Ms. Michelle Bachelet
Ms. Bachelet became the first female president of Chile in 2006. After that, she became head of the human rights agency of the United Nations. Ms. Bachelet, 74 years old, was supported by Mexico and Brazil to run for Secretary-General of the United Nations.
Mrs. Maria Fernanda Espinosa
Ms. Espinosa, 61, former Foreign Minister of Ecuador, called the United Nations the only global forum to address common human challenges, but also wants to reform more deeply with this organization. Ms. Espinosa's candidacy is supported by Antigua and Barbuda (an island nation in the eastern Caribbean Sea).
Mr. Rafael Grossi
Mr. Grossi, 65, a professional diplomat from Argentina, has led the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) since 2019. He did not resign from his current position to run for the position of Secretary-General of the United Nations. Some observers believe he is stronger in promoting UN reform.
Ms. Rebeca Grynspan
Ms. Grynspan - former Vice President of Costa Rica - leads the United Nations Trade and Development Organization (UNCTAD), but has temporarily suspended this position to run for the highest position at the United Nations.
In 2022, this 70-year-old woman, whose parents are Jews, achieved important diplomatic achievements by mediating the Black Sea Grain Initiative between Russia and Ukraine to allow grain exports in the context of conflict.
Ms. Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett
Ms. Rodrigues-Birkett, 52, former Foreign Minister of Guyana, is currently the country's ambassador to the United Nations. She believes that the United Nations needs to restore its prestige in the international arena.
Mr. Macky Sall
Mr. Macky Sall, 64 years old, is the only candidate not from Latin America, which as usual will be where the next head of the United Nations will be. The former President of Senegal emphasized the link between peace and development. He was nominated by Burundi - the country currently holding the rotating Presidency of the African Union, and then received additional support from Senegal.
