Ecuadorian diplomat A-Baki enters UN Secretary-General race

Ecuadorian diplomat Ivonne A-Baki has officially entered the race to become the next United Nations Secretary-General, adding her name to a growing list of candidates. The former Trade Minister of Ecuador, who also represented her country in the United States, was nominated by Tonga.

A-Baki, whose parents were Lebanese, emphasized her unique position as the only candidate whose heritage connects Latin America and the Middle East. She also highlighted her instrumental role in the 1998 peace agreement between Ecuador and Peru. "I am prepared to help renew the founding promise of the UN Charter: to save future generations from the scourge of war in a world where conflicts continue to rise," she stated.

With A-Baki's entry, there are now eight candidates in the running to succeed the current Secretary-General, António Guterres, whose second five-year term concludes on December 31, 2026. The field includes five women and three men, with nominations remaining open for potential late entries.

Tonga's nomination highlighted A-Baki's extensive experience, including her roles as minister, Ecuador's first female ambassador to Washington, and ambassador to Qatar. The nominating country also noted her leadership in international initiatives focused on sustainable development and intercultural dialogue, bridging connections between Latin America, the Arab world, Africa, and Europe.

A-Baki was also known for her efforts to prevent oil exploitation in the Yasuní Amazonian reserve in exchange for international contributions, a plan that was ultimately shelved in 2013 by then-President Rafael Correa. The article also mentions other candidates, including Rebeca Grynspan of Costa Rica, who led the initial exploratory vote, and notes the diplomatic reluctance to predict an outcome due to the influence of the five permanent Security Council members.

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I am prepared to help renew the founding promise of the UN Charter: to save future generations from the scourge of war in a world where conflicts continue to rise.