Argentina Nominates IAEA Chief Rafael Grossi for UN Secretary-General Role

Argentina Puts Forward IAEA Head for Top UN Post

Argentina has officially nominated Ambassador Rafael M. Grossi, the current Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), as its candidate for the United Nations Secretary-General for the 2027–2031 term. The announcement was made by the Argentine Foreign Ministry on November 27, 2025, emphasizing Grossi's distinguished career and leadership in global diplomacy.

Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno formally presented the candidacy, describing it as 'an honor and a privilege' and highlighting Grossi's international recognition for his 'extraordinary work' at the IAEA. The nomination underscores Grossi's proven ability to foster political dialogue amidst conflicts and serious international crises, making him, in Argentina's view, a suitable candidate to lead the global body.

Rafael Grossi's Extensive Diplomatic Background

Rafael M. Grossi assumed office as the Director General of the IAEA on December 3, 2019, and was re-elected for a second term in 2023. He is an Argentine diplomat with over 35 to 40 years of experience in the fields of non-proliferation, disarmament, and international relations. His career includes serving as Argentina's Ambassador to Austria and its representative to the IAEA and other Vienna-based international organizations from 2013 to 2019.

The Argentine government's statement praised Grossi's 'open, efficient, present, and results-oriented management' at the IAEA, which has contributed significantly to international peace and security. His deep knowledge of the multilateral system, technical and linguistic competence, and commitment to the UN Charter were also cited as key qualifications.

The UN Secretary-General Selection Process

The United Nations formally initiated the selection process for its next Secretary-General on November 25, 2025. A joint letter from the UN Security Council and the General Assembly invited all 193 member states to submit nominations to replace current Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, whose term concludes on December 31, 2026.

Key aspects of the selection process include:

• Candidates must be nominated by a member state, with each country able to nominate only one contender.
• Nominees are required to present a vision statement and declare their sources of income.
• The election is anticipated to occur in late July 2026.
• The Secretary-General is elected by the Security Council and approved by the General Assembly for a five-year term, with the possibility of re-election.
• There is an informal tradition of geographical rotation, and the upcoming term is considered by some to be Latin America's turn.
• UN leadership has also called on member states to 'strongly consider nominating women,' noting that no woman has ever held the position.

Other potential candidates whose names have been circulated include Rebeca Grynspan, Secretary General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), and former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet.