Irina Bokova Calls for a LatAm Woman to Lead the UN In Exclusive Interview With ColombiaOne

Former UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova is advocating for the United Nations to elect its first female Secretary-General, specifically urging a candidate from Latin America and the Caribbean. Speaking at the 2026 Concordia Summit, Bokova, the first woman and Eastern European to lead UNESCO, emphasized the need for genuine global inclusivity.

She highlighted the stagnation of women's empowerment and the ethical risks posed by unregulated artificial intelligence. Despite progress in education and workforce integration, Bokova stressed that leadership positions still face a "glass ceiling." She and her colleagues at GWL Voices, a coalition of over 60 women with senior U.N. roles, are campaigning for a female Secretary-General.

With the U.N.'s geographical rotation currently targeting Latin America and the Caribbean, Bokova views this as a pivotal opportunity to signal the UN's commitment to reform and inclusivity. She cautioned about the dangers of rapid AI deployment, likening it to the pharmaceutical industry's rigorous drug testing, but noting its lack of vetting for children.

Bokova linked unregulated AI to potential exacerbation of global inequalities and gender, racial, and religious biases. At UNESCO, she championed a Security Council resolution on cultural preservation during conflicts, emphasizing culture's role in identity, jobs, and community cohesion in crisis zones. Reflecting on her own experience, Bokova noted women face higher standards and bear failure more personally, underscoring the importance of mentorship and active support for women in leadership.