Background and Relevance of the Position
In a year, the United Nations (UN) will select and appoint a new Secretary-General to replace Portuguese António Guterres, who will complete a decade in office. The selection process for his first term (2016-2021) was more transparent, open, and inclusive than previous years. Candidates presented their strategic visions and engaged in informal dialogues with all UN Member States, including civil society and the general public.
Previous Selection Process
The four-stage process concluded on October 13, 2016, with the UN Security Council recommending Guterres and the General Assembly validating his five-year mandate, which was later extended.
Brazil’s Proposal for a Unified Candidate
At the start of 2025, Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva announced his intention to propose that the heads of state from the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) present a single candidate for the UN Secretary-General position.
The recent hemispheric summit in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, focused on defining positions amidst the imposition of tariffs by the United States. However, Brazil’s proposal remains on the CELAC table, advocating for a female candidate.
Historical Opportunity for Latin American Women
For the first time in eight decades, there is a possibility that a woman will become the UN Secretary-General. Latin America and the Caribbean have three strong female candidates: former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet (current ONU Mujeres head); Costa Rican economist Rebeca Grynspan (leading the WTO’s Trade and Development Conference); and Mexican Alicia Bárcena, former executive secretary of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), currently secretary of the environment.
Support for a Unified Candidate
Latin America’s demand for the UN Secretary-General position will be successful if they present a unique, experienced female candidate. Former ECLAC secretary Alicia Bárcena has strong international political experience and already has the support of the Mexican government and a broad group of nations, while Brazil and Chile back former President Bachelet.
The foundation for a unified candidacy was laid in Tegucigalpa, where Brazil’s initiatives—focusing on women, peace, security, environmental issues, and food security—garnered attention and widespread support for President Lula da Silva, a regional unity advocate.
Strengthening Regional Ties
Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum’s ideological alignment with Colombian President Gustavo Petro is evident, while Lula da Silva and Chilean President Gabriel Boric have strengthened their relationships following the launch of a mega-project—a 2,400 km bioceánic corridor connecting four countries and establishing a trade route linking the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
Chile views Brazil as a strategic partner, with bilateral trade surpassing US$12 billion in 2024.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the position being contested? The position of UN Secretary-General, which will be vacated by António Guterres after a decade in office.
- Who are the Latin American women candidates? Michelle Bachelet (Chile), Rebeca Grynspan (Costa Rica), and Alicia Bárcena (Mexico).
- What is Brazil’s proposal? To present a unified candidate from Latin America and the Caribbean, with a focus on supporting a female candidate.
- Why is this significant? This marks the first time in eight decades that a woman could become UN Secretary-General, highlighting Latin America’s commitment to gender equality in international leadership.
