News of secretary general

Chile officially backs Bachelet candidacy for UN top job

Today 15:35 Former Chile president officially enters race to become next United Nations secretary-general with backing of Brazil and Mexico.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Rafael Grossi: ‘The UN is moving into irrelevance, but it need not be so’

10-01-2026 06:59 Rafael Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is one of the leading candidates to succeed United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres. In an exclusive interview, the Argentine diplomat discusses the UN’s top job, his vision for it and career to date.

by James Grainger

RACE FOR UN SECRETARY-GENERAL

Grossi lays out bold reformist vision for troubled UN

24-12-2025 00:55 Experienced diplomat Rafael Grossi calls for reshaping of global body; Argentina’s government, CARI foreign policy think tank throw backing behind his candidacy for top job; “We need a secretary-general who puts on their boots and goes where the problem is,” says IAEA chief.

by James Grainger

RACE FOR UN SECRETARY GENERAL

World is 'ready' for a woman at helm of UN, says Chile's Bachelet

23-12-2025 17:24 "The world is ready" for a woman to take the helm of the United Nations for the first time, says Michelle Bachelet, former president of Chile and candidate to head the multilateral organisation.

RACE FOR UN SECRETARY GENERAL

Rafael Mariano Grossi: Renewing the promise – a United Nations that works

27-11-2025 00:03 "The world still needs the United Nations – but it must be a United Nations that works," says Rafael Mariano Grossi, candidate for Secretary-General of the top international body, in his vision statement, to which the Times gained access.

UNITED NATIONS

Argentina formally backs Rafael Grossi’s candidacy for UN secretary-general

26-11-2025 23:50 President Javier Milei’s government puts forward the IAEA chief as a contender to succeed António Guterres in 2027, betting his technical profile, experience with global crises and diplomatic backing will win out in a pivotal year for the United Nations.

INTERVIEW

Rafael Grossi, diplomat in running to head UN, warns of increased nuclear risk

22-11-2025 06:33 Director-general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) says nuclear policy of mutual dissuasion, which has worked for many decades, seems to be eroding; “The hypothesis of a nuclear conflict cannot be excluded,” he warns.

by Jorge Fontevecchia

INTERNATIONAL DIPLOMACY

Rafael Grossi confirms candidacy for UN secretary-general

28-08-2025 18:18 Veteran Argentine diplomat and current head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, UN’s nuclear body, puts an end to months of speculation about a run for top global diplomatic position.

MULTILATERALISM

UN atomic boss achieves gender parity – just don’t call it DEI

11-06-2025 17:52 Argentine diplomat Rafael Mariano Grossi, a top candidate to become the next United Nations secretary general, has achieved gender parity at the International Atomic Energy Agency in record time.

MULTILATERALISM

IAEA chief Grossi voices interest in UN secretary-general post

24-04-2025 00:47 UN nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi says he is "very seriously" considering a run to become UN secretary-general when the position opens up in 2027.

FUTURE OF UNITED NATIONS

Four Latin Americans who could become the UN’s next leader

10-04-2025 15:57 Latin American and Caribbean nations will seek to unite behind a single candidate in the contest to lead the United Nations, a move that see the first-ever female secretary-general.