Guyana’s UN Secretary-General nominee set for key dialogue with Member States

Guyana’s nominee for the position of Secretary-General (SG) of the United Nations (UN), Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, is scheduled to participate in an informal interactive dialogue with UN Member States on Thursday, June 18, as part of the official selection process for the organisation’s next leader. The announcement was made by the Permanent Mission of Guyana to the UN, which noted that the engagement will begin at 10:00h and will be livestreamed on the UN WebTV platform. Ahead of the dialogue, Rodrigues-Birkett, who currently serves as Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the UN, said she looks forward to presenting her vision and engaging with Member States, civil society and the wider international community. “As I embark on this journey seeking to be the next United Nations Secretary General, I begin the process with an informal interactive dialogue with the membership of the United Nations on Thursday, 18 June 2026,” Rodrigues-Birkett stated. She described the dialogue as an important component of the selection process and pledged to maintain a consultative approach if entrusted with the role.

“I am eager to share my vision, engage with the membership, civil society and wider international community, and commit to maintaining a similar consultative posture once entrusted with the responsibility of serving as the world’s chief public servant,” she added. The dialogue comes days after President Dr Irfaan Ali announced that Guyana would formally nominate Rodrigues-Birkett for the position upon the completion of the tenure of current UNSG António Guterres on December 31, 2026. In announcing the nomination on June 13, President Ali said the decision followed extensive consultations and reflected Guyana’s growing influence within the international community. Rodrigues-Birkett has served as Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the UN since 2020. During that period, she played a leading role in advancing Guyana’s positions on international peace and security, including during the country’s tenure on the UN Security Council. Prior to her current role, she served as director of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Liaison Office in Geneva between 2017 and 2020. She also held ministerial portfolios in Guyana, serving as Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2008 to 2015 and Minister of Amerindian Affairs from 2001 to 2008.
President Ali said the Government believes Rodrigues-Birkett possesses the experience, diplomatic skills and leadership required to lead the UN at a time when the organisation faces challenges ranging from conflict prevention and climate change to food insecurity and humanitarian crises. If elected, Rodrigues-Birkett would become the first woman to serve as UNSG since the organisation’s establishment in 1945. She would also be the first national from the Caribbean to hold the position. Under the UN Charter, the SG is appointed by the General Assembly upon the recommendation of the Security Council. A candidate must secure at least nine votes from the 15-member Security Council and must not be vetoed by any of its five permanent members before being recommended for appointment by the General Assembly.