Jewish Economist Rebeca Grynspan Leads UN Secretary-General Race After First Straw Poll

Rebeca Grynspan, a Jewish economist and diplomat from Costa Rica, is the frontrunner to become the next United Nations Secretary-General, according to the first unofficial straw poll conducted by the UN Security Council. The poll, held as part of the selection process to replace Antonio Guterres, who will end his term in late 2026, showed Grynspan receiving 10 "encourage" votes, one "discourage," and four abstentions, the best result among seven candidates.

Following her were former Guyanese Foreign Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett with nine "encourage" votes and Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency from Argentina, with seven. Grynspan, whose parents were Holocaust survivors who emigrated to Costa Rica after World War II, has served as Secretary-General of the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) since 2021 and previously held senior UN and Costa Rican government roles.

She is viewed as a moderate candidate with relatively pro-Israel leanings, though some believe her Jewish background could complicate support from certain countries. In her candidate hearings, Grynspan emphasized restoring the UN's central role through active conflict mediation, comprehensive reforms, improved efficiency, and reducing politicization of humanitarian aid. She also stressed the Secretary-General's independence and closer cooperation with civil society.

Despite her perceived pro-Israel stance, under her leadership UNCTAD has taken a critical position on Israeli policies in Gaza and the West Bank, publishing reports on the Palestinian economy's collapse due to occupation and Israeli bombings. After the October 7 Hamas attack, Grynspan condemned Hamas and called for hostage releases but also sharply criticized Israel for civilian and institutional harm, stating that no party is above international humanitarian law.

Israeli officials are concerned about other leading candidates, including former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet, ranked fourth, who has a notably problematic record regarding Israel, and Rodrigues-Birkett, ranked second, described as highly critical of Israel. The Security Council will continue secret ballots to reach consensus on a candidate to recommend to the General Assembly. Future votes will also test whether any of the five permanent Security Council members exercise a veto, potentially altering the race. The United States has yet to endorse any candidate.