Chile's Bachelet: World Ready for a Female UN Secretary-General

Michelle Bachelet, a trailblazer for Latin America, is vying to become the United Nations' first female secretary general. The 74-year-old Chilean politician, who served two terms as her country's president, believes the world is 'ready' for a woman to lead the UN. Bachelet, who was nominated for the top job in September by Chile's outgoing president Gabriel Boric, is seeking the backing of her successor, right-winger Jose Antonio Kast. If chosen, she aims to help modernize the UN, making it more efficient, effective, and transparent. The UN has never had a female leader, with the post traditionally rotating between world regions. Latin America is next in line as Portuguese Antonio Guterres's term comes to an end. Bachelet has a strong background in international diplomacy, having served as the head of the UN Women agency and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. On the topic of growing tensions between Venezuela and the United States, Bachelet suggests non-UN mediation could be the best option. She proposes involving powerful mediators from the region, such as the presidents of Brazil and Mexico, to help find a solution. Bachelet is not the only Latin American woman in the running for the UN top job. Costa Rican Rebeca Grynspan, Mexican Environment Minister Alicia Barcena, and Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley are also contenders. Argentine International Atomic Energy Agency chief Rafael Grossi is the only male candidate in the running. With the UN celebrating its 80th anniversary this year, Bachelet's bid for the top job has sparked hope for a new era of leadership and change within the organization.