Lebanese-Ecuadorian diplomat vies for UN leadership

Ecuador's Ivonne A-Baki, a seasoned diplomat with Lebanese roots, has entered the race to lead the United Nations, according to a letter from the head of the General Assembly. Nominated by Tonga, the former foreign trade minister is among a growing number of candidates seeking to head the international organization, which faces significant global divisions and financial challenges. A-Baki, who previously represented Ecuador in the United States, played a key role in mediating dialogue between Ecuador and Peru after their brief border war in 1995. She is one of five women and three men currently running to succeed Antonio Guterres, whose second five-year term concludes on December 31, 2026. Nominations remain open, potentially allowing for more candidates to join the race. Tonga's nomination highlighted A-Baki's experience as a cabinet minister and her distinction as Ecuador's first female ambassador to Washington, as well as her ambassadorship to Qatar. "I have lived through the ravages of war," A-Baki stated on X. "As the only candidate whose heritage bridges Latin America and the Middle East, and the only nominee to have helped broker a peace agreement between two sovereign U.N. member states, I stand ready to help renew the U.N. Charter's foundational promise: to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war in a world where conflict continues to grow." A-Baki was previously involved in a plan to prevent oil exploitation in an Amazon reserve, which aimed to secure substantial international funding. However, this environmental initiative was shelved in 2013 by then-President Rafael Correa, who authorized crude extraction in the Yasuni National Park after deeming the plan economically unviable. The UN Security Council recently conducted its first "straw poll" to assess support among the seven candidates at that time. Rebeca Grynspan, a United Nations insider, reportedly led after the initial round. Other nominees include Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett (Guyana), Rafael Grossi (Argentina), Michelle Bachelet (Chile), Maria Fernanda Espinosa (Ecuador), Olara Otunnu (Uganda), and Macky Sall (Senegal). While IAEA chief Grossi possesses strong name recognition, observers suggest no clear frontrunner has emerged in what could be a lengthy contest. Diplomats are hesitant to predict an outcome, as the five permanent members of the Security Council, the United States, Russia, China, France, and the United Kingdom, have yet to reveal their preferences. A candidate must secure the required nine votes from the 15 council members and avoid a veto from any of the major powers, which are currently deeply divided. Following Security Council approval, the chosen candidate's name will be presented to the General Assembly for confirmation by all UN member states.

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I have lived through the ravages of war. As the only candidate whose heritage bridges Latin America and the Middle East, and the only nominee to have helped broker a peace agreement between two sovereign U.N. member states, I stand ready to help renew the U.N. Charter's foundational promise: to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war in a world where conflict continues to grow.