Key facts
- Teresa Ribera expressed willingness to see a woman lead the UN.
- António Guterres steps down at the end of December after two terms.
- The successor is due to take office on January 1, 2027.
- Four women are among the seven candidates: Rebeca Grynspan, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Ivonne A-Baki, and María Fernanda Espinosa.
- Grynspan topped the latest informal Security Council poll.
- US President Donald Trump is pressuring the UN for financial and structural reforms.
European Commission Executive Vice President Teresa Ribera has publicly supported the idea of a woman leading the United Nations for the first time in its history. Ribera stated on Bluesky that she was "willing to see a woman leading the U.N."
Her comments come amid increasing speculation about who will succeed António Guterres as secretary-general when his second term concludes at the end of December. The new leader is set to assume office on January 1, 2027.
Among the seven candidates vying for the position, four are women: Rebeca Grynspan from Costa Rica, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett from Guyana, and Ivonne A-Baki and María Fernanda Espinosa, both from Ecuador. Grynspan has reportedly secured the highest number of votes in the latest informal Security Council poll. Other candidates in the running include Argentina’s Rafael Grossi, Senegal’s Macky Sall, and Uganda’s Olara Otunnu.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has also voiced his support for a female UN chief, emphasizing the importance of fairness after 80 years of male leadership. The race is unfolding against a backdrop of pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, who is reportedly pushing for significant reforms to the UN's finances and structure. The U.S. State Department has indicated that candidates must commit to necessary changes, with U.S. Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz stating the U.S. demands reform.
According to UN rules, the Security Council must recommend a candidate with at least nine votes and no veto from its five permanent members before the General Assembly can make the final appointment.