So far, in the UN website, only his credentials are posted, the other contenders are Michelle Bachelet, former president of Chile and former head of the UN Human Rights agency, and Rebeca Grynspan, the current head of UNCTAD.

How do they compare?

Rafael Mariano Grossi

Rafael Mariano Grossi is an internationally recognised leader of multilateral organisations, with more than four decades of senior-level experience in international governance, diplomacy, and institutional management. He currently serves as Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the United Nations body responsible for preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons while advancing the peaceful uses of nuclear science and technology in support of international peace, security, and sustainable development.

Since his unanimous appointment as Director General in 2019, and his re-election in 2024, Mr. Grossi has led the IAEA through a period of unprecedented geopolitical tension and institutional demand. Under his leadership, the Agency has strengthened its credibility as an impartial, technically authoritative, and operationally effective international organisation, capable of delivering results even in highly polarised environments. He has consistently exercised his good offices to facilitate dialogue and reduce risk in situations of international tension across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, reinforcing the IAEA’s role as a trusted broker within the multilateral system.

Mr. Grossi’s tenure has been marked by a strong emphasis on institutional integrity, evidence-based decision-making, and consensus-building among Member States. He has played a central role in sustaining nuclear safeguards and transparency under increasingly challenging conditions, at a time of mounting pressure on the global non-proliferation regime. His leadership style combines diplomatic judgement with operational clarity, enabling the Agency to remain effective while preserving its neutrality and technical authority.

Beyond peace and security, Mr. Grossi has positioned the IAEA as a key development-oriented organisation within the UN system. He has spearheaded the launch of flagship initiatives that demonstrate how multilateral institutions can deliver concrete impact aligned with national priorities. These include Atoms4Food to support food security and agriculture; Rays of Hope and ZODIAC to expand cancer care and strengthen preparedness against zoonotic diseases; NUTEC Plastics to address plastic pollution; and Atoms for Net Zero to support clean energy transitions. Together, these initiatives have reinforced the Agency’s role at the intersection of science, development, and public policy.

A defining feature of Mr. Grossi’s leadership has been his ability to modernise and expand an international organisation’s reach without increasing its regular budget. By strengthening partnerships and forging innovative cooperation with International Financial Institutions—including landmark agreements with the World Bank and regional development banks—he has diversified funding sources and mobilised additional resources for peaceful nuclear applications. This approach reflects a disciplined commitment to financial prudence, efficiency, and results-driven multilateralism.

Mr. Grossi has also demonstrated sustained leadership in institutional culture and talent management. Under his direction, the IAEA achieved full gender parity at the professional level, increasing the representation of women from 29 per cent to 50 per cent within five years. He established flagship programmes to strengthen women’s participation in science and international organisations, including the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship Programme and the Lise Meitner Programme. His efforts in this area have been internationally recognised, including through the 2025 Changemaker Award from Women in Nuclear. He is an International Gender Champion.

Prior to leading the IAEA, Mr. Grossi held senior leadership roles across key international organisations. He served as Chief of Cabinet at the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), Assistant Director General for Policy and Chief of Cabinet at the IAEA, and Ambassador of Argentina to Austria, Slovenia and Slovakia, as well as Representative to Vienna-based international organisations, including UNODC, UNIDO and the CTBTO. He also presided over major multilateral processes, including the Nuclear Suppliers Group and the Diplomatic Conference of the Convention on Nuclear Safety, where he secured unanimous adoption of the Vienna Declaration on Nuclear Safety.

Mr. Grossi holds a PhD and a Master’s degree in International Relations, International History and Politics from the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Geneva. He speaks seven languages and has received numerous international honours in recognition of his contributions to multilateral cooperation, international peace, nuclear safety, and institutional leadership.

Throughout his career, Rafael Mariano Grossi has demonstrated the capacity to lead complex international organisations with credibility, independence, and effectiveness—strengthening multilateral institutions so they can deliver tangible results in service of peace, security, and sustainable development.

PS.: Video excerpt is from his statement, a few months ago, on his visit to Iran to discuss issues of great political sensitivity with Iranian government officials.

So far, in the UN website, only his credentials are posted, the other contenders are Michelle Bachelet, former president of Chile and former head of the UN Human Rights agency, and Rebeca Grynspan, the current head of UNCTAD.

How do they compare?

Here is an analysis of Rafael Mariano Grossi’s vision statement in comparison with other known (publicly reported) priorities of significant 2026 UN Secretary-General contenders such as Michelle Bachelet and Rebeca Grynspan.

Context: Under the 2026 UN Secretary-General selection process, candidates are expected to publish a vision statement outlining how they would lead the United Nations; this is a requirement reflected in recent reforms to the selection process. (United Nations)

I. Core Themes in Grossi’s Vision Statement

Grossi foregrounds renewal, results, and pragmatism:

1. UN at an Inflection Point / Renewal

* He frames the UN as relevant but ineffective without reform, stressing operational credibility over rhetoric.

* Calls for a results-oriented, impartial, fact-based UN, not mere declarations.

* Emphasises UN80 initiatives as a foundation for transformation. (United Nations)

2. Peace and Security

* Grossi places effective action for peace and security as the top priority, urging early, evidence-based diplomatic engagement and impartial expertise.

* He especially underscores the Secretary-General’s role in coordinating with the Security Council and Member States with clarity and prudence. (United Nations)

3. Development through Partnerships and Realism

* Recognises the SDGs are off-track and advocates for grounded, sectoral approaches, measurable progress, and partnerships with civil society, private sector, and science communities.

* Encourages stronger engagement with international financial institutions for coherent development support.

* Prioritises tangible access to basic public goods (health, food, water, energy, education) rather than abstract goals. (United Nations)

4. Human Rights and Dignity

* Frames human rights as foundational to peace and development, insisting on effective mechanisms that go beyond declarations, with a focus on women’s rights, youth participation, and civic space. (United Nations)

5. Institutional Reform and Management

* Emphasises performance-driven renewal, eliminating duplication, improved coordination, digitization, and aligning structure with Member State priorities.

* Calls for rightsizing the organization based on mission and resources, not bureaucracy. (United Nations)

6. Principled, Pragmatic Multilateralism

* Grossi’s overarching narrative is that the UN must be credible, impartial, engaged, and effective, with leadership that listens, acts decisively, and delivers results grounded in core Charter values. (United Nations)

Summary of Grossi’s Vision Tone & PositioningHis statement is administratively and operationally focused. It prioritises pragmatism, measurable outcomes, institutional coherence, peace and security, development effectiveness, and institutional credibility grounded in fact-based action rather than ideological framing. (United Nations)

II. Comparisons with Other Major Contenders (Publicly Reported Positions)

At present, full published vision statements for other declared or nominated candidates are not widely available online (unlike Grossi’s). However, based on publicly reported speeches, campaign coverage, and reported priorities, we can highlight key contrasts and emphases:

1. Michelle Bachelet (Chile)

While a formal vision statement text is not yet publicly available, Chile’s nomination and Bachelet’s public remarks highlight the following priorities:

A. Gender and Representation

* Her campaign is strongly associated with breaking the 80-year absence of a woman Secretary-General, underscoring gender equality as integral to legitimacy and leadership. (UPI)

B. Human Rights and Inclusive Multilateralism

* Her background as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights implies a leadership focus on human rights, inclusion, equality, and democratic norms. This theme pervades her public presence. (Idea)

C. Values-Driven Leadership

* Bachelet’s narrative is likely to emphasise values, inclusivity, and diplomacy that bridges North–South and East–West divides — building collective solutions. (PassBlue)

Contrast with Grossi

* Grossi is more institutional and operational in tone, focusing on efficiency and measurable outcomes.

* Bachelet (based on public campaign framing) is associated with normative leadership, equality, and human rights as central pillars of multilateral effectiveness.

2. Rebeca Grynspan (Costa Rica)

Although no full vision statement has been publicly published, statements and reporting on her campaign projections suggest:

A. Restoring Trust & Multilateral Credibility

* Grynspan has emphasised restoring confidence in the UN’s role amid criticism and geopolitical pressures. (Reuters)

B. Inclusivity and Equality

* She frames her potential leadership as breaking systemic barriers and ensuring the UN reflects global diversity and non-discrimination. (Arab News)

C. Development, Economics & Reform

* As UNCTAD Secretary-General and a development economist, her focus is likely to include economic development, finance for development, and equitable globalization. Her campaign is associated with rebuilding trust through both institutional reform and socio-economic equity. (Modern Diplomacy)

Contrast with Grossi

* Grossi focuses on results, operational coherence, and institutional renewal with a broad agenda.

* Grynspan’s reported framing highlights trust, inclusion, equality, and deepening the UN’s relevance in socio-economic realms — likely more explicitly oriented toward systemic transformation, equity, and global South inclusion.

Key Takeaways

Strengths of Grossi’s Statement

* Operational clarity with strong emphasis on measurable impact and institutional performance. (United Nations)

* Integration of peace, development, rights, and reform in a single agenda. (United Nations)

* Appeals to Member States seeking a UN that works, not just a UN that inspires. (United Nations)

Comparative Distinctions

* Bachelet’s framing: Greater emphasis on values, gender equality, and inclusive leadership — gaining traction in the movement for the first female SG. (UPI)

* Grynspan’s approach: Likely more development and equity oriented, focusing on trust restoration, economic perspectives, and equity. (Reuters)

Strategic Implications

* Grossi’s statement is institutionally technocratic and anchored in performance, which may appeal to Member States prioritising reform, coherence, and measurable results.

* Competing visions signal diverse leadership pathways: values and equity (Bachelet & Grynspan) versus operational reform and institutional renewal (Grossi).

Mr. Grossi has also demonstrated sustained leadership in institutional culture and talent management. Under his direction, the IAEA achieved full gender parity at the professional level, increasing the representation of women from 29 per cent to 50 per cent within five years.

Comparative Assessment

Global South Support · Donor Confidence · Security Council Politics

1. Global South Support

Rafael Mariano Grossi

Strengths

* Grossi benefits from credible Global South legitimacy without being perceived as ideologically aligned to a single bloc. As an Argentine diplomat and long-serving head of a technical UN agency, he is seen as a Southern leader who operates comfortably across North–South divides.

* Under his leadership, the IAEA has delivered concrete development outcomes (food security, cancer care, energy transition, pollution) explicitly aligned with national priorities and national ownership, a key Global South demand.

* His emphasis on capacity-building, technology transfer, and IFI partnerships resonates with middle-income and developing countries seeking access to finance and technology rather than prescriptive conditionalities.

Constraints

* Some Global South states may view his strong association with nuclear governance as elite or technocratic, and less directly connected to traditional development narratives than UNDP/UNCTAD-style agendas.

Net assessmentGrossi is well positioned to secure broad, pragmatic Global South support, particularly among:

* middle-income countries,

* emerging economies,

* states prioritising energy security, food security, and technology access over ideological alignment.

Rebeca Grynspan

Strengths

* Grynspan enjoys deep political resonance with the Global South, particularly among developing countries and debt-vulnerable economies.

* As head of UNCTAD, she is strongly identified with development finance reform, debt relief, trade equity, and Global South voice.

* Her narrative aligns closely with South–South solidarity and long-standing demands for rebalancing global economic governance.

Constraints

* Her close identification with Global South advocacy can generate hesitation among some donor states, who may view her leadership as more redistributive or confrontational in economic debates.

Net assessmentGrynspan likely commands the strongest explicit Global South bloc support, especially among:

* G77 members,

* heavily indebted countries,

* states seeking structural reform of global economic governance.

Michelle Bachelet

Strengths

* Bachelet’s Global South appeal is grounded in moral authority, human rights credibility, and symbolic leadership, particularly in Latin America and among progressive coalitions.

* Her profile resonates with countries prioritising gender equality, social justice, and rights-based multilateralism.

Constraints

* Some Global South governments—particularly those sensitive to scrutiny on human rights—may be cautious or ambivalent, given her track record at OHCHR.

Net assessmentBachelet’s Global South support is politically differentiated: strong among progressive governments and civil society–aligned states, weaker among sovereignty-focused or rights-sensitive regimes.

2. Donor Confidence (OECD donors, IFIs, major contributors)

Rafael Mariano Grossi

Strengths

* Grossi has a demonstrated donor-confidence profile:

* expanded programmes without increasing the regular budget,

* mobilised non-traditional funding,

* forged landmark partnerships with the World Bank and regional development banks.

* His leadership signals fiscal discipline, performance management, and risk control, qualities prized by major contributors.

* His technocratic, evidence-based approach reduces fears of politicisation or mission drift.

Net assessmentGrossi is the strongest candidate from a donor-confidence perspective, especially among:

* OECD contributors,

* IFIs,

* states prioritising accountability, value-for-money, and institutional control.

Rebeca Grynspan

Strengths

* Grynspan is respected among development finance actors for her economic expertise and intellectual leadership.

* She is seen as a credible interlocutor on debt, trade, and development finance reform.

Constraints

* Some donors may be cautious about:

* potential pressure for increased redistribution,

* challenges to Bretton Woods orthodoxy,

* more confrontational North–South economic discourse.

Net assessmentGrynspan enjoys high intellectual credibility with donors, but less automatic confidence on budgetary restraint and institutional discipline than Grossi.

Michelle Bachelet

Strengths

* Bachelet retains strong support from donors committed to human rights, gender equality, and democratic values.

* Her leadership style signals normative consistency and reputational clarity.

Constraints

* Donor confidence may be uneven where governments prioritise:

* managerial reform,

* cost control,

* depoliticisation of UN operations.

Net assessmentBachelet’s donor appeal is values-driven rather than managerial, strong among some Western donors, weaker among those focused on institutional efficiency.

3. Security Council Politics

Rafael Mariano Grossi

Strengths

* Grossi’s career is uniquely aligned with Security Council dynamics:

* regular engagement with P5 members,

* experience operating under intense geopolitical scrutiny,

* trusted as an impartial, technical actor rather than a political provocateur.

* He does not advocate overt Security Council reform, instead emphasising cooperation, dialogue, and Charter-based engagement—an approach that reassures veto powers.

* His crisis diplomacy experience closely mirrors the SG’s quiet, preventive role.

Net assessmentGrossi is highly compatible with SC politics, particularly attractive to:

* P5 members seeking stability and predictability,

* states prioritising a low-risk SG appointment.

Rebeca Grynspan

Strengths

* Grynspan’s openness to discussing Security Council reform aligns with long-standing Global South demands.

Constraints

* This position introduces political risk in the SC context, where reform discussions are highly sensitive and veto-prone.

* Some permanent members may view her agenda as structurally disruptive.

Net assessmentGrynspan’s profile is politically stronger in the General Assembly than in the Security Council, potentially complicating consensus among P5 members.

Michelle Bachelet

Strengths

* Bachelet is widely respected personally by many SC members.

Constraints

* Her strong human rights record can be politically sensitive for certain permanent members.

* She may be perceived as more willing to speak publicly and normatively, which can generate friction in SC dynamics.

Net assessmentBachelet’s SC acceptability is uneven: respected, but potentially contentious in crises involving major powers.

Bottom Line

* Rafael Mariano Grossi emerges as the lowest-risk, highest-consensus candidate across Global South pragmatists, major donors, and the Security Council—positioned as a stabilising, delivery-focused Secretary-General.

* Rebeca Grynspan commands strong Global South legitimacy and reformist credibility but faces higher political friction with donors and the SC.

* Michelle Bachelet offers powerful normative leadership and symbolic legitimacy but presents greater political sensitivity in SC dynamics and operational reform debates.

Fall 2025

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Paris Design Week

Till the 18th of September you can peek and peruse some very fine design pieces that are on show at galleries and showrooms in Paris. The 6eme and the 7eme arrondissements are where most galleries and showrooms are.

So if you are in Paris this week take a moment to escape from the hurly-burly of French politics uncertainties, and a general strike that might leave you stranded at the Seine shores. Hopefully that happens at the Quai du Louvre or Quai Voltaire to feast your eyes while you wait for you UBER (if you can find one).

Here are some addresses that you should not miss.

Frank Baulme Fine Arts, 1 Quai VoltaireAfter many years as a collector of Old Master paintings and drawings, Franck Baulme began working as an art dealer in 2008.

In 2014, he opened his gallery at 1 Quai Voltaire in Paris, in the Hôtel de Tessé, an 18th-century private mansion facing the Louvre. There, he presents paintings and drawings from the 16th to the 19th century, mainly French, Italian, Flemish, and Dutch.

Since the gallery’s opening many museums around the world have enriched their collections through major acquisitions with F. Baulme Fine Arts.

This has been the case for the Musée du Louvre, the Prince’s Palace of Monaco, the Musée Fabre in Montpellier, the Musée de la Vie Romantique, the Musée des Beaux-Arts d’Orléans, the Royal Castle in Warsaw, the National Gallery in Washington, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, among many others. Source: F. Baulme Fine Arts

TOLIX

The eponymous chair that graced school rooms for decades makes an entrance, with new ownership that is keen on elevating the brand and has launched a collaboration with Manufacture de Digoin, both are based in Bourgogne, and their collab is on view at the TOLIX showroom in Saint-Germain des Pres, for Paris Design Week.

MANUFACTURE DE DIGOIN & TOLIX

Since 1875, the Manufacture de Digoin crafts stoneware ceramics. Now under new leadership it continues its tradition of savoir-faire with a new aesthetic minimalist and strong on earthy and natural world colours.

In view at the TOLIX showroom:

200, Boulevard Saint Germain 75007 Paris

http://www.manufacturededigoin.com

Atoms for Peace

IAEA: Rafael Grossi Brokers an Agreement with Iran for Inspections on their Nuclear Capabilities and Safeguard Obligations

Listen to the statement by IAEA Director General, Rafael Grossi on his meeting with Iran's Foreign Minister in Cairo to discuss resuming inspections and reports on the latest incidents in the country.

In this edition

Ian Richards on Digital Government

In this edition

Ian Richards on Digital Government

UNICEF and Microsoft Partner-up

The UN Brief interviewed Mac Glovinsky to speak about the Learning Passport, a partnership with Microsoft and Cambridge University to accelerate onboarding of children and adolescents in the digital economy, through educational tools.

Glovinsky is the Principal Global Program Manager of the Learning Passport, and is based at the UN headquarters in New York. The Learning Passport is an educational tool that allows for learning on-and-offline.

They have rolled-out at post-conflict areas, and in developing countries, helping children to continue their education and allowing them to carry their curriculum wherever they are, as they will eventually move out of refugee camps and thanks to these tools will be able to continue their studies at the appropriate grade level.These are one of the many ways that new technologies are supporting the continuity of education in what are very trying situations for these children and their families.We cover emerging technologies and how they impact international cooperation. Subscribe to The UN Brief for exclusive interviews with UN officials, diplomats, business leaders and academics for insights in the digital transformation of multilateral organizations, and the emerging technologies that are impacting international cooperation.Subscribers have:1. Early access to exclusive content, videos and podcasts, with insights and analysis of current affairs topics.2. Invitation to talks (virtual now) with the key players in Foreign Policy and Tech.3. Participation in round-tables on the future of multilateralism.4. A monthly update, closed to members-only, video call to discuss trends with diplomats, academics, government, and tech leaders.And much more to come in the coming months. Stay tuned. Looking forward to interacting with you all,Maya PlentzEditor in Chief

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On this edition:

* A weekend in Bourgogne.

* Discover the history of Cremant de Bourgogne.

* Sustainability in wine production.

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Bourgogne in the Spotlight

Pondering what to do during the sweltering days of Summer in Geneva? No vacation time left? I suggest you go visit Bourgogne and discover its many food and wine offers. It is paradise for very affordable high-quality wines to wines for special occasions and to, above all, educating your senses.

Did you know that Bourgogne wines that can be kept for several years are also a good investment? As an asset class Burgundy wines beat some traditional categories, not to say the investment in pleasure, as the British wine critic Steven Spurrier used to say. “Fine wine is also an investment in pleasure.”

We had the pleasure of visiting three wine producers from the region last month.

Keep your eyes pricked for the stories and interviews with the winemakers that are representing the best of sustainability and quality from the region at a global scale.

Wines from Bourgogne are becoming better known in Brazil, this past month the BIVB, the Bureau Interprofessionel des Vins de Bourgogne, visited Brazil for the first time.

Their latest research shows growing exports to the region, in fine restaurants, and by the recommendations of experts in gastronomy. Pairing the delightful Cremant de Bourgogne with Brazilian exquisite seafood and prime-cut barbecues is becoming a thing, with importers realizing the price/quality value and its potential with consumers and restaurateurs alike.

In a country where prosecco and champagne reign supreme, given its tropical weather, as a refreshing, celebratory drink, and increasingly in cocktails by renowned bartenders at the Copacabana Palace and Fasano’s (the French architect Philippe Starck designed luxury hotel) Cremant de Bourgogne has already a market in Brazil expecting bubbly happiness drinks, that just needs to be developed to gain market share.

One of our visits was to the Maison Louis Picamelot.

We interviewed Louis Picamelot’s grandson, now producer and CEO of the Maison, Philippe Chautard.

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UN Supports Digital Transformation of Governments

Watch my interview with Ian Richards, UN Digital Services

UN digital governance platform designed to simplify government services and make them more accessible is deployed in 20 countries. Platform helps civil servants with limited IT knowledge create digital online services.

It enables easy process creation for government transactions (e.g., business registration) and allows users to:* Create digital forms* Set document upload requirements* Connect to payment platforms* Map approval processes* Automate certificate issuance

In Benin, for example, business registration process now takes 2-3 hours and can be completed via mobile phone, which resulted in the number of registered businesses tripling since implementation.

The platform is currently deployed in about 20 countries across Sub-Saharan Africa, North Africa, Middle East, Asia, and Latin America, with the goal of making government services more efficient and user-friendly.

UN to Cut Posts, Relocate Services in Major Overhaul Ahead of 80th Anniversary

As the United Nations approaches the 80th anniversary of its founding charter, Secretary-General António Guterres has unveiled a sweeping reform initiative aimed at reshaping the Organization to better meet today’s global challenges — and do so more efficiently.

At the heart of the UN80 Initiative is a bold push to streamline operations, reduce redundancies, and cut costs — including through workforce reductions and relocating staff away from high-cost duty stations like New York and Geneva.

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UN Ministerial Reaffirms Multilateral Commitment Amid Global Fracture

The 2025 United Nations Peacekeeping Ministerial, held in Berlin from 13–14 May, convened by the German government and attended by representatives from over 130 UN Member States and partner organizations.

Peacekeeping missions, once symbols of collective resolve, now operate under increasingly constrained mandates, diminished legitimacy in host countries, and growing exposure to asymmetric threats.

Germany pledged €82 million in new commitments while encouraging others to match ambition with substance. “We want to tailor future missions to the exact needs of the host countries and increase their acceptance and effectiveness,” said Johann Wadephul, Germany’s Foreign Minister, echoing what has become a leitmotif in Western diplomatic discourse: local ownership, global partnership.

Defense Minister Boris Pistorius emphasized innovation, announcing German investment in renewable energy for field operations, medical drones, and counter-IED technologies.

While 74 countries made formal pledges—including 88 military and police units and support for women, peace and security initiatives—the subtext of the conference revealed fissures in political will and coherence. The geographic and political diversity of the pledging states obscures the uneven distribution of actual deployment. It is countries from the Global South—Bangladesh, Rwanda, Nepal—that continue to provide the bulk of troops, while the industrialized North often positions itself as financier and advisor.

Meanwhile, the thematic emphasis on technological modernization and “data-driven peacekeeping” betrays an uncomfortable truth: the impulse to technocratize peacekeeping may be a response to deeper political paralysis. Rather than confront the structural drivers of conflict—economic inequality, climate displacement, neocolonial resource extraction—the international community risks outsourcing peace to algorithms and AI-powered surveillance.

Berlin was also a staging ground for long-standing, unresolved debates: How to reform command structures to avoid past failures in Mali, the DRC, and South Sudan? How to ensure accountability in cases of abuse by peacekeepers? How to harmonize competing interests within the Security Council? Eleven states pledged action on accountability and conduct, including support for victims of sexual exploitation, but mechanisms for independent oversight remain weak.

Furthermore, the commitments to “strategic communications” and countering disinformation reflect a growing awareness that peacekeeping missions are not merely military deployments but contested narratives in the information sphere. Yet the risk remains that this concern for “information integrity” may prioritize reputation management over transparency and local engagement.

The Berlin Ministerial was laden with symbolism: it coincided with the 80th anniversary of the United Nations and the 10-year mark since the 2015 Leaders’ Summit on Peacekeeping. But anniversaries can conceal as much as they reveal. Today, over 61,000 military and police peacekeepers are deployed across 11 missions—often in settings where the UN is simultaneously viewed as indispensable and insufficient.

Whether the Berlin pledges mark a renaissance or merely a rhetorical reaffirmation depends not on declarations made in conference halls, but on the lived realities in places like Abyei, Beni, or Gao. Peacekeeping, once imagined as the moral arm of a rules-based order, now treads a narrow path between relevance and retreat.

The next chapter, as always, will be written in the field. And for that, political courage—not just strategic planning—remains in shortest supply.

Cabo Verde at a Crossroads: Resilient Recovery or Structural Dependence?

A small island developing state in the Atlantic with fewer than half a million inhabitants, Cabo Verde has long stood as a symbol of political stability and democratic governance in West Africa. Yet behind its pro-democracy credentials lies a fragile economy dependent on tourism, remittances, and a narrow export base. The latest Trade Policy Review by the World Trade Organization (WTO) offers a glimpse into the country’s mixed progress—a cautious recovery on the surface, with deeper structural dependencies beneath.

After suffering a dramatic 20.8% contraction in GDP in 2020, Cabo Verde posted an impressive 15.8% rebound in 2022, stabilizing at 5.5% in 2023. Much of this recovery is credited to the revival of international tourism, which alone brought in over USD 468 million in 2023. Remittances—constituting nearly 11% of GDP—further buoyed domestic demand.

However, these gains are precarious. The country’s trade-to-GDP ratio, a telling indicator of openness and vulnerability, peaked above 105% before the pandemic, only to drop to 75% and gradually recover to 95% by 2023. The merchandise trade deficit remains steep: USD 1.76 billion in imports against just USD 383 million in exports. More than 80% of the country’s food is imported.

A Narrow Base: Tourism, Re-Exports, and Fish

The backbone of Cabo Verde’s economy is services, particularly tourism and transport. Strategic geography has also turned the archipelago into a logistical hub for re-exports—especially fuels and vehicles. Exports of mineral products (largely re-exports of fuels) accounted for 61% of all merchandise trade in 2023. Meanwhile, processed seafood, mostly tuna, now makes up over 84% of domestically produced exports, highlighting the country’s limited industrial and agricultural capacity.

Despite repeated calls for export diversification, Cabo Verde’s export concentration index remains four times the global average, exposing it to significant external shocks.

Structural Bottlenecks and Bureaucratic Drag

Trade facilitation has improved on paper: a foreign trade portal launched in 2023, customs costs have decreased, and legislative transparency has advanced. Still, businesses face lengthy customs clearance (averaging over six days in Praia), high import compliance costs (19% of goods value), and complex licensing systems that deter small traders.

The absence of an Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) scheme, persistent tariff inconsistencies with WTO commitments, and cumbersome tax exemptions only deepen inefficiencies. Almost a third of surveyed firms cite customs procedures as a severe constraint—well above African and global averages.

An Unequal and Concentrated Economy

Women remain clustered in low-tech sectors with limited access to credit and trade networks, despite a 2019 parity law. Market monopolies continue to plague key sectors: one tour operator dominates the industry, and domestic flights are held by a single carrier. A newly created competition authority in 2022 has yet to dismantle these entrenched positions.

State-owned enterprises remain prominent, accounting for over 17% of GDP in revenue—but also dragging public finances, with the three largest SOEs posting losses equal to a quarter of GDP in 2021.

The Illusion of Openness

Cabo Verde is a signatory to both the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and several WTO agreements, including the Fisheries Subsidies Agreement (2024). It also enjoys preferential market access to the EU (GSP+) and the U.S. (AGOA). Yet trade under these schemes remains limited, raising doubts about the country's actual capacity to capitalize on global opportunities.

The promise of integration into global digital and renewable energy markets looms large, with the government aiming for 50% renewable energy production by 2030. But these ambitions contrast with ongoing infrastructure challenges and high dependency on refined oil imports.

Tourism’s Double-Edged Sword

Tourism remains the economic engine—but also the Achilles heel. Most tourists come from Europe, and disruptions such as pandemics, climate shocks, or geopolitical instability could once again halt growth. The government’s Strategic Tourism Plan (2018–2030) seeks to address sustainability, but the sector remains ecologically intensive and socioeconomically uneven.

Cabo Verde's story is one of cautious optimism. Its political stability, gradual reforms, and external partnerships offer promise. But its economic model—built on tourism, remittances, and a narrow export base—remains vulnerable. Without diversifying production, streamlining governance, and tackling monopolies, the nation risks being trapped in a cycle of dependency.

Interview with Danish Masood, former UN official in charge of innovation and experimenting with the metaverse. How did they analyzed the peace and security landscape in conflict zones.

Bringing AR/VR to the UN Security Council.

Too much, too soon?

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UN to Cut Posts, Relocate Services in Major Overhaul Ahead of 80th Anniversary

As the United Nations approaches the 80th anniversary of its founding charter, Secretary-General António Guterres has unveiled a sweeping reform initiative aimed at reshaping the Organization to better meet today’s global challenges — and do so more efficiently.

At the heart of the UN80 Initiative is a bold push to streamline operations, reduce redundancies, and cut costs — including through workforce reductions and relocating staff away from high-cost duty stations like New York and Geneva.

The reform is driven by three workstreams: achieving operational efficiencies, reviewing how the UN implements its mandates, and exploring structural changes across the system.

Significant Personnel Cuts Expected

In one of the most striking announcements, the Secretary-General revealed that up to 20% of posts in the Peace and Security departments — DPPA and DPO — are expected to be eliminated. These reductions stem from efforts to merge overlapping units, eliminate duplicated functions, and consolidate similar activities across the UN system.

“These are difficult but necessary decisions,” said Guterres, acknowledging the human cost of such restructuring. “Our concern is to be humane and professional in dealing with any aspect of the required restructuring.”

The impact will extend beyond these two departments. Every Secretariat entity has been asked to identify roles that can be moved to lower-cost locations or cut altogether, especially those not directly serving intergovernmental bodies.

Consolidation of Services and Offices

The plan also targets administrative and logistical functions. Shared IT platforms, centralized support services, and automation are key components of the new operating model.

Several buildings in New York have already been vacated, with two more expected to close by 2027 — a move projected to generate substantial savings. Staff will be moved into existing premises, and future operations will likely be run from more cost-effective locations.

“Relocating posts from high-cost cities is not just about budget savings — it’s about rethinking where and how we work,” said Catherine Pollard, Under-Secretary-General for Management Strategy, Policy and Compliance, who is leading the efficiency review.

Thousands of Mandates Under Review

The second pillar of the reform reviews how the UN implements the more than 3,600 unique mandates it has been given — not their content, but the processes behind them. The review aims to identify overlapping efforts and opportunities for simplification and synergy across the UN system.

Guterres was candid: “Most of these problems are not only still with us — they have intensified. We must do better.”

Long-Term Impact

While some reforms will be implemented as early as the 2026 revised programme budget, deeper changes — including those with structural implications — will appear in the 2027 budget proposal.

“The level of reduction in the peace and security cluster should serve as a reference point across the organization,” Guterres said. Still, he emphasized the importance of preserving geographic, gender, and disability balance in staffing.

A Defining Moment

The UN80 Initiative coincides with a broader push to implement the Pact for the Future and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. But its legacy may hinge on whether Member States and staff can navigate the growing pains of transformation.

“Change is never easy — but it is essential,” Guterres concluded. “The success of this initiative depends on all of us living up to our shared responsibilities.”

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Where it will happen?

The United Nations is preparing to substantially streamline operations in its two major headquarters, New York and Geneva, as part of the Secretary-General’s ambitious UN80 Initiative to modernize the Organization ahead of its 80th anniversary.

Designed to strengthen delivery, improve efficiency, and reduce costs, the reform effort comes amid growing fiscal pressure, stagnant funding, and mounting global challenges.

Key Changes Affecting New York and Geneva

Both cities — long seen as operational anchors of the UN system — will undergo targeted consolidation of personnel and services.

Functions that are not directly tied to the work of Member States in intergovernmental bodies — such as the General Assembly in New York or the Human Rights Council in Geneva — are now being evaluated for relocation, reduction, or discontinuation.

Initial plans include:

* Elimination of up to 20% of posts in the peace and security pillar (DPPA/DPO),

* Termination of leases in New York, with two more buildings expected to close by 2027,

* Mandated review by all Secretariat offices in both cities to assess whether functions can be moved to lower-cost duty stations, such as Nairobi, Santiago, or Kuala Lumpur,

* Structural realignment across departments, including merging overlapping units and consolidating reporting lines.

Diplomatic Impact

Officials emphasized that intergovernmental support functions will remain in place. The reductions will primarily affect back-office, administrative, or technical units.

Nonetheless, diplomatic missions in New York and Geneva can expect to interface with smaller, more integrated UN teams, and may see changes in coordination channels and reporting structures.

“The goal is to concentrate the diplomatic and policy interface in these two locations, while relocating support and management elsewhere,” said one senior UN official involved in the reform.

Consultations and Timeline

The reforms are unfolding in phases:

* Immediate efficiencies will be reflected in revised 2026 budget estimates, due in September.

* Larger structural changes will be built into the 2027 programme budget.

* All affected staff are being engaged through consultative mechanisms.

Member States are expected to review and approve several proposals in the Fifth Committee and General Assembly plenaries over the coming months.

Looking Ahead

Geneva and New York will remain central to UN diplomacy. However, they are being reimagined as strategic convening spaces, rather than all-purpose operational hubs.

The Secretary-General framed the changes as essential to long-term sustainability and credibility:

“We cannot allow the architecture of multilateralism to become outdated or inefficient. This is a moment to act with purpose — to deliver more by doing better.”

The UN80 Initiative is a structural overhaul with political, operational, and budgetary consequences — especially for Member States with permanent missions in New York and Geneva.

Active participation and coordinated engagement will be key in shaping what the future UN will look like — and where it will do its work.

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UN80 Initiative: Reforming for the Future

Next month marks 80 years since the signing of the United Nations Charter — a document that has guided global peace, development, and human rights since 1945.

But anniversaries aren’t just for reflection. They’re a call to action.

Today, the United Nations faces a complex world — one defined by conflict, economic pressure, environmental crisis, and technological upheaval. The UN80 Initiative is about making the Organization fit for the next 80 years.

UN80: A Time for RenewalSo, what’s changing?

The Secretary-General has launched a three-part transformation of the UN system, focusing on:

* Efficiency and cost reduction,

* Mandate implementation, and

* Structural overhaul.

This isn’t reform for reform’s sake. It’s about ensuring that resources match real needs, and that every dollar and every position counts.

A major part of this transformation is streamlining the workforce — especially in high-cost duty stations like New York and Geneva. Some functions that don’t directly serve intergovernmental bodies will be relocated or phased out.

Administrative consolidation, automation, and centralized IT services are on the table. So are potential layoffs and post eliminations in areas where duplication or inefficiency is identified.

In fact, the Peace and Security cluster — including the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations — is expected to reduce staff by up to 20%, cutting duplication and merging overlapping functions.

These are bold changes with human implications. Staff representatives are being consulted, and every decision is promised to be humane and transparent.

The goal isn’t just to save money — though the budget reductions will be significant.

It’s to refocus the UN on impact: on making a difference in people’s lives. Not through more reports or meetings, but through leaner, smarter operations.

The UN80 Initiative will shape the next generation of multilateralism. That means structural consolidation, new business models, and clarity of mission.

Because the challenges of the future won’t wait — and neither should we.

This is the United Nations at a turning point — committed to doing more, by doing better.