Grossi Warns of UN's 'Slow Death' Amid Race for Secretary-Generalship
Rafael Grossi, director-general of the IAEA, warned that the United Nations is losing its relevance and facing a 'slow death,' arguing it no longer effectively resolves modern conflicts. His bleak assessment comes as he campaigns for the Secretary-General position, coinciding with crucial Security Council voting rounds to succeed António Guterres.
Heated Voting for UN Leadership
In an interview with the Financial Times, Grossi stated the immediate risk isn't collapse but a gradual demise where the body fails to address new wars. The first confidential ballot was held among seven candidates, including Chile’s Michelle Bachelet, Ecuador’s María Fernanda Espinosa, Uganda’s Amina Mohammed, Grossi, and three others representing diverse global regions.
Timeline and Reform Calls
The selection process aims to appoint a successor before Guterres’s term ends in late 2026, with the General Assembly holding final approval powers over the Security Council’s recommendation. Meanwhile, Russia has voiced support for carefully considered reforms to strengthen the Security Council’s authority, as the seven candidates vie for the influential role amid escalating global challenges.
This pivotal stage in global governance highlights the urgent need for renewed leadership to revitalize the UN’s capacity for peacekeeping and stability in an increasingly complex international landscape.
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