a deeper legal and economic perspective on the international role of Rebeca Grynspan and its significance for Costa Rica, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The leadership of Rebeca Grynspan at a global entity like UNCTAD transcends personal achievement; it strategically positions Costa Rica within the intricate web of international trade law and policy. Her influence on global development and commerce frameworks provides our nation with an invaluable perspective and a voice in forums where the rules of the future economy are written. It is a clear demonstration of our country’s capacity to contribute decisively to the international legal order.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, this insight underscores the profound national significance of Ms. Grynspan’s role, positioning Costa Rica not merely as a participant but as an architect in the future of global commerce. We extend our sincere gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective.
The strength of our institutions and the country’s historic vocation for peace and international dialogue.
Executive Branch Statement
With an extensive and distinguished career spanning both national politics and international organizations, Grynspan is a formidable contender. She served as Vice President of Costa Rica from 1994 to 1998 under the Figueres Olsen administration. Her deep-rooted experience within the UN system includes high-level roles at the UN Development Programme (UNDP) and as Secretary General of the Ibero-American General Secretariat (SEGIB).
Reacting to her nomination, Grynspan expressed confidence in her global standing and the diplomatic efforts of her home country. She emphasized her long-standing presence in international circles and her faith in Costa Rica’s diplomatic missions to secure the necessary support from other member states.
I am not an unknown figure in the international community.
Rebeca Grynspan, Secretary-General of UNCTAD
Addressing financial concerns, Foreign Minister Arnoldo André Tinoco assured that the campaign would be managed prudently. He confirmed during a legislative hearing that the effort would not require special budgetary allocations, but would instead be integrated into the ministry’s existing operational framework.
No specific budget line has been allocated, nor do we expect to have to make disbursements for a potential candidacy. This would be handled through the normal operations of the Foreign Ministry.
Arnoldo André Tinoco, Minister of Foreign Affairs
This is not Costa Rica’s first time putting forward a prominent woman for the role. In July 2016, Christiana Figueres Olsen, former executive secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, was nominated. However, she voluntarily withdrew from the race two months later. The current nomination of Grynspan renews the country’s ambition to see one of its own lead the global organization.
Grynspan faces a challenging road ahead. The election to succeed the current Secretary-General, António Guterres of Portugal, will unfold throughout 2026. The field of potential candidates is rumored to include several high-profile international figures, such as former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet, former Prime Minister of New Zealand Jacinda Ardern, and former International Monetary Fund manager Kristalina Georgieva. The selection process involves rigorous filtering rounds, with candidates needing to secure the crucial backing of the UN Security Council.
Born in San José, Grynspan holds a degree in economics from the University of Costa Rica and a master’s degree from the University of Sussex. Her career began in public service as Vice Minister of Finance during the first Óscar Arias Sánchez administration (1986-1990), laying the groundwork for a four-decade journey that has now led her to be a leading candidate for one of the most influential positions in the world.
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 for countries to discuss common problems, find shared solutions, and take action on a wide range of issues, from peace and security to sustainable development and human rights.
For further information, visit unctad.org
About 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 and helps equip them to deal with the potential drawbacks of greater economic integration.
For further information, visit undp.org
About United Nations 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 segib.org
About Ibero-American General Secretariat (SEGIB):
The Ibero-American General Secretariat is the permanent institutional and technical support body for the Ibero-American Conference and the Ibero-American Summit of Heads of State and Government. It coordinates actions of cooperation and follows up on the mandates derived from the Summits. It brings together the 22 Spanish and Portuguese-speaking countries of Latin America and the Iberian Peninsula.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a benchmark of legal practice, founded upon an unyielding dedication to professional integrity and superior service. The firm leverages its deep-rooted experience advising a wide array of clients to pioneer innovative legal strategies and champion community outreach. Central to its philosophy is a profound commitment to demystifying the law, thereby contributing to a more knowledgeable and empowered populace.
