EU’s Ribera joins push for first woman to lead UN
Costa Rica's Rebeca Grynspan leads the race to succeed Antonio Guterres as UN secretary-general. The EU's support for a woman candidate has intensified with the involvement of EU Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič and now Spain's Teresa Ribera, adding momentum to Grynspan's campaign. The 15-member Security Council is actively working on finding a successor, with veto-holding member nations holding the ultimate key to the final outcome.
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- ✓ Rebeca Grynspan has widened her lead in the race to succeed Antonio Guterres as the next United Nations secretary-general following the latest Security Council poll.
- ✓ The 15-member Security Council is actively working on finding a successor for Guterres, whose second five-year term concludes in December.
What changed
The EU's Ribera has joined the push for a woman to lead the UN, adding to the momentum for Rebeca Grynspan's candidacy.
Live updates
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EU's Ribera joins push for first woman to lead UN
Costa Rica's Rebeca Grynspan leads the race to succeed Antonio Guterres as UN secretary-general. The EU's support for a woman candidate has intensified with the involvement of EU Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič and now Spain's Teresa Ribera, adding momentum to Grynspan's campaign. The 15-member Security Council is actively working on finding a successor, with veto-holding member nations holding the ultimate key to the final outcome.
Why it matters
The selection process for the next UN secretary-general is underway, with Guterres' second term concluding in December. A woman leading the UN would be a significant milestone, and several candidates are vying for the position. The EU's support for a female candidate could sway the votes of its member states.
What is confirmed
- Rebeca Grynspan has widened her lead in the race to succeed Antonio Guterres as the next United Nations secretary-general following the latest Security Council poll.
- The 15-member Security Council is actively working on finding a successor for Guterres, whose second five-year term concludes in December.
Still unconfirmed
- Yashar leader Gadi Eisenkot and Yisrael Beiteinu leader Avigdor Lieberman held a "constructive and productive discussion" today about forming a stable government in Israel.
What to watch next
- The next Security Council poll
- The EU's formal endorsement of a candidate
- The stance of veto-holding member nations on the candidates
confidence 80%Sources used for this update (3)
- eur-lex.europa.eu — EU law - EUR-Lex
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Costa Rica's Grynspan Extends Lead in UN Chief Race
Costa Rica's Rebeca Grynspan has widened her lead in the race to succeed Antonio Guterres as the next United Nations secretary-general following the latest Security Council poll. The 15-member Security Council is actively working on finding a successor for Guterres, whose second five-year term concludes in December. While the selection process moves forward, veto-holding member nations continue to hold the ultimate key to the final outcome of the contest. Grynspan has previously positioned herself as a capable leader across development, human rights, peace, and security pillars.
Why it matters
The selection of the secretary-general remains one of the most consequential diplomatic processes at the United Nations, shaping global crisis management. The 15-member Security Council manages the selection before sending a recommendation to the General Assembly. Veto powers hold decisive influence over who ultimately assumes the role.
What is confirmed
- The 15-member Security Council is working on a successor to Antonio Guterres.
- Antonio Guterres's second five-year term ends in December.
- Rebeca Grynspan leads the race for UN secretary-general after the latest Security Council poll.
- Veto powers hold the key to the outcome of the race.
What to watch next
- Further informal straw polls by the UN Security Council
- Decisions made by veto-holding member nations regarding the candidates
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (5)
- www.thenationalnews.com — Costa Rica’s Grynspan extends lead in race to become next UN ...
- jen.jiji.com — Becker against Zverev: "He speaks Russian with the team and doesn't comment on the war in Ukraine". The number one: "He talks nonsense"
- GreekReporter.com — Rebeca Grynspan Extends Lead in Race for UN Secretary-General
- cyprus-mail.com — Rebeca Grynspan strengthens lead in race for UN chief
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Costa Rica's Rebeca Grynspan leads UN secretary-general straw poll
Rebeca Grynspan of Costa Rica currently leads the race to succeed Antonio Guterres as UN secretary-general. In the seventh informal straw poll, Grynspan secured 11 votes, placing her ahead of new candidate Lana Nusseibeh of the UAE. While Nusseibeh has entered the contest with support from Palestine, Morocco, and all six Gulf Cooperation Council states, she has not yet displaced the three established leading contenders. Grynspan has positioned herself as a leader capable of managing crises across the UN's peace, security, development, and human rights pillars.
Why it matters
The UN is seeking its first female secretary-general. The selection process involves informal votes to gauge member state support before a formal appointment. Candidates must balance international diplomatic backing with scrutiny over their home countries' records.
What is confirmed
- Rebeca Grynspan of Costa Rica received 11 votes in the seventh informal vote for UN secretary-general.
- Lana Nusseibeh of the UAE is a candidate for the UN secretary-general position.
Still unconfirmed
- A new candidate from Turkey has entered the UN secretary-general contest.
- Lana Nusseibeh's entry into the race has failed to dislodge the three established leading contenders.
What to watch next
- Results of the eighth informal straw poll
- Official nominations from remaining member states
- Responses from human rights groups regarding Nusseibeh's candidacy
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (7)
- ticotimes.net — Costa Rica’s Grynspan Leads Seventh UN Leadership Vote
- jewishinsider.com — Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan expands support in latest U.N ...
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- pdfcoffee.com — Takeoffguides Barcelona - PDFCOFFEE.COM
- www.cfr.org — How Rebeca Grynspan Would Lead the United Nations: Three ...
- www.wireisrael.com — Costa Rica's Rebecca Grynspan Leads UN Secretary-General Race ...
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UAE Diplomat Lana Nusseibeh Enters Race for UN Chief
Emirati diplomat Lana Nusseibeh has officially entered the race to succeed António Guterres as United Nations secretary-general, positioning herself as a reformist candidate. Nusseibeh secured endorsements from all six Gulf Cooperation Council states as well as Morocco and Palestine. If selected, she would become the first female and first Gulf national to lead the organization. Her candidacy has drawn severe backlash from human rights groups, which criticize the United Arab Emirates over its domestic record and alleged backing of paramilitary forces in Sudan.
Why it matters
The campaign highlights an ongoing push to place a woman at the head of the United Nations for the first time in its history. Nusseibeh joins a competitive field of candidates vying for the top post ahead of the current secretary-general term ending on December 31, 2026. However, her bid faces mounting scrutiny from monitors who question the foreign policy actions of her home country.
What is confirmed
- Lana Nusseibeh is a former UAE ambassador to the United Nations who was officially nominated for the secretary-general post.
- All six GCC states and Morocco have backed her candidacy.
- Human rights groups urged countries to reject her bid due to allegations regarding the UAE and the conflict in Sudan.
Still unconfirmed
- Palestine has provided an endorsement for Lana Nusseibeh's campaign.
What to watch next
- Official decisions by member states regarding formal nominations or vetoes in the security council.
- Further responses from human rights organizations regarding the candidates' records.
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (15)
- www.geo.tv — Lana Nusseibeh: UAE diplomat vying for UN's top job
- www.theguardian.com — Emirati diplomat who helped deliver aid to Gaza enters UN ...
- www.khaleejtimes.com — UAE's Lana Nusseibeh among 5 women nominated for UN chief ...
- wtop.com — UAE diplomat running for UN chief faces questions over her ...
- gulfnews.com — Who is Lana Nusseibeh? Meet the UAE’s pick for UN chief
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- www.straitstimes.com — Rights' monitors raise concerns over senior UAE diplomat bid ...
- www.middleeastmonitor.com — Nusseibeh’s bid to lead UN sparks backlash over accusations ...
- gulfnews.com — A historic opportunity to reshape UN leadership
- www.middleeasteye.net — 'Autocratic capture': Rights groups say UAE diplomat Lana ...
- www.france24.com — Rights groups oppose UAE’s Lana Nusseibeh for UN chief over ...
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UAE's Lana Nusseibeh joins race for UN Secretary-General
The United Nations Secretary-General race has gained a new contender, Lana Nusseibeh of the United Arab Emirates, challenging frontrunner Rebeca Grynspan of Costa Rica. This development opens the path for the first female chief of the UN. Grynspan currently leads the race, advocating for a proactive shift in UN culture, prioritizing diplomatic reform, cost cuts, and stronger peacemaking.
Why it matters
The UN Secretary-General position has been held by men since its inception. The new leader will face challenges in reforming the organization to regain global influence. The race has gained momentum with the entry of new contenders, including Lana Nusseibeh.
What is confirmed
- Rebeca Grynspan of Costa Rica is the current frontrunner for the UN Secretary-General position.
- Lana Nusseibeh of the United Arab Emirates has entered the race for the UN Secretary-General position.
- The UN Secretary-General race could lead to the first ever female secretary-general.
Still unconfirmed
- The next UN leader must be willing to accept the cost of diplomatic failure to achieve results.
What to watch next
- The outcome of the informal UN Security Council poll
- The official announcement of the UN Secretary-General
- The debate among the contenders for the UN Secretary-General position
confidence 85%Sources used for this update (7)
- jen.jiji.com — Barella: "I don't know if the victory is 100% deserved but we gave everything we had"
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- www.euronews.com — UN chief race enters decisive phase as new contender arrives
- economictimes.indiatimes.com — Senior UAE diplomat Lana Nusseibeh enters race for UN chief - The Economic Times
- www.europaexpress.news — UAE Diplomat Lana Nusseibeh Joins UN Secretary‑General Race
- ummid.com — Rebeca Grynspan or Lana Nusseibeh: Who will be the first ...
- www.wionews.com — Who is Rebeca Grynspan? The woman who could become ... - WION
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Rebeca Grynspan emerges as frontrunner for UN Secretary-General
Former Costa Rican Vice President Rebeca Grynspan currently leads the race to become the first woman to head the United Nations. An informal UN Security Council poll on Friday positioned Grynspan as the narrow frontrunner. Grynspan is advocating for a proactive shift in UN culture, urging the organization to abandon its risk-averse nature and prioritize diplomatic reform, cost cuts, and stronger peacemaking to regain global influence. She argues the next leader must be willing to accept the cost of diplomatic failure to achieve results.
Why it matters
The UN has been led by men for 81 years. A successful appointment requires the agreement of five veto-wielding powers who often hold conflicting views on how to reform the institution.
What is confirmed
- Rebeca Grynspan is a former Vice President of Costa Rica.
- An informal UN Security Council poll placed Rebeca Grynspan as the narrow frontrunner for the next UN chief.
- Rebeca Grynspan has called for the UN to shed its risk-averse culture and implement diplomatic reforms.
Still unconfirmed
- Rebeca Grynspan could become the first Jewish woman to lead the organization.
What to watch next
- Formal vote results from the UN Security Council
- Official reactions from the five veto-wielding powers regarding Grynspan's candidacy
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (7)
- worldpopulationreview.com — List of Countries in the European Union 2026
- uk.news.yahoo.com — Exclusive-UN chief frontrunner Rebeca Grynspan says UN has ...
- www.straitstimes.com — UN chief frontrunner Grynspan calls for UN reform | The ...
- policywire.substack.com — UN Frontrunner Rebeca Grynspan Calls for Bold Reform and Risk ...
- www.arabnews.com — Arab News | Costa Rica’s Grynspan holds lead for next UN chief as race enters decisive stage
- www.yahoo.com — Grynspan holds lead for next UN chief as race enters decisive ...
- www.wireisrael.com — Rebecca Grynspan Emerges as Leading Candidate for UN ...
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EU's Ribera pushes for first female UN chief
European Commission Executive Vice President Teresa Ribera is campaigning for a woman to lead the United Nations for the first time in its 81-year history. Seven candidates are vying for the position, including four women. A successful appointment requires agreement among five veto-wielding powers with divergent reform agendas.
Why it matters
The UN Secretary-General position has historically been held by men. The appointment process involves the UN Security Council and the General Assembly. The new Secretary-General will face challenges in addressing global issues such as climate change, conflict resolution, and sustainable development.
What is confirmed
- Seven candidates are vying to succeed António Guterres as the United Nations' tenth leader since 1946.
- Annalena Baerbock served as Germany's Minister for Foreign Affairs from 2021 to 2025 and was President of the United Nations General Assembly during its 80th session from September 2025 to September 2026.
- Rebeca Grynspan of Costa Rica is reportedly leading the contest to become the next United Nations Secretary-General.
Still unconfirmed
- Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett of Guyana is one of the four female candidates.
What to watch next
- The UN Security Council's decision on the next Secretary-General
- The General Assembly's vote on the appointment
- The campaign efforts of the seven candidates
confidence 80%Sources used for this update (5)
- www.politico.eu — Transatlantic relations - POLITICO
- en.wikipedia.org — Annalena Baerbock - Wikipedia
- www.cfr.org — Who Will Be the Next UN Secretary-General?
- londondaily.com — Good news: Annalena Baerbock Elected President of the UN ...
- www.ugandaonline.net — Costa Rican Candidate Leads UN Secretary-General Race ...
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EU's Ribera pushes for first female UN chief
European Commission Executive Vice President Teresa Ribera is campaigning for a woman to lead the United Nations for the first time in its 81-year history. Four of the seven declared candidates are women, including Guyana's Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett. A successful appointment requires agreement among five veto-wielding powers with divergent reform agendas.
Why it matters
The selection process to replace António Guterres has become a proxy battle over the organization's purpose. The European Union, a supranational union of 27 member states, is involved in the process. The EU has its own principles, priorities, and legal basis. The organization's purpose and reform agendas are being debated among its member states and other global powers.
What is confirmed
- The European Union is a political and economic union of 27 member states located primarily in Europe.
- The EU has a total area of 4,233,255 km2 and an estimated population of just under 452 million as of 2026.
- Four of the seven declared candidates for the UN chief position are women.
What to watch next
- The UN Security Council's decision on the next UN chief
- The European Union's official stance on the candidates
- The outcome of the proxy battle over the UN's purpose and reform agendas
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (6)
- european-union.europa.eu — Your gateway to the EU, News, Highlights | European Union
- en.wikipedia.org — European Union - Wikipedia
- en.wikipedia.org — Member state of the European Union - Wikipedia
- commission.europa.eu — European Commission, official website - European Commission
- european-union.europa.eu — EU countries - European Union
- de.wikipedia.org — Europäische Union – Wikipedia
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EU's Ribera pushes for first woman to lead UN
European Commission Executive Vice President Teresa Ribera is campaigning for a woman to lead the United Nations for the first time in its 81-year history. The selection process to replace António Guterres has become a proxy battle over the organization's purpose. Four of the seven declared candidates are women, including Guyana's Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett. A successful appointment requires agreement among five veto-wielding powers with divergent reform agendas.
Why it matters
The push for a woman to lead the UN comes as the organization faces challenges in addressing global issues. The selection process is expected to be contentious, with some questioning the organization's effectiveness in preventing strong nations from disregarding its rules. The new leader will have to navigate these complex issues and work towards reforming the organization.
What is confirmed
- Four of the seven declared candidates for the UN leadership position are women.
- The selection process to replace António Guterres has become a proxy battle over the organization's purpose.
- A successful appointment requires agreement among five veto-wielding powers with divergent reform agendas.
Still unconfirmed
- The UN leadership position may be influenced by the organization's strongest members disregarding its rules.
What to watch next
- The outcome of the UN leadership selection process
- The position of the five veto-wielding powers on the candidates
- The impact of the organization's reform agenda on the selection process
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (3)
- giwps.georgetown.edu — 5 Takeaways from UNGA 81 - Georgetown Institute for Women ...
- press.un.org — Cuba | UN Meetings Coverage and Press Releases
- slguardian.org — First Woman to Lead the Old UN? – Sri Lanka Guardian
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Pressure mounts for first female UN Secretary-General
European Commission Executive Vice President Teresa Ribera and other officials are pushing for a woman to lead the United Nations for the first time in its 81-year history. Four of the seven declared candidates are women, including Guyana's Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett. The selection process to replace António Guterres, who finishes his second term in December, has become a proxy battle over the organization's purpose. A successful appointment requires agreement among five veto-wielding powers that currently hold divergent reform agendas.
Why it matters
The UN has never had a female leader since its founding over 80 years ago. This election occurs amid global gender equality backlashes and existential threats to the global order.
What is confirmed
- The United Nations has not had a woman leader in 81 years.
- António Guterres is scheduled to step down at the end of his second term in December.
- Four of the seven declared candidates for the top diplomatic position are women.
- The selection of the next Secretary-General requires agreement from five veto-wielding powers.
Still unconfirmed
- The UN Secretary-General selection process is becoming a proxy battle over the purpose of the United Nations.
What to watch next
- The official announcement of a front-runner among the seven candidates
- The final vote by the veto-wielding powers before December
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (8)
- www.nationpress.com — UN Secretary-General race: Push for first woman chief gains ...
- ground.news — As the UN Ponders Its Next Secretary-General, Many Say It’s ...
- english.elpais.com — A woman at the helm of the United Nations - EL PAÍS English ...
- www.ocregister.com — As UN ponders next secretary-general, many say it's time for ...
- www.cubaheadlines.com — UN Appoints Spaniard as New Coordinator in Cuba Amid U.S ...
- press.un.org — Biographical Note | UN Meetings Coverage and Press Releases
- press.un.org — Appointments | UN Meetings Coverage and Press Releases
- article.wn.com — Secretary-General Appoints Pablo Ruiz Hiebra of Spain United ...
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EU Executive Vice President Ribera Backs First Female UN Chief
European Commission Executive Vice President Teresa Ribera threw her support behind appointing a woman to lead the United Nations for the first time. The race to succeed current leadership is underway as António Guterres prepares to step down at the end of his second term in December. Four of the seven declared candidates for the top diplomatic position are women. Despite the mounting push from officials to secure female representation at the head of the global organization, no clear front-runner has emerged yet in the ongoing selection process.
Why it matters
The selection of the next UN secretary-general comes as member states navigate a shifting diplomatic environment and political pressure regarding future priorities. Observers are closely watching how the next leader will handle key initiatives, particularly climate action. The upcoming transition will determine the strategic direction of the world organization.
What is confirmed
- António Guterres is stepping down in December after serving two terms as secretary-general.
- European Commission Executive Vice President Teresa Ribera signaled support for a woman to become the next UN secretary-general.
- Four of the seven candidates running for the position are women.
What to watch next
- The emergence of a clear front-runner among the declared candidates.
- Further endorsements from international officials regarding the leadership race.
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (6)
- www.nytimes.com — What to Know About the Search for the Next Leader of the U.N.
- piqmarkets.com — EU’s Ribera backs woman for UN chief as race heats up
- uk.news.yahoo.com — EU's Ribera Backs First Woman To Lead United Nations
- ua.news — Ribera backs a woman as next UN secretary-general — Politico ...
- 24brussels.online — Ribera advocates for first female UN secretary-general amid ...
- srpskanational.com — RIBERA: WOMAN SHOULD BE NEXT HEAD OF WORLD ORGANIZATION
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EU's Ribera supports first female UN Secretary-General
The United Nations is searching for its next leader as EU official Ribera joins a push to appoint the first woman to the role. This search occurs amid political pressure to ensure the next Secretary-General can appease Donald Trump. Some observers express concern that the incoming chief might reduce the organization's focus on climate action. The process remains open as candidates are considered for the top diplomatic post.
Why it matters
The Secretary-General serves as the chief administrative officer of the UN. A female appointment would be a first for the organization. The role requires balancing the interests of global superpowers and diverse member states.
What is confirmed
- The United Nations is searching for its next leader.
- EU official Ribera supports the appointment of the first woman to lead the UN.
Still unconfirmed
- Appeasing Donald Trump is a necessity for the next UN leader.
- The next UN chief may downgrade climate action.
What to watch next
- Formal statements from the UN Security Council regarding gender requirements for the next leader.
confidence 80%Sources used for this update (6)
- Politico — The search for the next UN leader is on. And appeasing Trump is a must.
- Council on Foreign Relations — Who Will Be the Next UN Secretary-General?
- The New York Times — The U.N. Is Searching for Its Next Leader
- theguardian.com — Fears mount that next UN chief will downgrade climate action
- politico.eu — EU’s Ribera joins push for first woman to lead UN
- Yahoo — EU's Ribera Backs First Woman To Lead United Nations
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