Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett for United Nations Secretary-General

Dear Editor,
There are moments in the life of a nation when political affiliations, ethnic backgrounds, and ideological differences must give way to a greater cause. The candidacy of Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett for the position of Secretary-General of the United Nations is one such moment.
Having listened carefully to Ambassador Rodrigues-Birkett articulate her vision, qualifications, and aspirations for the future of the United Nations, I am persuaded that she possesses the experience, temperament, intellect, and diplomatic credentials required to lead the world’s most important international institution during one of the most challenging periods in modern history.
As Guyanese, we should view her candidacy not through a political lens, but through the lens of national pride and global opportunity.
Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett’s story is remarkable. From the small Moruca Santa Rosa, an Indigenous village in Region One Barima-Waini this Indigenous woman rose through determination, education, and public service to become Minister of Amerindian Affairs, the country’s first Indigenous Minister of Foreign Affairs, and subsequently Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations for several years from 2022 to present. Few individuals seeking the office of Secretary-General can claim such a distinguished record of service at both the national and international levels.
Her journey is not only an inspiration to fellow Guyanese but also to our Indigenous peoples, women, and citizens of developing countries across the globe. It demonstrates that leadership, excellence, and vision are not confined to the world’s most powerful nations but can emerge from small states whose voices have historically been underrepresented and taken with the seriousness it deserves in international affairs.
Throughout her diplomatic career, Ambassador Rodrigues-Birkett has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to dialogue, cooperation, international law, sustainable development, and the peaceful resolution of disputes. These are precisely the qualities required of a Secretary-General at a time when the world faces geopolitical conflicts, climate change, economic inequality, migration crises, food insecurity, and growing distrust in international institutions.
What makes her candidacy particularly compelling is her unique understanding of both the developed and developing worlds. Coming from a small developing state, she understands firsthand the challenges confronting nations that are often the most vulnerable to external shocks yet possess the least influence over global decision-making. At the same time, her years in governance and engagement with world leaders, diplomats, and international organizations have provided her with a sophisticated understanding of global governance and diplomacy.
For Guyana, her candidacy represents a historic opportunity. Regardless of our political differences, every Guyanese home and abroad should rally behind one of our own who has earned international respect through competence, professionalism, and service. Her success would not merely be a personal achievement but a defining moment for our nation and a powerful demonstration of Guyana’s growing influence on the global stage.
I also believe the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has a unique opportunity and responsibility to champion her candidacy. For decades, CARICOM has consistently advocated for multilateralism, climate justice, sustainable development, respect for international law, and the interests of small states. Ambassador Rodrigues-Birkett has been an effective advocate for these very principles. Her election would ensure that the concerns of small island and developing states are represented at the highest level of the United Nations.
Beyond the Caribbean, I do believe and urge countries of Latin America, South America, Africa, and the wider Global South to carefully consider what her leadership would represent. The developing world has long argued for greater equity, inclusion, and representation within international institutions.
Supporting Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett would be a tangible expression of that principle.
Her candidacy presents an opportunity to elevate a leader who understands the realities of developing nations, not from academic study alone, but from lived experience. She appreciates and understands the challenges of poverty, debt burdens, climate vulnerability, unequal access to development financing, and the ongoing struggle for fair representation in global affairs.
These perspectives are urgently needed within the leadership of the United Nations.
Importantly, Ambassador Rodrigues-Birkett possesses one of the most valuable qualities required of any Secretary-General: the ability to build consensus. The office demands a leader capable of bridging divides, fostering dialogue, and bringing nations together around shared goals. Throughout her distinguished career, she has consistently demonstrated professionalism, diplomacy, and an unwavering commitment to constructive engagement.
At a time when many citizens around the world are questioning the effectiveness of international institutions, the United Nations requires leadership that can inspire confidence, strengthen cooperation, and restore faith in multilateralism. Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett offers exactly that kind of leadership.
As a Guyanese, I am proud of her accomplishments. As a former Member of Parliament, I recognize the significance of her candidacy for our country. As a citizen of the world, I believe she possesses the qualifications and vision necessary to lead the United Nations into a new era of relevance, inclusivity, and effectiveness.
I therefore wholeheartedly endorse Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett’s candidacy for Secretary-General of the United Nations and call upon all fellow Guyanese, people of, CARICOM, Latin America, Africa, and all nations that believe in a fairer and more representative international order to lend their voices and support to her historic bid.
The world would be well served by her election.

Yours respectfully,
Jermaine Figueira
Former Member of Parliament