Story perspectives

Antigua Nominates Ecuador’s Espinosa, Boosting Female UN SG Odds

5/12/2026

Summary

Story summary

Antigua and Barbuda nominated Ecuadorian diplomat Maria Fernanda Espinosa for the United Nations Secretary-General post.
Espinosa joins four other candidates seeking to replace Antonio Guterres.
She served as Ecuador’s foreign affairs and defence minister and chaired the UN General Assembly in 2018-2019.
Three of the five candidates are women, raising the chance of the first female Secretary-General, with the election slated for later in 2026 and the term beginning 1 January 2027.

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Story summary

Antigua and Barbuda nominated Ecuadorian diplomat Maria Fernanda Espinosa for the United Nations Secretary-General post.
Espinosa joins four other candidates seeking to replace Antonio Guterres.
She served as Ecuador’s foreign affairs and defence minister and chaired the UN General Assembly in 2018-2019.
Three of the five candidates are women, raising the chance of the first female Secretary-General, with the election slated for later in 2026 and the term beginning 1 January 2027.