China Weighs Costa Rican and Guyanese Candidates in Race for First Woman UN Chief
So, the Security Council is still trying to find a top candidate for the first woman to lead the United Nations after three rounds of informal voting. Right now, China holds a crucial position in making this decision. According to various UN delegations that spoke to the South China Morning Post, Beijing is looking at two Latina candidates: Rebeca Grynspan, who heads UN Trade and Development from Costa Rica, and Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Guyana's UN ambassador. Interestingly, China has ruled out Rafael Grossi, the nominee from Argentina, who was backed by President Javier Milei. Relations between Milei and Beijing have soured since his 2023 campaign, where he called the Chinese government "assassins." The final choice now hinges on which woman China will back.
Key facts
- Three rounds of informal Security Council voting failed to produce a favourite in the UN leadership race.
- Rebeca Grynspan of Costa Rica heads UN Trade and Development.
- Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett is Guyana's ambassador to the UN.
- China has ruled out Rafael Grossi, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency.
- Grossi, an Argentine, was nominated last year by President Javier Milei and is seen as Washington's preferred candidate.
- Milei called the Chinese government "assassins" during his 2023 presidential campaign and promised to cut ties.
- China's relations with Milei have been cordial but cooler since his 2023 campaign.
- The winner would become the first woman to lead the United Nations.
Entities
Artists
- Rebeca Grynspan
- Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett
- Rafael Grossi
- Javier Milei
Institutions
- United Nations
- Security Council
- UN Trade and Development
- International Atomic Energy Agency
- South China Morning Post
Locations
- China
- Costa Rica
- Guyana
- Argentina
- Beijing
- Washington