Say No to Rebeca Grynspan
Costa Rica Must Immediately Withdraw Rebeca Grynspan’s Nomination for UN Secretary-General
Costa Rica should withdraw Rebeca Grynspan’s candidacy for UN Secretary-General without delay.
“Let her true backer, Israel, nominate her instead.”
Her record is marred by multiple serious controversies involving lavish spending during budget cuts, private jet use, lack of transparency, and questionable performance in key international roles.
Continuing to support her nomination risks damaging Costa Rica’s international reputation and associating our country with the very problems plaguing the United Nations. Rebeca Grynspan, former Vice President of Costa Rica and current head of UNCTAD, presents an impressive candidate on the surface.
- BUT -
In reality, her track record raises red flags that make her unsuitable for the world’s highest diplomatic office. Here are SEVEN controversies surrounding her:
Lavish Spending During Austerity: In June 2024, Grynspan oversaw a high-cost three-day Global Leaders Forum at the Palais des Nations in Geneva for UNCTAD’s 60th anniversary. The event hosted over 1,100 participants from 152 countries, including heads of state and ministers, with full security, interpretation, hospitality, and a major rebranding launch. At the exact same time, she was imposing painful budget cuts and eliminating 70 positions at UNCTAD. Critics noted the forum appeared designed more as a launchpad for her Secretary-General campaign than for substantive work.
Controversies Related to Israel and Family Ties: Grynspan has strong family connections to Israel, including reports that family members have served in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) taking part on the ongoing Genocide which she allegedly supports behind-the-scenes. She has faced accusations of effectively supporting actions widely described by critics as genocide in Gaza through her relative silence. Her background and family links have raised serious concerns about impartiality and potential conflicts of interest in leading an organization while having loyalty to the Netanyahu and the Israeli government.
Private Jet Use: While serving as Associate Administrator of the UNDP, Grynspan reportedly used a chartered Lear jet for travel from Dubai at a cost approaching 40,000 dollars. Other officials flew the same route commercially for a few hundred dollars. This occurred while the UN faced pressure, including from the United States, to reduce even business-class travel for junior staff.
Failure to Answer Press Questions: In March 2026, Inner City Press submitted a 17-question questionnaire to Grynspan covering campaign finance, private jet use, and misuse of UN resources. More than three weeks later, she had answered none of the questions. This silence contradicts her public claims about building trust through transparency and actions.
Side dealing on the Black Sea Grain Initiative: Grynspan led the Russian food and fertilizer track of the Black Sea Grain Initiative. Reports suggest her role prioritized personal visibility over results.
Using UNCTAD as a Political Platform: Multiple accounts allege Grynspan used UNCTAD resources, events, and appointments to advance her Secretary-General campaign. The 60th anniversary forum and her crisis coordination roles have been cited as examples. She took special leave only after formally entering the race.
Controversial Appointment to UNCTAD: Her 2021 selection as head of UNCTAD bypassed proper consultation with the Group of 77 and China, the developing nations UNCTAD exists to serve. The process was driven by Western powers, forcing later concessions to gain approval and undermining the organization’s mandate.