Guyana’s global position enhanced by UN Security Council appointment – political parties

…“This is the new Guyana” – President Ali

Both main political parties have responded to Guyana securing a seat on the United Nations (UN) by reflecting on the boost it provides to Guyana’s global position and the country’s ability to meaningfully contribute on the world stage.
On Tuesday, the news emerged that Guyana was voted in as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for 2024-2025. During a People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) rally at Anna Regina, ahead of Local Government Elections 2023, President Dr. Irfaan Ali spoke about this decision and how much it would benefit the country.

“Today, our position in the globe has been further enhanced, as we were elected onto the Security Council in one of (the) non-permanent member seats. This is the new Guyana. Less than three years ago, the headlines around the world were ‘Guyana: democracy under threat’. ‘Rigged elections’. ‘Sanctions’. What is the headline today: ‘Fastest growing economy’,” President Ali said.
President Ali attributed this turnaround to the presence of effective leadership. According to the President, the ultimate aim is for Guyana to be a world leader when it comes to climate, food and energy security.
“We are living in a new Guyana. We’re preparing the way in this new Guyana to ensure that, in the world 2030 and beyond, Guyana will be a leader in energy security, food security, and climate security. That is what we’re working on: positioning Guyana to provide leadership on the three most crucial issues Guyana will face in 2030 and beyond,” the President said.

APNU
Meanwhile, A Partnership for National Unity’s (APNU’s) shadow Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amanza Walton-Desir, welcomed the decision on behalf of her party. According to her, the fact that Guyana has for the third time been elected to the Security Council is a positive development.

“The APNU/AFC Parliamentary Opposition welcomes the announcement that Guyana has once again secured a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for 2024-2025…Guyana’s appointment to the Security Council provides us with an opportunity to advocate for these principles, and contribute meaningfully to the Council’s work,” she said in the statement.
The party also expressed gratitude to the foreign service personnel who advanced the efforts towards Guyana gaining this seat, as well as the international community for their support.
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.

“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,” Minister Todd shared after the elections.
He also pledged that Guyana would work with all Council members and the wider UN in contributing useful ideas and encouraging partnerships.

UNSC
In lauding the achievement, President Ali had 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.
The United Nations Charter establishes six main organs of the organization, 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 authorizing 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. (G3)