Guyana’s UNSG nominee highlights women’s leadership in diplomacy

Guyana’s nominee for the United Nations Secretary General (UNSG) position, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, engaged in discussions on gender equality in global leadership.
According to a statement from the Permanent Mission of Guyana to the United Nations on Tuesday, Ambassador Rodrigues-Birkett participated in a panel discussion titled “Equal Voices at Every Table: Advancing Women’s Leadership in Diplomacy”. The event was held ahead of the International Day of Women in Diplomacy and brought together the Permanent Representatives of Greece and the Kingdom of the Netherlands. It was preceded by a fireside chat with the President of the United Nations General Assembly, Annalena Baerbock. International Day of Women in Diplomacy is observed on June 24 each year.
Participants at the panel shared their personal experiences in diplomacy and examined structural and cultural barriers affecting women’s leadership. Discussions also focused on practical steps to improve gender parity in international institutions.

On June 19, 2026, Ambassador Rodrigues-Birkett presented her vision for the United Nations during an interactive dialogue at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), which serves as part of the selection process for the next UN Secretary-General.
During her presentation, Rodrigues-Birkett outlined what she described as a “practical and realistic” approach to strengthening the organisation. She highlighted concerns about the slow progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ongoing global conflicts, and financial constraints facing the UN system.
She said the UN remains “indispensable” but stressed the need for reform to make it more effective. Her proposals included improving internal efficiency, strengthening alignment across UN structures, and ensuring more effective delivery across peace and security, development, and human rights pillars.
Rodrigues-Birkett also addressed questions during the dialogue on how to strengthen the UN’s human rights work amid budget constraints. She suggested that investments in development and peace and security are also directly linked to human rights outcomes.
On conflict resolution, she said the UN must take a more active and visible role in mediation efforts, including direct engagement with parties in conflict situations. She also emphasised cooperation with regional actors and other mediators already involved in peace processes.
She further proposed the appointment of a diverse and inclusive leadership team within the UN Secretariat, with representation from all regions and a strong focus on gender balance and participation from developing countries.
According to her, an effective Secretary-General must demonstrate discernment and versatility, serving in multiple roles, including mediator, convener, negotiator, and spokesperson, depending on the situation.
Rodrigues-Birkett, who has served as Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the UN for the past five years, also referenced her previous Ministerial roles in Amerindian Affairs and Foreign Affairs as part of her experience relevant to the post.
She was nominated for the position by President Dr Irfaan Ali last week. She will compete against several high-profile candidates, including former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet, former UN General Assembly President Maria Fernanda Espinosa, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi, UN Trade and Development Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan, and former Senegalese President Macky Sall.
The current UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, is expected to complete his term at the end of this year.