Grossi Highlights Strengths That Set Him Apart from Other Candidates for UN Secretary-General

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General and candidate for United Nations Secretary-General Rafael Grossi stated that there is a prevailing view that the United Nations has failed in dealing with international crises.

Grossi said in an interview with "RIA Novosti": "There is a widespread belief that the United Nations does not rise to the level of these challenges, and that there is a shortfall in the work of the organization, specifically the Secretariat, in addressing the numerous crises we face today."

According to Grossi, the process of selecting a head for the organization differs from previous ones due to high levels of international tension, ongoing wars, and doubts surrounding the UN's ability to respond to current events.

Grossi believes that the experience of the IAEA, which he heads, proves that international organizations are capable of achieving practical results even when dealing with complex issues.

Grossi concluded by saying: "It is true that our scope of work is narrower, limited to preventing nuclear proliferation, nuclear weapons issues, peaceful nuclear materials, and nuclear energy, but this experience can also be applied in New York, where the circle of tasks widens and problems become far more numerous."

This comes at a time when the Security Council continues its procedures for selecting the next Secretary-General. According to Article 97 of the UN Charter, the General Assembly appoints the Secretary-General upon the recommendation of the Security Council, a recommendation that requires the support of at least nine members, including all permanent members.

The Russian Foreign Ministry confirmed that the new UN Secretary-General will face complex and broad challenges, and therefore there is no preferred candidate for the position yet.

It is worth noting that the second and final term of current Secretary-General Antonio Guterres ends on December 31, 2026.