The Frontrunner In The Race For UN Secretary-General Promises To Shake Up The Organization

• 16.10.2026, 13:18

Priorities: playing an active mediating role and reducing bureaucracy.

Rebecca Greenspan, one of the leading contenders for the position of UN Secretary-General, stated that the organization has become too cautious and needs reform. In an interview with Reuters, she emphasized that UN leaders must be prepared for setbacks and not be afraid to try again.

Greenspan advocates for more active mediation diplomacy and conflict prevention. As an example, she cited the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which made it possible to resume Ukrainian grain exports during the war.

“A leader must accept the cost of failure and try again,” said the candidate, who advocates for a more proactive role for the UN in international crises.

Greenspan cited reducing bureaucracy as another priority. In her view, the organization should eliminate overlapping functions and redirect resources toward key tasks, rather than simply cutting costs. While heading UNCTAD—the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development—she reduced the number of staff positions by approximately 20%.

Greenspan also calls for a reevaluation of the approach to peacekeeping operations and for exploring alternatives to traditional missions, including in addressing the crisis in Haiti. At the same time, she believes it is essential to maintain close dialogue with the five permanent members of the Security Council.

On Friday, the Security Council will hold another preliminary round of voting among candidates to succeed António Guterres. Greenspan has led in four of the five previous rounds and received nine votes of support. An official nomination requires at least nine votes and no veto from the Security Council’s permanent members.

At the same time, Greenspan expects new rivals to emerge. “The game isn’t over yet,” she emphasized.