Ribera backs idea of electing a woman as UN secretary-general — Politico Europe
European Commission Executive Vice-President Teresa Ribera has supported the idea of appointing a woman as the next UN secretary-general. In a post on Bluesky, she said she would like to see a woman lead the United Nations, Politico Europe reports.
Candidates for the position
António Guterres will leave office at the end of December, completing his second and final five-year term. His successor is due to take office on January 1, 2027.
Of the seven candidates for the position, four are women: Rebeca Grynspan of Costa Rica, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett of Guyana, as well as Ivonne A-Baki and María Fernanda Espinosa of Ecuador. Grynspan came first in the latest informal poll of the UN Security Council.
Also taking part in the selection process are Rafael Grossi of Argentina, Macky Sall of Senegal and Olara Otunnu of Uganda. All nine previous UN secretaries-general were men.
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Positions of Spain and the United States
Ribera’s statement echoes the position of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. In an interview with American comedian Jon Stewart, he said that after 80 years of the multilateral order, it would be fair to elect the first woman as UN secretary-general.
The selection process is taking place amid pressure from US President Donald Trump on the UN to change its funding and structure. According to Politico Europe, in July Trump suggested FIFA President Gianni Infantino as a possible candidate, but the United States did not officially nominate him.
To recommend a candidate, the UN Security Council must secure at least nine votes and receive no veto from any of its five permanent members. The UN General Assembly can then appoint the organization’s new leader.
