Guyana takes up membership on United Nations Security Council

– to seek a people-centred approach to finding solutions to existing conflicts

Guyana has taken its seat as an elected member of the United Nations Security Council for a two-year term 2024-2025. Permanent Representative of Guyana to the United Nations, Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett on Monday installed the Guyana Flag alongside those of other Security Council members outside the Council chambers.

Also participating in the simple ceremony were the other newly-elected members, Algeria, the Republic of Korea, Sierra Leone and Slovenia.
In a brief statement, Ambassador Rodrigues-Birkett recognised that the task of maintaining international peace and security is growing increasingly complex with multidimensional challenges and, that the Council is, therefore, compelled to be proactive in addressing potential sources of conflict, and comprehensive in its response to existing conflict situations.
She stated that Guyana will seek a people-centred approach, including the involvement of women and youth in the search for solutions, ever mindful that conflict is a driver of poverty and underdevelopment and therefore inimical to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
The theme of Guyana’s participation in the Security Council is “Partnering for Peace and Prosperity”.

Guyana’s tenure on the Council will be rooted in a firm commitment to multilateralism and guided by the priorities of 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.
In keeping with these priorities, Guyana has endorsed the “Joint Pledge on Climate, Peace, and Security” and joined the “Statement of Shared Commitments on Women, Peace, and Security”.
This will be Guyana’s third time serving on the Council following terms in 1975-1976 and 1982-1983.
In June 2023, Guyana was elected to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) – becoming one of five new non-permanent members for the term 2024-2025.
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.
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.”
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.