Rafael Grossi signals intent to seek 2027 UN secretary-general post

Argentine diplomat and nuclear watchdog chief Grossi signals serious interest in top UN post.

Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), reacts before the start of the quarterly Board of Governors meeting at the agency's headquarters in Vienna, Austria, on March 3, 2025. Photo by Alex Halada/AFP

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Rafael Grossi, director-general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), confirmed on Wednesday that he is seriously considering running for the position of United Nations secretary-general when Antonio Guterres steps down in 2026. Grossi’s statement, delivered during a visit to Washington, signals an early and noteworthy entry into a race that could see Latin America take its turn at the helm of the global body.

The 64-year-old Argentine diplomat, a seasoned figure in international nuclear diplomacy, made the declaration in response to a question from reporters. “I’m considering that very, very seriously,” Grossi said, acknowledging that while the time for formal declarations has not yet arrived, the prospect is clearly on his radar.

“The time will come to get into that type of discussion,” he added, suggesting that his deliberations are part of a broader strategy in anticipation of a 2027 transition.

A Latin American turn in UN leadership?

Traditionally, the position of UN secretary-general rotates by region. With Guterres, a European, completing his second term at the end of 2026, the diplomatic consensus points toward Latin America as the next region to assume the role. This regional shift opens the door for figures like Rafael Grossi, who has spent decades building a reputation for steady, pragmatic diplomacy in complex international arenas.

Grossi would be only the second Latin American to lead the United Nations if selected, following Peruvian diplomat Javier Pérez de Cuéllar, who served from 1982 to 1991. A potential Grossi candidacy would likely draw on his extensive network within international institutions and his established reputation for neutrality and effectiveness in tense geopolitical environments.

A nuclear diplomat on the global stage

Since taking the helm of the IAEA in late 2019, Rafael Grossi has been a central figure in global nuclear diplomacy, particularly with regard to Iran’s controversial nuclear program. His leadership has also drawn global attention in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, as he has overseen critical inspections and diplomatic missions to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant—Europe’s largest—which has been under Russian control since early 2022.

Grossi has personally visited the Zaporizhzhia site on several occasions, emphasizing the IAEA’s commitment to nuclear safety even under the most dangerous and politically charged conditions. His talks with both Ukrainian and Russian officials have positioned him as one of the few international figures able to maintain dialogue with both sides of the conflict.

In addition to his IAEA leadership, Grossi served as the agency’s chief of staff before representing Argentina as its ambassador to Austria. His career has been defined by a consistent focus on arms control, nonproliferation, and the role of international institutions in conflict mediation and peacebuilding.

Geopolitical hurdles and big power politics

The road to becoming UN secretary-general is rarely straightforward. Candidates must secure broad international support, particularly from the five permanent members of the Security Council—China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Any one of these countries can veto a candidate, making the process inherently political and often opaque.

Grossi’s ability to maintain working relationships with both Western powers and countries like Russia and China may give him an advantage in building a cross-regional coalition. However, his visible role in contentious areas such as Iran’s nuclear ambitions and Ukraine’s nuclear safety also means he could face resistance depending on how political dynamics shift over the next two years.

Other names in the mix

Grossi’s interest in the position comes as other prominent Latin American figures also appear to be considering a bid. Michelle Bachelet, the former Chilean president and one-time UN high commissioner for human rights, hinted at her own interest in the role during a recent United Nations event.

Bachelet, who served two non-consecutive terms as president of Chile and is widely respected within the UN system, would be a historic candidate as the first woman to lead the United Nations. However, her tenure as human rights commissioner was not without controversy. A 2022 visit to China, including to the Xinjiang region where human rights groups allege abuses against Uyghur Muslims, drew widespread criticism and complicated her global standing.

Bachelet’s potential candidacy, like Grossi’s, would bring a mix of experience and challenges, setting up a competitive field as 2026 approaches.

Latin America's bid for global influence

The possibility of a Latin American figure assuming the top UN post reflects a broader desire in the region for greater visibility and leadership on the international stage. Despite contributing significantly to UN peacekeeping and diplomacy, Latin American countries have often found themselves sidelined in global power dynamics dominated by the U.S., China, Russia, and Europe.

Grossi’s candidacy would symbolize a recalibration of that balance. His long-standing engagement with global nuclear governance, coupled with his quiet but firm diplomacy, could position him as a bridge-builder at a time of growing international fragmentation.

A crucial decision for the future of the UN

With the United Nations facing existential challenges—from climate change and mass displacement to geopolitical rivalries and crises of multilateralism—the next secretary-general will be tasked with redefining the institution’s role in the 21st century.

Rafael Grossi’s potential candidacy for UN secretary-general in 2027 offers a glimpse of a leadership style grounded in scientific expertise, diplomatic experience, and crisis management. Whether that vision aligns with the political realities of the Security Council and the broader General Assembly remains to be seen.

But with Latin America ready for its turn and the IAEA chief openly exploring the possibility, the conversation around the future of the United Nations has already begun.