Former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet defended her record in supporting women's rights as part of her candidacy for the position of Secretary-General of the United Nations, amid pressure from American Republican representatives to oppose her nomination because of her positions on abortion. This comes at a time when four candidates are competing to lead the international organization, in light of calls to reform it and enhance its global role.

Published on: 04/22/2026 - 05:09 Last updated: 04/22/2026 - 05:26

Former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet confirmed her support for women's rights as part of her candidacy for the position of Secretary-General of the United Nations, amid calls for Washington to oppose her nomination because of her positions on abortion.

Bachelet (74 years old) is among four candidates to lead the international organization starting next year.

She told journalists that she had seen a letter signed by more than 20 US Republican representatives accusing her of "prioritizing an extremist abortion policy" and calling on Washington to block her nomination.

Bachelet, who twice assumed the presidency of Chile and previously served as the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, added, "I will always stand by women," adding that her duties if she assumes the position include implementing the organization's programs related to women's rights.

Her comments came after a three-hour hearing in New York, where she said, "We must continue to make progress on women's rights."

Participating in the race are Argentinian Rafael Grossi, Costa Rican Rebecca Greenspan, and Senegalese Macky Sall, to assume leadership of the organization for a period of five years, which can be extended.

The possibility of other candidates remaining in the coming months remains, although the number of current candidates is much lower compared to 2016, when current Secretary-General António Guterres was chosen from among 13 candidates.

The United Nations has been witnessing a decline in its standing in recent years, with pressure from major powers to implement reforms and cut costs.

The next Secretary-General awaits the task of revitalizing the Organization in light of these challenges.

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Rafael Grossi (65 years old) is a veteran diplomat, speaks English, Spanish, French and Italian, and has headed the International Atomic Energy Agency for six years.

During a session before representatives of member states and civil society, he said that reform is moving in the right direction but is still at its beginning.

"This organization was not created to be an institution that spreads messages from an ivory tower. It is supposed to work on solving problems on the ground," he added.

He continued, saying, "We must convince everyone that the United Nations is the best possible investment, much better than wars and cheaper than them as well."

Rebecca Greenspan (70 years old) is Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, was Vice President of Costa Rica, and presents herself as a reformist candidate.

"I don't expect special treatment. I want equal treatment," she said.

As for Macky Sall (64 years old), who assumed the presidency of Senegal for 12 years until 2024, he advocates development in Africa and support for countries burdened by debt.

He said on the “X” platform, “Multilateralism in its renewed form remains the best way to deal with the challenges of a world that is witnessing a complete transformation.”

Greenspan and Sall are scheduled to face questions from member states and civil society representatives on Wednesday.

No woman has held the position of Secretary-General since the founding of the United Nations nearly 80 years ago.

It is customary to rotate the position between regions, making the role this time for Latin America.

An unwritten rule stipulates that the Secretary-General is not chosen from among the five permanent members of the Security Council: Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States.

France 24/Reuters

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