Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), has expressed his ambition to become the United Nations Secretary-General, advocating for a method of quiet and composed diplomacy instead of scolding tactics.
In a press conference held in Vienna, Grossi stated: "In my view, the Secretary-General is not there as a secular pope or a judge. The Secretary-General is there to solve problems."
The 65-year-old Argentine head of the IAEA is considered one of the most prominent and well-known candidates for the UN Secretary-General position.
He added, "I believe in a practical Secretary-General rather than one who points fingers at others."
Grossi emphasized to international media representatives that, as the UN's highest representative, maintaining dialogue with key political figures is essential. He explained that labeling someone a criminal halts dialogue, with no resolution to any issues.
Grossi cited his role in mediating between Russia and Ukraine as an example of his approach to handling such matters.
As the Director General of the IAEA, he has negotiated several limited ceasefire agreements in the conflict zone surrounding the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, aiming to allow maintenance and repairs and prevent any nuclear incidents.
In doing so, he avoided condemning Russia as the occupying power of the Ukrainian plant.