As the race for the next UN Secretary-General heats up, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi has positioned himself as a reformist candidate, advocating for renewed multilateral engagement during an exclusive interview with CGTN Europe at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
Active Diplomacy in a Divided World
The Argentinian diplomat, who announced his candidacy for the 2027 UN leadership transition, addressed growing concerns about the organization's relevance following recent US policy shifts. "The UN must reclaim its central role in conflict resolution through proactive diplomacy," Grossi stated, drawing parallels to the IAEA's technical cooperation successes in nuclear verification.
His comments come amid heightened tensions following the US withdrawal from key international agreements in 2025, including the Paris Climate Accord and World Health Organization. Former President Donald Trump's recent remarks questioning the UN's effectiveness have further fueled debates about global governance structures.
Restoring Trust Through Action
Grossi emphasized practical solutions over ideological posturing: "Our experience mediating nuclear inspections in Ukraine and Iran shows international bodies can still facilitate dialogue, even between adversaries." He proposed strengthening regional UN offices and creating rapid-response diplomatic teams to address emerging crises.
With conflicts persisting across Asia and beyond, many global observers see 2026 as a critical year for demonstrating multilateralism's value. The IAEA chief's vision aligns with growing calls from ASEAN and other Asian blocs for more inclusive global decision-making processes.
