Following President Dr Irfaan Ali’s announcement on Friday evening of Guyana’s candidature for the Secretary-General (SG) of the United Nations (UN), former Foreign Affairs Minister and current Permanent Representative of Guyana to the UN, Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, has expressed gratitude for the support she has received. “I extend my heartfelt gratitude to His Excellency President Mohamed Irfaan Ali for his decision to put forward my candidacy for the post of Secretary-General of the United Nations. It is both an honour and a privilege to receive his support and that of the Government,” Rodrigues-Birkett said in a statement on Friday evening. Looking ahead, the Guyanese Diplomat declared her readiness to serve the international community, continuing her advocacy for international peace and security as well as for human rights across the globe.
“As I embark on this campaign, the experience and skills I have gained over the last decades serving in successive PPP/C (People’s Progressive Party/Civic) Governments and in the international community will guide me on this journey, where I aspire to serve as the world’s chief public servant working with the 193 Member States of the United Nations and partners in advancing the cause of international peace and security, development and human rights for all,” Ambassador Rodrigues-Birkett stated. Guyana is seeking the UNSG seat, which will become vacant when the tenure of current UNSG Antonio Guterres, ends on December 31, 2026. In his announcement on Friday evening, President Ali explained that the nomination of Ambassador Rodrigues-Birkett will continue Guyana’s tradition of international engagement and service. He believes she has acquired the experience, expertise, judgment and diplomatic skills necessary to perform ably and effectively carry out the duties of SG of the UN. Ambassador Rodrigues Burkett currently serves as Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the UN, a position she has held since 2020, and during this time, she presided over Guyana’s historic tenure on the Security Council from 2024 to 2025, playing a leading role in advancing Guyana’s position on matters relating to international peace and security. Prior to her current appointment, Ambassador Rodrigues-Birkett served as Director of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Liaison Office in Geneva from 2017 to 2020. Before that, she served as Guyana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2008 to 2015 as well as Minister of Amerindian Affairs from 2001 to 2008. According to President Ali, “Throughout her career, Ambassador Rodrigues-Birkett has demonstrated a consistent commitment to inclusion, social development, gender equality and sustainable development. Her experience spans governance, diplomacy, development cooperation, international negotiations and multilateral leadership. The Government of Guyana believes that the next SG must possess not only a thorough understanding of the challenges confronting the international community, but also the ability to build trust among Member States, strengthen confidence in multilateral institutions, and lead the organisation with a vision.”
The Guyanese Leader went on to note that the decision to contest for the UNSG seat 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. “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 (UNSC), 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,” the President emphasised.
Outpouring support
Meanwhile, since the announcement of Ambassador Rodrigues-Birkett’s UNSG candidacy, there has been outpouring support from colleagues, especially within the ruling PPP/C and Cabinet Ministers. The Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region One (Barima-Waini), where Rodrigues-Birkett hails from, also extended support for her bid to serve as the next UNSG.
“As the first female Minister of Amerindian Affairs and the first female Amerindian to serve as Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Rodrigues-Birkett has distinguished herself through exemplary leadership, dedication, and service to Guyana and the international community,” Regional Chairman, Brentnol Ashley, said. He added, “The people of Region One are immensely proud of her achievements and remain confident that, if elected, she will serve with excellence, integrity, and vision, bringing pride to Guyana and making a meaningful contribution to the world.” Moreover, Ambassador Rodrigues-Birkett also received political strong support with the Alliance For Change (AFC), a partner in the former 2015-2020 Coalition Government, endorsing her UNSG candidature.
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