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Rafael Mariano GrossiArgentine diplomat
Date of Birth: 29.01.1961
Country:  Argentina |
Content:
Early Life and Education
Born on January 29, 1961, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Rafael Grossi spent his formative years in a privileged family. After completing his schooling, he pursued a bachelor's degree in political science at the Pontifical Catholic University of Argentina, graduating in 1983. He then joined the National Institute of Diplomatic Service, earning a silver medal upon graduating at the age of 24. Continuing his education, Grossi obtained a master's degree in international relations from the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Geneva in 1991, followed by a doctorate in history and international politics.
Diplomatic Career
Grossi's diplomatic journey began in the nuclear policy arena, where he facilitated cooperation between Argentina and INVAP, a company specializing in the design and supply of equipment across various sectors. He later joined the United Nations, chairing the Group of Governmental Experts and serving in the Disarmament Commission. His responsibilities included missions to North Korea to monitor nuclear facilities and negotiations with Iran regarding the freezing of its nuclear program.
Representing Argentina, Grossi participated in forums on nuclear security and disarmament. From 2007 to 2010, he served as Argentina's Director General for Political Coordination at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. His diplomatic career in Europe included ambassadorial roles in Belgium, Austria, Slovakia, and Slovenia.
Director General of the IAEA
Grossi joined the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in 2010, serving as Deputy Director General for three years. In 2015, he attempted to run for the position of IAEA Director General but withdrew due to lack of support. Subsequently, he led the Nuclear Suppliers Group, an organization dedicated to preventing the spread of nuclear weapons.
In 2019, Grossi was finally elected as the Director General of the IAEA, becoming the first Argentine and Latin American to hold the position. The election was hotly contested, with Grossi winning in the second round by just one vote.
Personal Life
A man of many talents, Grossi balances his professional responsibilities with a large family. He is married and has eight children. He prefers to keep his personal life private, limiting his Twitter presence to work-related matters.
Current Role
Grossi continues to address nuclear safety issues. In 2022, he expressed concerns at the World Economic Forum in Davos about the potential for nuclear conflict amidst Russia's military operations in Ukraine. He also visited the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant to avert a nuclear catastrophe in the midst of the conflict.
Despite criticism, Grossi remains steadfast in his efforts to secure a safe zone around the Zaporizhzhia plant, highlighting the urgent need for an agreement between the warring parties.
