Ecuadorian Diplomat Ivonne Baki Joins Race for UN Secretary-General

Ivonne Baki, a seasoned Ecuadorian diplomat and former trade minister, has officially entered the competition to lead the United Nations. Her nomination, put forth by the Pacific island nation of Tonga, marks her as the eighth individual vying for the prestigious position of Secretary-General, set to succeed Antonio Guterres next year.

Baki, who has previously served Ecuador as a government minister and as an ambassador to France, Qatar, and the United States, expressed her readiness to contribute to the renewal of the UN Charter’s core mission. “I stand ready to help renew the UN Charter’s foundational promise: to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war in a world where conflict continues to grow,” Baki stated on the social media platform X.

She emphasized her commitment to bringing “outside perspectives, fresh ideas, new talent, and an unyielding commitment to shift the world body away from a focus on process and move instead toward achieving real, measurable results.” Baki also indicated that her candidacy has garnered support from the United States, noting her prior relationships with former Presidents Donald Trump and Bill Clinton.

Tonga’s UN ambassador, Viliami Va’inga Tone, highlighted Baki’s suitability for the role, stating that the UN requires “experienced, principled and unifying leadership” during this critical transitional period. He expressed confidence in her ability to mobilize the UN and the international community to bolster multilateralism.

The selection process is ongoing, with Denmark, currently chairing the UN Security Council, planning further informal polls among council members. Antonio Guterres will conclude his second five-year term at the end of the year. Early informal polls have indicated Rebeca Grynspan, former Vice President of Costa Rica, as a frontrunner, with other notable candidates including Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett of Guyana and Rafael Grossi of Argentina.

The eventual nominee must navigate the complex political landscape of the Security Council’s five permanent members, whose differing worldviews could lead to vetoes. The process is expected to continue for several weeks, potentially concluding in late September or early October, depending on the emergence of a consensus candidate. Other declared candidates include Michelle Bachelet, Maria Fernanda Espinosa, Macky Sall, and Olara Otunnu.

This information is based on a report from the Daily Monitor.