Maldives nominates Argentine Diplomat for UN Chief, undercutting Argentina’s own candidate

The Maldives has formally nominated an Argentine diplomat for the position of United Nations Secretary-General, despite the Argentine government having already proposed a different candidate from its own country for the same role.

To succeed the incumbent Secretary-General, António Guterres, the Government of Argentina had officially put forward the name of Rafael Grossi, the current Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

However, according to the Buenos Aires Times, citing a UN official, Argentine diplomat Virginia Gamba has officially entered the race to become the next UN chief following her nomination by the Maldives.

The term of the current Secretary-General, António Guterres of Portugal, is nearing its conclusion, and the successor is expected to assume office on 1 January 2027.

While the position of UN Secretary-General typically rotates among global regions, there is an informal understanding that the next appointment will likely come from the Latin American and Caribbean region. It is noted, however, that this regional rotation has not always been strictly followed in the past.

In addition to the 72-year-old Gamba, other prominent figures vying for the post include former Senegal President Macky Sall, former Costa Rica Vice President Rebeca Grynspan, former Chile President Michelle Bachelet, and Argentina’s Rafael Grossi.

Despite Gamba being nominated by the Maldives, the administration of Argentine President Javier Milei remains committed to supporting Rafael Grossi. Under UN procedures, candidates are traditionally nominated by an individual member state or a regional bloc.

An expert in international relations, speaking on the condition of anonymity, described the Maldives’ move as embarrassing, suggesting it could lead the international community to view the Maldives’ foreign policy as inconsistent or unprofessional.

While UN regulations do not explicitly prohibit a country from nominating a national of another state, it is standard diplomatic practice for candidates to be proposed by their own respective governments, the expert noted.

The source further cautioned that this decision has the potential to create diplomatic friction between the governments of Argentina and the Maldives.

Sources familiar with the matter indicated that the Maldives’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs submitted Gamba’s name to the UN following a directive from the President’s Office. It was further alleged that the Foreign Ministry’s professional counsel was not sought regarding this decision. The specific motivation behind the Maldives’ intervention in the selection process, particularly during a period favoring Latin American leadership, remains unclear.

Both Argentine candidates in the race have emphasized the need for the United Nations to play a more robust role in conflict resolution, especially as global tensions and hostilities continue to escalate.

The United Nations Security Council is responsible for recommending a candidate to the General Assembly. The decision will be heavily influenced by the five permanent members with veto power: the United States, China, Russia, the United Kingdom, and France. The formal selection process within the Security Council is expected to commence by July.

The Secretary-General is appointed by the General Assembly upon the recommendation of the Security Council for a five-year term, with the possibility of renewal for a second term.