Guyana elected to UN Security Council for global peace

…Guyana committed to strengthening multilateralism, rule of international law – Pres Ali

Guyana has now assumed greater global responsibility for international peace and security following its historic election to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Tuesday – becoming one of five new non-permanent members for the term 2024-2025.

Foreign Affairs Minister Hugh Todd and Permanent Representative to the UN, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett represented Guyana at the UNSC election on Tuesday

On Tuesday, Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Hugh Todd joined Permanent Representative of Guyana to the United Nations, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett to cast Guyana’s vote for elections of the non-permanent members.
Guyana’s candidacy was uncontested, being the sole candidate for a single seat available to the Latin America and Caribbean Region, where it garnered the highest vote count at 191 out of 192. The other non-permanent seats will be held by Algeria, Republic of Korea, Sierra Leone and Slovenia.
After the election, Minister Todd shared, “A journey that began 12 years ago reached an important milestone this morning (Tuesday), with Guyana’s election to the United Nations Security Council…The international security landscape today is extremely complex. Threats to global security and rising crises are proliferating. These challenges must be carefully managed through adherence to international law, trust building, and dialogue.”
He pledged that Guyana will work with all Council members and the wider UN in contributing useful ideas and encouraging partnerships.
In lauding the achievement, President Dr Irfaan Ali penned that Guyana is honoured and humbled by the confidence that has been expressed by the international community in electing it to this most important position of responsibility on the global stage.
“Guyana has now been accorded the opportunity to serve on the Security Council, which is charged under the UN Charter with the responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. It is a responsibility that we will assume with utmost seriousness and dedication, mindful of the complex and challenging times in which we live,” he expressed.
The Head of State continued that the theme of Guyana’s candidacy: “Partnering for Peace and Prosperity” serves as a guide to this country’s approach to service on the Security Council.
“We intend to be a constructive and engaged partner with the members of the Council and the wider international community in the search for solutions to the myriad of momentous challenges that beset our human family.”
He offered the nation’s deep gratitude to the Member States of the United Nations for the overwhelming support extended to Guyana’s candidature.
“The Government of Guyana looks forward to continuing our nation’s contribution to the strengthening of multilateralism and the rule of international law, to the promotion of peace, sustainable development, human rights, and respect for international law both for the people of our own country and for peoples across the globe.”

Vision
During a recent reception for Guyana’s UN Security Council bid in New York, Minister Todd outlined Guyana’s vision and priorities for membership in the Council and expressed Guyana’s commitment if elected to the Security Council to the rule of law and the principles of the Charter of the United Nations.
Minister Todd had further noted that Guyana has always played an active role in the United Nations and, as a Small State, is ready to contribute to the work of the Security Council in partnership with all Member States for peace and prosperity.
Then back in May, Ambassador Rodrigues-Birkett participated at the 2023 UN Security Council Briefing Series for non-contested candidates, where she reiterated that Guyana’s service on the Council would be guided by a people-centred approach and will be informed by a firm commitment to multilateralism, collective action and to the noble principles and objectives of the United Nations Charter.
Areas that would be given special focus during Guyana’s tenure were touted as climate change, food insecurity and conflict; peacebuilding and conflict prevention; women, peace and security; protection of children in armed conflict; and youth, peace, and security.
The United Nations Charter established six main organs of the organisation, including the Security Council. It is given primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security.
Its functions and powers are: to maintain international peace and security in accordance with the principles and purposes of the United Nations; to investigate any dispute or situation which might lead to international friction; to recommend methods of adjusting such disputes or the terms of settlement; to formulate plans for the establishment of a system to regulate armaments; to determine the existence of a threat to the peace or act of aggression and to recommend what action should be taken among others.
In some cases, the Security Council can resort to imposing sanctions or even authorising the use of force to maintain or restore international peace and security.
Temporary members hold their seats on a rotating basis by geographic region. Guyana will serve a two-year term on the Council from January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2025. (G-12)