Guyana nominates Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett for UN Secretary General

President Dr Irfaan Ali on Friday announced that Guyana will formally nominate Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN), for the position of Secretary General (SG) of the UN when the tenure of the current SG, António Guterres, ends on December 31.
If successful, Rodrigues-Birkett would make history as the first woman ever elected to serve as SG of the UN since the organisation was established in 1945. She would also be the first Caribbean national to hold the position. President Ali made the announcement during a video statement on Friday evening, where he noted that the decision followed extensive consultations and reflects Guyana’s growing influence on the international stage.
“After careful consideration and in consultation with many colleagues, I am pleased to announce that Guyana has decided to formally nominate Ambassador Carolyn Allison Rodericks Birkett, Guyana’s permanent representative to the United Nations, for the position of Secretary General of the United Nations upon the completion of the tenure of the current Secretary General, Mr Antonio Guterres, on the 31st of December, 2026,” the President announced.
Rodrigues-Birkett has served as Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the UN since 2020. In that capacity, she led Guyana’s participation during its Security Council tenure and played a key role in advancing the country’s positions on issues relating to international peace and security. Prior to her current post, Rodrigues-Birkett served as director of the Food and Agriculture Organization Liaison Office in Geneva from 2017 to 2020. She previously served as Guyana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2008 to 2015 and as Minister of Amerindian Affairs from 2001 to 2008.

Guyana’s rising international profile
The Head of State noted that the nomination comes at a time when Guyana has gained increased recognition globally through its diplomatic engagement and leadership on major international issues.
“This decision comes against the background of Guyana’s rising international profile and is consistent with its long-standing commitment to strengthening the multilateral system at a time when the world faces increasingly complex and interconnected challenges,” President Ali said.
According to the President, Guyana’s successful election to the UN Security Council (UNSC) and completion of its 2024-2025 term demonstrated the country’s ability to contribute meaningfully to global governance.
“Over the past several years, Guyana has emerged as an influential voice on the global stage. Our successful election to the United Nations Security Council, and the successful completion of our 2024-2025 term on the body, have demonstrated to the world that Guyana can provide leadership at various levels of the global system,” he stated.
The President noted that throughout its tenure on the Security Council, Guyana consistently advocated for peace, dialogue, respect for international law and the peaceful settlement of disputes while contributing to discussions on major international challenges.
He also pointed to Guyana’s increasing role in global conversations on climate change, environmental sustainability, food security, biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.
“As a country that has demonstrated that economic development and environmental stewardship can advance hand-in-hand, Guyana has become a respected voice in global discussions on balancing growth, sustainability, and equity,” the President said.
President Ali described the nomination as a continuation of Guyana’s tradition of international service and diplomacy, referencing the accomplishments of distinguished Guyanese who have previously served in prominent international positions, including as Commonwealth SG and President of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
He underscored that the Government believes Rodrigues-Birkett possesses the experience, expertise and leadership qualities required for the role. “Ambassador Rodrigues-Birkett has acquired the experience, expertise, judgement, and diplomatic skills necessary to perform ably and effectively carry out the duties of Secretary General of the United Nations,” the President said.
President Ali highlighted her experience in multilateral diplomacy, noting that she possesses extensive knowledge of the UN’s system and its institutions. The President said her career has been marked by a commitment to inclusion, social development, gender equality and sustainable development, while spanning governance, diplomacy, development cooperation, international negotiations and multilateral leadership.
He also outlined her vision for the organisation, stating that it focuses on strengthening multilateralism and improving the effectiveness and responsiveness of the UN. “Ambassador Rodrigues-Birkett’s vision for the United Nations centres on strengthening multilateralism and enhancing the effectiveness and responsiveness of the organisation, while ensuring the United Nations remains capable of addressing contemporary challenges, including conflict prevention, climate change, food insecurity, sustainable development, humanitarian crises, and emerging threats to international peace and security,” President Ali said.

Chief Administrative Officer
Described as the “Chief Administrative Officer” of the UN, the SG leads the UN Secretariat and oversees thousands of UN staff worldwide and acts as a mediator in international disputes. In accordance with Article 97 of the Charter of the UN, the SG is appointed by the General Assembly upon the recommendation of the Security Council. A candidate must receive at least nine votes in the Security Council and cannot be vetoed by any of the five permanent members. Nominations can come from countries all across the globe; however, the candidate for the position is ultimately recommended by the 15-member UNSC. The standard term is now five years.