…during interactive dialogue with UNGA Members
In her bid for the United Nations Secretary General (UNSG) position, Guyana’s nominee, Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett on Thursday presented her vision for the international body, targeting issues such as reforms, conflict resolution and the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Addressing the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Ambassador Rodrigues-Birkett presented her “practical and realistic” vision for the UN should she be appointed to the helm of the 193-member body.
She pointed out that there is a growing sense of frustration that the UN is not delivering as it should despite Member States’ strong commitment to make the body “truly fit for purpose”. Among the areas she outlined that needed focus were the sloth of achieving the SDGs as well as reforms aimed at strengthening the UN’s work, especially as it relates to addressing global conflicts.
“There is no global issue that the UN cannot consider. Think about it. If there were no United Nations, how would we even begin to address many of the global issues confronting us? I’ve said all of this because I believe in the United Nations. It is indispensable, it is incomparable, and it is a force for global good.
“It is also, though, because of my strong belief in the United Nations that I am compelled to be realistic about its challenges. The proliferation of conflicts and crises, the slow pace in achieving the SDGs, and the ongoing liquidity crisis facing the organisation are just three examples of what confronts us today,” she highlighted.
But even as she highlighted the shortcomings, Ambassador Rodrigues, who has been serving as Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the UN for the past five years, emphasised the importance of the international body.
Reforming systems and practices
She further underscored the need for the UN to do things differently and better for the future, including improving efficiencies in the Secretariat, as well as how the organisation treats mandates and its structural alignment – all of which she noted will have a positive impact systemwide.
“I have presented a vision that builds upon the achievements while responding directly to the challenges we face. One that centres around reasserting the UN’s core principles and purposes, reforming its systems and practices, and, together with Member States, rallying towards the goal of a more agile and effective organisation. One that also delivers equally across all three pillars: peace and security, development, and human rights.”
“If appointed Secretary General, I will work hand in hand with the 193 Member States of this organisation and its staff, as well as in partnership with regional and sub-regional organisations, civil society, and other stakeholders to achieve this shared objective. I will be open and accessible, including to dialogue with Permanent Representatives here in New York,” the Guyanese diplomat committed.
Thursday’s interactive dialogue serves as the ultimate job interview, during which candidates are given the opportunity to present their vision for the United Nations and take questions directly from UN Member States and civil society representatives.
During the three-hour session, Ambassador Rodrigues-Birkett was grilled on a number of issues ranging from human rights to conflict resolution and reforms within the UN.
In response to a question from the European Union (EU), Rodrigues-Birkett spoke about her intentions to find ways of increasing the one per cent budgetary allocation to the human rights pillar amidst the financial crisis within the UN.
“How do we improve the budget for human rights in this organisation? Of course, I would certainly have to work with Member States to do this… I also see the investment in development and the investment in peace and security as also investments in human rights because when conflicts arise, many times human rights is one of the things that suffer immediately,” she posited.
Inclusive and visible UN
Ambassador Rodrigues-Birkett further detailed her plans to appoint a fully competent and inclusive team with representation from all the regions across the world, especially developing nations, as well as gender balance. She also spoke about her position when it comes to addressing global conflicts, stressing the need for the UN to be an active participant in the resolution process.
“As Secretary General, I will be willing to pick up the phone and call and to speak with the parties concerned, especially when the information before anticipates that something bad might happen… I know that if I’m elected, I’m coming in as Secretary-General when we have several conflicts around the world. And so, I would make all the tools in my office available to ensure that we advance peace… I know the Secretary-General and the UN are not the only actors in this space. There are many countries that are involved in mediation and in advancing peace, and so, I would also work with them to see what role the UN can play when they are at the forefront of those efforts. Whatever the situation, the UN must be visible. The world must see that the UN is involved and that the UN is not franchising out peace and security and not being engaged with the parties on the ground. So, that would be my approach, not being afraid to be rejected, not being afraid to fail, but always being ready and willing to make that call,” she informed the UNGA.
Up to the task
Rodrigues-Birkett further told the General Assembly in her address that “…an effective Secretary General in today’s context must possess two essential strengths, in my view: discernment and versatility. She must be an administrator, peacemaker, mediator, broker, negotiator, convener, and spokesperson. More importantly, she must be able to discern which role is most appropriate in any given situation.”
Ambassador Rodrigues-Birkett believes she has acquired these skills during her tenure at the UN as Guyana’s Permanent Representative coupled with her experience as Minister of both Amerindian Affairs (2001-2008) and Foreign Affairs (2008-2015) in Guyana as well as an international civil servant.
“I do believe that I am ready for the task ahead… The appointment of the next Secretary-General comes at a critical moment for the United Nations. The global landscape has changed, and the tools required to guide the organisation must, likewise, evolve. The vision I have outlined is principled, pragmatic and responsive to the needs of the organisation,” the Guyanese diplomat asserted before colleagues from around the world.
Ambassador Rodrigues-Birkett was nominated for the UNSG post by President Dr Irfaan Ali last week.
She will be going up against former President of Chile and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet; former President of the UN General Assembly Maria Fernanda Espinosa of Ecuador; Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Grossi of Argentina; Secretary-General of UN Trade and Development Rebeca Grynspan of Costa Rica; and former President of Senegal Macky Sall.
Current UN Secretary-General António Guterres will complete his tenure at the end of this year.
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