The Jewish candidate, the anti-Israeli, or the IAEA chair? The race for UN Secretary-General at its peak
The race to replace UN Secretary-General António Guterres is reaching its peak, with growing pressure to appoint the first woman to the position. The leading candidate is Rebecca Greenspan, a Jewish economist from Costa Rica. Israel's UN Ambassador, Danny Danon, expresses confidence that the US will lead to the selection of a Secretary-General who will end hostility toward Israel.
The race to replace UN Secretary-General António Guterres, after a decade in office, is reaching its peak. Among the 193 member states, a dramatic diplomatic struggle is underway over the identity of the next Secretary-General. The race is characterized by growing pressure to appoint the first woman to the position, alongside a tradition that designates the role for a representative from Latin America. The leading candidate is the Jewish economist and former Vice President of Costa Rica, Rebecca Greenspan. She is competing against Guyana's Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett and former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet, who faces American opposition. In the male category, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Grossi, is leading. In Jerusalem, the elections are seen as a critical event against the backdrop of strained relations with Guterres since October 7. Israel's UN Ambassador, Danny Danon, said that Israel is meeting with all candidates and is not taking a public stance. Danon expressed confidence that the US will act in the Security Council to prevent a hostile choice for Israel.