Barbados PM Mia Mottley Gains Ground in Race for UN Secretary-General

Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley is rumored to be a top contender for the United Nations Secretary-General position, with selection due in 2026.

Despite no official statement, insiders suggest Mottley is likely to be the favored candidate. With the role historically cycling through different global regions, the next Secretary-General is anticipated to hail from Latin America or the Caribbean, favoring Mottley's candidacy.

Push for Female Leadership

As the position has never been held by a woman in its 78-year history, there's significant pressure to appoint a female candidate. Mottley meets this crucial criterion, standing out among potential candidates.

Names like former Colombian president Juan Manuel Santos, Argentinian diplomat Rafael Grossi, and high-level UN officials Alicia Bárcena, Rebeca Grynspan, and Maria Fernanda Espinosa Garcés are also circulating as potential successors to current Secretary-General António Guterres.

Gonsalves Pledges Support

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines' Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves voiced his support for Mottley, stating: “I think she would make a great Secretary-General. Whatever she does, I will support her.”

Mottley, who has served as Prime Minister since 2018, is internationally acclaimed for efforts in severing her nation’s colonial ties and addressing issues like slavery reparations, climate change, and global financial institution reform. Her candor and refusal to pander to powerful groups have made her a popular choice. One UN diplomat expressed they would “jump up and down” with excitement if she were selected.