# Costa Rican diplomat could become first woman to lead UN

A Costa Rican diplomat has emerged as a leading candidate to become the first female head of the United Nations. Her potential appointment would mark a historic shift for the global body, breaking a long tradition of male leadership and reflecting broader momentum for gender parity in international governance.

**Importance:** 4/5

## Sources

### World
- [The Guardian World](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/aug/09/costa-rican-diplomat-rebeca-grynspan-contender-first-female-head-of-un) — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 07:00:08 GMT