Three Women are Running to Lead The UN — And They Say It's Long Overdue

It is time for a woman to lead the United Nations for the first time in its 80-year history, three leading candidates for the organisation's top post argued during a debate held in Geneva on Tuesday. The discussion brought together candidates seeking to succeed current UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, whose second five-year term will conclude at the end of this year. The event highlighted growing international support for gender representation in one of the world's most influential diplomatic positions.

Former Chilean president Michelle Bachelet, UN trade chief Rebeca Grynspan of Costa Rica, and former Ecuadorian foreign minister Maria Fernanda Espinosa used the debate to present their visions for the future of the United Nations. Espinosa said that after eight decades of the organisation's existence, the time had come for a woman to assume leadership. However, she stressed that the next secretary-general should be selected on merit, describing the ideal candidate as an energetic and capable leader rather than simply choosing a woman for the role.

Bachelet echoed similar sentiments, arguing that women could bring a more human-centred approach to global leadership. The former UN human rights chief said the next secretary-general should be courageous enough to take risks and speak out when necessary. She emphasized her willingness to defend democratic values, multilateral cooperation, human rights, and women's rights, even if those positions generated political opposition from powerful countries.

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Grynspan, currently heading the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), said she entered the race because she believes she is the most qualified person for the position. The former vice president of Costa Rica called for a fair and transparent selection process that avoids preferential treatment based solely on gender. She also argued that the United Nations must strengthen cooperation with external partners and address internal cultural challenges to remain effective in a rapidly changing world.

The debate, organised by independent groups at Geneva's Maison de la Paix near the UN's European headquarters, also invited other declared candidates, including International Atomic Energy Agency chief Rafael Grossi of Argentina and former Senegalese president Macky Sall. While Grossi did not participate, Sall sent a video message outlining his views. The candidates discussed how they would address challenges facing the UN, including financial constraints, ongoing conflicts, and declining confidence in multilateral institutions.

The next UN secretary-general will be chosen through a process that begins with recommendations from the UN Security Council, where the five permanent members — Britain, China, France, Russia, and the United States — hold veto power. Deliberations are expected to begin in late July, with a vote by the UN General Assembly scheduled in the following months. The debate underscored growing calls for both reform and renewed leadership as the organisation confronts an increasingly complex global landscape.

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