Q COSTARICA — On Tuesday, President Rodrigo Chaves signed and sent to the United Nations the diplomatic note officially presenting Costa Rica’s candidacy of Rebeca Grynspan for Secretary-General for the 2027-2031 term.
The decision places a Costa Rican figure in the race to lead the world’s main multilateral organization at a time marked by international tensions, economic challenges, and crises that demand global coordination.
The candidate brings political experience, management skills, and a proven track record in high-level international forums.
Her career in Costa Rica culminated in the Vice Presidency of the Republic. She then moved to the United Nations system, where she assumed responsibilities of global scope.
As Associate Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), she oversaw a budget exceeding $4 billion and operations in more than 170 countries and territories.
In 2014, she was unanimously elected to head the Ibero-American Conference, where she coordinated summits of heads of state and promoted dialogue among 22 countries.
Since 2021, she has led the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), where she is spearheading a process of institutional modernization.
Amid the food crisis stemming from the conflict in Eastern Europe, she played a decisive role in the Black Sea Grains Initiative, which enabled the safe export of more than 33 million tons of grain and helped stabilize international markets.
Costa Rica’s candidacy is based on three priorities: strengthening the UN’s work in peace and security, deepening its reform to make it more effective, and preparing it for future challenges.
With this nomination, the country seeks to place its diplomatic experience at the heart of a crucial stage for the multilateral system.
Furthermore, his name comes with the backing of state institutions and the support of the country’s political forces.