Grynspan, a former Vice President of Costa Rica and the current head of the U.N. Trade and Development agency, received 10 “encourage” votes from the 15-member Security Council. While the vote is non-binding and more rounds are expected, it is considered an important early sign of support.
If elected, Grynspan would become the first Jewish person and first woman to serve as U.N. Secretary-General. The daughter of Holocaust survivors, she has longstanding ties to Israel, studied at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and has family members who have served in the Israel Defense Forces.
The next Secretary-General will replace António Guterres when his second term ends on December 31. More Security Council votes are expected over the coming months before a final candidate is recommended to the U.N. General Assembly.