Rebeca Grynspan

Economist, Politician

Costa Rican San José, Costa Rica

Quick Info

ProfessionEconomist, Politician
NationalityCosta Rican
Date of Birth14/12/1955
Age70 years
BirthplaceSan José, Costa Rica

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Bio/Wiki

Full NameRebeca Grynspan Mayufis
Known forBeing a prominent Costa Rican economist, diplomat, and international civil servant serving as the first female Secretary-General of UNCTAD, as Vice-President of Costa Rica, and as a leading candidate to become the next UN Secretary-General (2026)

Physical Stats & More

Eye ColourLight Blue, Hazel
Hair ColourMedium Copper Blonde

Educational Qualification(s)

College/University
  • University of Costa Rica, Costa Rica
  • University of Sussex, East Sussex, England
Degrees
  • Bachelor of Science degree with a major in economics from the University of Costa Rica
  • Master of Arts degree in economics from the University of Sussex

Personal Life

ReligionChristianity

Relationships & More

Marital StatusMarried
Marriage Date1978

Family

Husband/SpouseSaúl Weisleder (Economist, Politician)
ChildrenNote: She has two children
Parents
FatherManuel Grynspan Burstin
MotherSara Mayufis Schapiro

Career

Political PartyNational Liberation Party
Political Journey
  • From 1986 to 1988: Served as Costa Rica's Vice-Minister of Finance
  • In 1994: Became Costa Rica's second Vice-President
  • From 1994 to 1998: Served as Coordinating Minister of Social Affairs
  • From 1995 to 1996: Served as Coordinating Minister of Economic Affairs
  • From 1996 to 1998: Served as Housing Minister of Costa Rica
  • In 2006: Became UNDP's regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean
  • In 2010: Became UNDP's Associate Administrator and a UN Under-Secretary General
  • In 2014: Became Secretary-General of the Ibero-American General Secretariat
  • In 2021: Became Secretary-General of the UNCTAD, the first woman to hold the post

Some Lesser Known Facts

1. Rebeca Grynspan was born and raised in San José, Costa Rica.
2. Her parents were of Jewish ancestry immigrants from Poland.
3. In her early career, she worked as a professor and researcher at the University of Costa Rica’s Economics Science Research Institute.
4. She has been involved in various international panels and organizations addressing poverty, economic development, and gender equality.
5. She is recognized for her work in international negotiations and multilateral cooperation.
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