Felipe Herrera facts for kids
Felipe Herrera Lane (born June 17, 1922 – died September 17, 1996) was an important person from Chile. He was an expert in economics, a lawyer, and a university professor. He also believed in socialism, which is a political idea about fairness and equality.
Felipe Herrera became the very first president of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). This bank helps countries in North and South America grow and develop. He was known as a "developmentalist" because he worked hard to help these countries improve their economies and lives.
Felipe Herrera's Campaign for UN Leader
In 1971, Felipe Herrera was suggested as a candidate for the United Nations Secretary-General. This is like being the main leader of the United Nations, an organization where countries work together for peace. The government of Salvador Allende in Chile supported him.
Many countries in Latin America also supported Herrera. Even some governments that had different political ideas, like the military government in Argentina, thought he would be a good choice.
However, the United States did not want a candidate supported by the Allende government. They also thought Herrera might not be a good manager. On November 5, 1971, the U.S. Ambassador, George H. W. Bush, told Herrera that the United States would not support him.
Later that month, Herrera's campaign got a new chance. China's seat at the United Nations changed from one government to another. The new Chinese government chose Herrera as one of their top two candidates for Secretary-General.
In the first vote, Herrera came in third place. But the United States used its veto power, which means they could block his selection. In the second vote, he tied for third place, but he was vetoed again.
After this, Herrera decided to step aside. He supported Carlos Ortiz de Rozas from Argentina instead. Ortiz de Rozas came in first in the third vote, but then the Soviet Union used its veto power against him.
This showed how different powerful countries could block candidates they didn't agree with. However, a person from Latin America did become the Secretary-General in a later election in 1981.
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Felipe Herrera was an economist, lawyer, and political socialist.
See also
In Spanish: Felipe Herrera para niños
