IAEA chief signals interest in UN secretary-general role

Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), has expressed interest in becoming the next United Nations Secretary-General, saying the role should prioritise problem-solving diplomacy over public condemnation of states.

Speaking at a press briefing in Vienna, Grossi said the UN chief should act as a facilitator rather than a moral arbiter, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media. 

“In my opinion, the secretary general is not there like a lay pope or a judge. The secretary general is there to solve problems,” he said.

The 65-year-old Argentine diplomat, one of the most prominent figures among potential candidates for the post, emphasised what he described as a more pragmatic and engagement-focused leadership style.

“I believe in a hands-on secretary general more than one that raises fingers and points,” he added.

Grossi argued that effective diplomacy requires maintaining communication with all parties, including political actors accused of serious wrongdoing. He said that designating actors as criminals risks closing channels of dialogue and preventing negotiated solutions.

As an example of his approach, Grossi pointed to his role in facilitating talks between Russia and Ukraine in relation to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. Under the IAEA’s supervision, limited ceasefires have been arranged in the area to enable repair work and reduce the risk of a nuclear incident.

In his capacity as IAEA chief, Grossi has avoided directly assigning blame over the occupation of the facility, focusing instead on maintaining technical cooperation and access to ensure nuclear safety.

The United Nations is expected to begin informal discussions in the coming period on potential candidates for the next Secretary-General, as the current term of António Guterres approaches its final phase.

By Sabina Mammadli