Michelle Bachelet’s Candidacy for UN Secretary-General
Michelle Bachelet, former president of Chile and current candidate for the position of UN Secretary-General, asserted in an interview with AFP that “the world is ready” for a woman to lead the United Nations and bring forth “a different kind of leadership.”
Background on Michelle Bachelet
Bachelet, twice president of Chile (2006-2010 and 2014-2018), was proposed for the position by leftist President Gabriel Boric. She met with incoming Chilean president, ultraconservative José Antonio Kast, on Monday to discuss potential support for her candidacy, which he will decide upon assuming office on March 11.
Historical Context of UN Leadership
In the 80-year history of the UN, no woman has ever held the top position. Only one Latin American diplomat, Peruvian Javier Pérez de Cuéllar, has led the organization (1982-1991). Following a non-regulated practice, the Secretary-General role rotates among regions; this time, it’s Latin America’s turn, with an agreement that the appointee should be a woman.
Bachelet’s Achievements and Vision
Bachelet made history in Chile by becoming the country’s first female president in 2006. After her first term, she served as the director of ONU Mujeres, a newly established UN agency. From 2018 to 2022, she was the High Commissioner for Human Rights at the UN.
Bachelet sees this as a “historic opportunity” to contribute differently through unique leadership. The 74-year-old pediatrician aims to modernize the UN, making it more efficient, effective, and transparent.
Daughter of a tortured military who died under Pinochet’s dictatorship, Bachelet became Chile’s first female defense minister in 2002 and the first to hold this position while being tortured by Chilean armed forces.
Bachelet’s Stance on Regional Issues
Regarding the US campaign with unprecedented deadly attacks against alleged drug traffickers in the Caribbean and Pacific, Bachelet supports mediation by Brazil or Mexico. She suggested that regional leaders like former President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva or Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum could be effective mediators.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Michelle Bachelet? A 74-year-old pediatrician and former president of Chile (2006-2010, 2014-2018), Bachelet has also served as the High Commissioner for Human Rights at the UN (2018-2022) and director of ONU Mujeres.
- Why is her candidacy significant? Bachelet would be the first woman to lead the UN if elected, breaking an 80-year tradition of male leadership. She aims to modernize and improve the UN’s efficiency, transparency, and effectiveness.
- Who are her competitors? Other candidates for the UN Secretary-General position include Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan, Mexico’s Alicia Bárcena, Barbados’ Prime Minister Mia Mottley, and Argentina’s Rafael Grossi.
- What is her stance on regional issues? Bachelet supports mediation by Brazil or Mexico in the US campaign against alleged drug traffickers, suggesting leaders like former President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva or Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum as potential mediators.
