GUYANA has secured two significant leadership positions within the United Nations General Assembly, with Ambassador Trishala Persaud elected Chair of the Sixth Committee and diplomat Abosede Hazlewood elected Vice Chair of the Bureau of the Third Committee for the 81st Session of the UN General Assembly.
The appointments underscore Guyana’s growing influence within the multilateral system and its active engagement in shaping international legal, humanitarian and social policy discussions at the United Nations.
Ambassador Persaud, Guyana’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, was elected by acclamation as Chair of the Sixth Committee, the General Assembly’s primary forum for the consideration of legal questions and the development of international law.
In remarks following her election, Ambassador Persaud expressed gratitude to member states and to the Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC), which nominated her for the role. She described the appointment as both a personal honour and a significant achievement for Guyana.
She pledged to work closely with all delegations to ensure the committee’s deliberations remain inclusive, transparent and productive.
“Guyana has been consistent in its commitment to the United Nations Charter and the rules-based international order,” Persaud said. “We firmly believe that adherence to international law is critical to maintaining peace and security. At a time when international law is being tested and there are many new developments in our world requiring consideration of legal questions and potential legal frameworks, the work of the Sixth Committee is of paramount importance.”
The Sixth Committee plays a central role in examining issues related to international law, including legal aspects of peace and security, accountability, treaty law, and the development of new legal frameworks to address emerging global challenges.
Persaud’s election comes at a time when the international community faces increasingly complex legal questions arising from conflicts, technological advancements, climate change, cybersecurity concerns and evolving global governance issues.
Meanwhile, Guyana also secured representation in the leadership of the Third Committee, which focuses on social, humanitarian and cultural matters.
Second Secretary at Guyana’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations, Ms. Abosede Hazlewood, was elected Vice Chair of the Bureau of the Third Committee for the 81st Session.
Hazlewood has served as Guyana’s expert representative to the Third Committee for several years and has been actively involved in negotiations on major global health and development issues.
Last year, she co-led negotiations on behalf of the Group of 77 and China that resulted in the adoption of a Political Declaration on Non-Communicable Diseases, a key international framework aimed at strengthening global efforts to prevent and control chronic illnesses.
The dual appointments reflect increasing recognition of Guyana’s diplomatic contributions within the United Nations and provide the country with enhanced opportunities to help guide discussions on critical legal, social and humanitarian issues affecting the international community.
The 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly is expected to address a broad range of global challenges, including sustainable development, international peace and security, climate action, human rights, and the strengthening of multilateral co-operation.