Feb 2, 2026, 3:19 p.mFeb 2, 2026, 3:19 p.m
Chile’s former president Michelle Bachelet wants to become secretary general of the United Nations. The 74-year-old has been officially registered as a candidate for the highest leadership post at the UN, said Chilean President Gabriel Boric.
Michelle Bachelet wants to become Secretary General of the United Nations.Image: imago
Bachelet’s application is supported by Brazil and Mexico, the most populous countries in Latin America.
The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Argentine Rafael Grossi, had already made his candidacy to succeed UN Secretary-General António Guterres official. Former Vice President of Costa Rica, Rebeca Grynspan, has also expressed interest.
The United Nations has never been led by a woman
The office traditionally rotates between the world regions. Next up would be Latin America. To date, the United Nations has never been led by a woman. The position will be filled on January 1, 2027.
Bachelet was President of Chile from 2006 to 2010 and from 2014 to 2018. She then headed the UN Human Rights Commission for four years.
Despite the difficulties characterized by a challenging geopolitical environment, she continues to focus on strengthening the instruments of multilateralism and modernizing the United Nations, “which we recognize as the world’s most important place for meeting, dialogue and the search for common solutions,” said Bachelet in her first speech as a candidate for the office of UN Secretary General. (sda/dpa)