Argentina nominates IAEA chief to lead UN

Argentina has formally put forward the candidacy of Rafael Grossi, the current Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), for the position of United Nations Secretary-General for the 2027–2031 term, the Argentine Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on November 27, 2025.

The Argentine foreign ministry described Grossi as a seasoned diplomat with over forty years of experience in the country’s diplomatic service, who is currently serving his second term as head of the IAEA. The ministry emphasised that his career reflects a significant contribution to global security and international cooperation.

The official statement highlights that “his principal achievements have been aimed at promoting international peace and security through open, effective, and proactive leadership that delivers tangible results.”

Buenos Aires also underscored Grossi’s “ability to facilitate diplomatic dialogue, proven performance in conflict situations and major international crises as an impartial and effective mediator, technical and linguistic expertise, and commitment to the UN Charter,” presenting him as, in Argentina’s view, the most suitable candidate to lead the UN under current global conditions.

For context, António Guterres has served as UN Secretary-General since 2017 and was re-elected for a second term in 2023. Prior to this role, he was Prime Minister of Portugal from 1995 to 2002 and held the position of UN High Commissioner for Refugees from 2005 to 2015.

By Tamilla Hasanova