Costa Rican diplomat and former vice president Rebeca Grynspan is leading the race to become the next United Nations secretary-general. Grynspan, who currently heads the UN Conference on Trade and Development, would become the first woman secretary-general in UN history if elected. She would also be the first Jewish person to hold the position.

In a secret Security Council ballot involving five permanent and 10 non-permanent members, Grynspan received 10 supportive votes. Four members expressed no opinion and one raised an objection. Her main rival, former Guyanese UN envoy Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, received nine supportive votes and two objections. Grynspan’s parents emigrated from Poland to Costa Rica, while her grandparents were killed by Nazis.

Secretary-General António Guterres’ term ends on December 31, 2026. Under the customary regional rotation, a candidate from Latin America is considered likely this time. A candidate needs at least nine Security Council votes and no veto from any permanent member. The process may be finalized by October, with a new secretary-general required to be selected by the end of 2026.