UN Leadership Race: IAEA Chief Grossi Calls for 'Less Fat, More Muscle,' Expresses Disappointment with Brazil's Support for Bachelet

Argentina - Ekhbary News Agency

Grossi Seeks UN Top Job: Advocates Reform, Laments Brazil's Support for Rival

Rafael Grossi, the Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and a prominent contender for the United Nations Secretary-General position, has articulated a vision for a more efficient and impactful UN. Speaking on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, Grossi stressed the need for the organization to shed bureaucratic excess, calling for "less fat and more muscle." This sentiment reflects his advocacy for significant reforms, including the consolidation of mandates and a reduction in administrative bloat, aimed at enhancing the UN's operational effectiveness in a complex global landscape.

Adding a personal dimension to his campaign, Grossi revealed his "very painful" disappointment over Brazil's decision to back his rival, former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet. "The process will evolve, and perhaps at some point, I will have this support from Brazil," he stated, expressing a hope that diplomatic alignments might shift. His remarks come at a critical juncture for the UN, which faces profound questions about its relevance, decision-making power, and financial sustainability. The organization is currently navigating the complex selection process for a new Secretary-General to succeed António Guterres, a process that culminates in a Security Council vote where permanent members hold veto power.

The geopolitical divisions are starkly evident in the race. The administration of Brazilian President Lula da Silva has officially endorsed Bachelet, while Argentina's far-right President Javier Milei champions Grossi. This divergence highlights differing political ideologies and strategic interests within Latin America and on the global stage. Grossi, seeking to distance himself from partisan politics, clarified his position: "I am not a right-wing candidate; I am an independent international civil servant. This means Argentina is not presenting its Minister of Foreign Affairs or a friend of President Javier Milei." He underscored his 40-year diplomatic career, much of it closely aligned with Brazil, asserting his professional independence from any specific political viewpoint.

Grossi addressed the broader context of the UN's challenges, acknowledging the widespread skepticism regarding its effectiveness. "We are at a very low point," he admitted, referencing the global conflicts and fragmentation that test the UN's capacity to deliver value. He believes the upcoming election is one of the most decisive in the organization's history, emphasizing the need for a leader who can restore credibility and re-establish strong connections with major global powers, particularly the United States, a key financial contributor. The US withdrawal or suspension of funding has significantly impacted the UN's budget, which it funds to the tune of 22% or more. Grossi suggested that while the US position is crucial, other major nations like Brazil, South Africa, India, Japan, and Germany must also reaffirm their commitment to the UN's mission.

Regarding the push for gender equality in leadership roles, with Brazil advocating for a female Secretary-General, Grossi affirmed his belief in equality. He stated that the presence of female candidates perfectly upholds this principle, but argued that the focus should be on selecting the most capable leader, rather than adhering to a rotational "turn" system. He pointed to his tenure at the IAEA, where he successfully increased the representation of women in senior decision-making positions from 28% to 53%, demonstrating tangible progress in gender parity within his agency.

On the contentious issue of Security Council reform, Grossi reiterated that this is a political process driven by member states, not the Secretary-General. While acknowledging the legitimacy of Brazil's aspiration for a permanent seat, he noted that any reform requires a consensus configuration acceptable to all regions. However, he emphasized that the more pressing dimension is defining the UN's future role and operational framework. "What UN do we want? How do we want it to act?" he posed, suggesting a need for strategic resizing and redirection to ensure the organization remains relevant and effective in addressing 21st-century challenges.

When pressed about the possibility of being Donald Trump's candidate, Grossi deemed such speculation "arrogant," expressing a desire for broad support from all decisive nations. He maintained respect for Brazil's current stance but reiterated his hope for their eventual endorsement, acknowledging the personal difficulty given his long-standing ties with the country. His campaign hinges on demonstrating his capacity to navigate complex international relations, reform bureaucratic structures, and restore faith in multilateralism.

Ekhbary News Agency