Guyana’s UN Secretary General candidate outlines vision to Caricom Heads of Govt

Guyana’s campaign to secure the position of United Nations Secretary General (UNSG) for Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett received a boost on Tuesday after several Caribbean Community (Caricom) member states endorsed her candidacy during the regional bloc’s Heads of Government meeting in St Lucia.
President Dr Irfaan Ali, in a post on social media, said Rodrigues-Birkett addressed Caricom Heads of Government on her vision and candidacy for the top United Nations (UN) post. According to the President, the presentation was well received, with several member states expressing support for Guyana’s nominee.
“Her presentation received strong support, with several Member States endorsing her nomination – another significant milestone as our campaign continues to gather regional momentum on the international stage,” President Ali stated.
Meanwhile, the Permanent Mission of Guyana to the UN on it social media page said that Rodrigues-Birkett participated in the 51st Meeting of Heads of State and Government of Caricom, where she outlined her vision for the role of UN Secretary-General. The Mission said the former Foreign Affairs Minister was invited to address the regional leaders and used the opportunity to present her candidacy for the position. It added that Rodrigues-Birkett also thanked Caricom leaders for their support and words of encouragement following her presentation.
Guyana officially launched Rodrigues-Birkett’s candidacy in May as it seeks to secure broad international backing ahead of the selection process for the next UN Secretary-General. Five official candidates are running to succeed António Guterres as the next UNSG, whose five-year term begins on January 1, 2027. According to the UN, the Secretary-General (SG) is appointed by the 193-member General Assembly on the recommendation of the Security Council. While the 15-member Council, particularly its five permanent members who may veto any candidate, plays a decisive role in shaping the recommendation, the appointment is ultimately made by the Assembly. In the 80 years since the founding of the UN, there have been nine SGs, but a woman has never held the post. 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. 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 Organisation (FAO) 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.