Grossi highlights his experience as he seeks to lead the United Nations

Saturday 03 - 12:15

By: Azzat Manal

Grossi highlights his experience as he seeks to lead the United Nations

International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Grossi has highlighted his experience at the nuclear watchdog as a potential asset in his campaign to become the next secretary-general of the United Nations.

In an interview with Russian news agency RIA Novosti, Grossi said the selection process was taking place at a particularly difficult moment for the international system, marked by armed conflicts, geopolitical tensions and growing questions about the United Nations’ ability to respond effectively to major crises.

Grossi argued that his experience leading the IAEA demonstrates that international institutions can deliver practical results even when dealing with highly sensitive and complex issues. He acknowledged that the agency has a narrower mandate focused on nuclear non-proliferation, nuclear safety and security, peaceful nuclear activities and related areas, but said some of its working methods could also be applied to the broader responsibilities of the UN Secretariat.

The Argentine diplomat has presented himself as an advocate of a more proactive approach to international diplomacy. During an official UN dialogue with candidates in April, Grossi discussed the need for effective leadership and emphasized the importance of making the organization more capable of responding to conflicts and other global challenges.

Grossi was nominated by Argentina in November 2025 and is among the candidates participating in the formal selection process. The United Nations launched the process through a joint initiative by the presidents of the General Assembly and the Security Council, with candidates required to submit their vision, qualifications and campaign financing disclosures.

Under Article 97 of the UN Charter, the secretary-general is appointed by the General Assembly following a recommendation from the Security Council. The current process is intended to lead to the appointment of a successor to António Guterres, whose second term ends on December 31, 2026.

The selection is unfolding amid heightened international tensions and debate over the effectiveness of multilateral institutions. Recent reporting on the Security Council’s informal polls has identified Grossi, Costa Rican candidate Rebeca Grynspan and Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett among the contenders still under consideration.

The final choice will require a recommendation from the Security Council before the General Assembly formally appoints the next secretary-general. The five permanent members of the council — China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States — hold veto power over the recommendation, making broad diplomatic support a central element of the selection process.