Rafael Grossi
Rafael Mariano Grossi is an Argentine diplomat who has served as Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) since 3 December 2019.
Rafael Mariano Grossi is an Argentine diplomat who has served as Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) since 3 December 2019. He is known for his work on nuclear non-proliferation, disarmament, and international security. Argentina nominated him for the 2026 United Nations Secretary-General selection.
Early life and education
Rafael Grossi was born in Buenos Aires on 29 January 1961. Publicly available profiles indicate he holds advanced degrees in international relations and related fields, reflecting his specialization in diplomacy and multilateral affairs.
Diplomatic career
Grossi joined Argentina’s Foreign Ministry in 1985 and later served in a range of diplomatic and multilateral posts. These included senior positions in Vienna, work with the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), and service as Argentina’s ambassador to Austria and to international organizations based in Vienna from 2013 to 2019.
IAEA leadership
Grossi became Director General of the IAEA on 3 December 2019 and was reappointed for a second term in 2023. The IAEA is responsible for preventing nuclear weapons proliferation and supporting peaceful uses of nuclear science and technology.
International profile
Grossi has become a prominent figure in global nuclear diplomacy and crisis management. His profile grew further when Argentina nominated him for the 2026 UN Secretary-General selection. Canada, as a member of the IAEA, follows his leadership on nuclear safeguards and non-proliferation issues relevant to Canadian foreign policy.
Key facts
- Grossi has led the IAEA since December 2019 and was re-elected for a second term in 2023.
- He is an Argentine career diplomat with long experience in multilateral diplomacy and nuclear affairs.
- Before the IAEA, he served as Argentina’s ambassador to Austria and to international organizations based in Vienna from 2013 to 2019.
- He joined Argentina’s Foreign Ministry in 1985.
- Argentina nominated him for the 2026 UN Secretary-General selection, and he publicly confirmed his interest in 2025.
Canada is a member of the International Atomic Energy Agency and follows Grossi’s leadership on nuclear safeguards, non-proliferation, and international security issues relevant to Canadian foreign policy.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Rafael Grossi?
When was Rafael Grossi born?
What is Rafael Grossi best known for?
What role did he hold before the IAEA?
Is Rafael Grossi a candidate for UN Secretary-General?
References
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rafael_GrossiSupports: Birth date, nationality, career overview, IAEA leadership, previous ambassadorship, and 2026 UN Secretary-General candidacy interest.
- United Nations — https://www.un.org/sg/sites/default/files/document/2025-12/grossi-cv-en.pdfSupports: Official biography, IAEA leadership, Foreign Ministry service beginning in 1985, and educational background.
- Warsaw Security Forum — https://warsawsecurityforum.org/profile/rafael-mariano-grossi-2025/Supports: Diplomatic career, IAEA and OPCW roles, senior multilateral posts, and professional background.
- Government of Brazil — https://www.gov.br/mre/en/contact-us/press-area/press-releases/candidature-of-ambassador-rafael-mariano-grossi-for-director-general-of-the-international-atomic-energy-agency-iaeaSupports: Ambassadorial post in Vienna and earlier senior roles including chairmanship of the Nuclear Suppliers Group and chief of staff positions.
- El País — https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-12-15/rafael-grossi-the-united-nations-has-forgotten-its-purpose.htmlSupports: Argentina’s nomination of Grossi for the 2026 UN Secretary-General selection and his public interest in the role.