IN a bid marked by transparency, consultation, and inclusivity, Guyana assumed the presidency of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on February 1, according to Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.

Following the rotational system, where each member of the council takes the presidency for a month in alphabetical order, Guyana stepped into its leadership role without significant hurdles, as per Rodrigues-Birkett’s statement published by UNtoday.

Despite facing time constraints amidst austerity measures, Guyana’s presidency was characterised by cooperation among council members.

“We approached the presidency in a transparent, consultative and inclusive manner and benefitted from the full cooperation of Council members.” However, she acknowledged time constraints as a notable challenge, particularly amidst austerity measures.

However, the presidency encountered challenges in managing numerous requests for additional meetings and bilateral discussions.

“There are also many requests for bilateral meetings with the president from a wide array of stakeholders. The challenge for the presidency was to ensure the necessary attentiveness to these requests, which required prioritising and good time management,” the diplomat said.

Rodrigues-Birkett emphasised the need for prioritisation and efficient time management to address these demands effectively.

Beyond chairing sessions, the presidency involved engaging in various activities, including balancing sensitivities and urgencies in determining meeting formats and ensuring the participation of non-council members. Rodrigues-Birkett highlighted the importance of consultations, especially when divergent views among council members arise, with the President having the final say.

During Guyana’s tenure, the presidency addressed issues such as the safety of UN workers in Gaza, issuing press elements outlining council concerns and support. The presidency also adhered to Note 507 on the Working Methods of the Council, conducting informal briefings with UN membership and engaging with civil society organisations and the media.

Reflecting on broader Security Council challenges, Rodrigues-Birkett stressed the imperative of reforms to strengthen the council’s ability to fulfil its mandate. She particularly advocated for reforming the use of the veto power to prevent its obstruction in critical cases.

As an Indigenous woman, Rodrigues-Birkett underscored the importance of representation and inclusivity in policy-making roles, advocating for Indigenous peoples to have opportunities at all levels of governance.

“I am pleased that I was able to serve my country as a Minister of Amerindian (Indigenous) Affairs and a parliamentarian, which allowed me to work with other policy and lawmakers and effect positive change for Guyana’s Indigenous peoples.”

In terms of her legacy and leadership, Rodrigues-Birkett emphasised the necessity of readiness and productivity, asserting the meaningful role of small states in the Security Council. She expressed determination and motivation, particularly as a woman and Indigenous woman, in her diplomatic endeavours.

“As the first female Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, and now first female Permanent Representative, I believe these appointments have served to show every girl in my country, Indigenous or not, what the possibilities are and that these positions do not have to be the domain of any one group or gender,” she added.

In the realm of politics, the ambassador emphasised the necessity of readiness and productivity for both election and re-election. “This requires leadership and a strong team. I have brought that same approach to my role as Permanent Representative and to Guyana’s membership of the Security Council.

“Now that we have completed two months on the Security Council, including as the President for February, I believe that the Guyana team at the UN (90 per cent women), has demonstrated that small states can, and have the ability to play a meaningful role in the Security Council. There are times when I am reminded that, both as a woman and an Indigenous woman, there might be more attention paid to my work. This does not daunt me. It motivates me,” she concluded.

Guyana’s presidency of the UNSC signifies a commitment to transparent and inclusive leadership, advocating for reforms to enhance the council’s effectiveness in maintaining global peace and security.