—Ministers, senior officials throw support behind Guyana’s nominee for UN Secretary-General

GUYANA’S Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN), Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, has expressed gratitude to President Dr Irfaan Ali and the Government of Guyana for nominating her as the country’s candidate for Secretary-General (SG) of the UN, as ministers, and senior officials continue to rally behind her historic bid.
In her first public statement since the announcement, Rodrigues-Birkett described the nomination as both an honour and a privilege, while outlining her vision for service at the highest level of international diplomacy.

“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to His Excellency President Mohamed Irfaan Ali for his decision to put forward my candidacy for the post of Secretary-General of the United Nations. It is both an honour and a privilege to receive his support and that of the Government,” she stated.
The veteran diplomat indicated that decades of experience in government and international affairs have prepared her for the challenge ahead.
Rodrigues-Birkett added: “As I embark on this campaign, the experience and skills I have gained over the last decades serving in successive PPP/C Governments and in the international community will guide me on this journey, where I aspire to serve as the world’s chief public servant working with the 193 Member States of the United Nations and partners in advancing the cause of international peace and security, development and human rights for all.”
Her remarks came hours after President Ali announced that Guyana had formally nominated her for the position of Secretary-General upon the completion of the tenure of current UN Secretary-General António Guterres on December 31, 2026.
The nomination has triggered an outpouring of support from across government, with ministers describing Rodrigues-Birkett as exceptionally qualified and uniquely positioned to lead the world’s premier multilateral institution.

Minister of Education Sonia Parag was among the first Cabinet members to publicly endorse the nomination, describing the ambassador as “exceptionally qualified and deserving of the role of UN Secretary-General.” “I am proud to support her candidacy,” Parag stated.
Highlighting Rodrigues-Birkett’s pioneering role in Guyanese politics and diplomacy, Parag noted that she served as Guyana’s first female and Indigenous Minister of Foreign Affairs.
She stated: “As Guyana’s first female and Indigenous Minister of Foreign Affairs, she served our nation with distinction, grace, integrity and unwavering professionalism. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated remarkable intelligence and a deep commitment to public service.”
Parag further noted that in her current position as Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Rodrigues-Birkett continues to be “a strong and principled advocate for international co-operation and global peace.”
Beyond her professional accomplishments, the education minister described the ambassador as “a warm, approachable and compassionate woman who inspires confidence and respect wherever she serves.”
Parag added, “Ambassador Rodrigues-Birkett has represented Guyana with excellence on the world stage and I sincerely hope her candidacy is successful.”
The Ministry of Amerindian Affairs also issued a strong endorsement, describing the nomination as a source of pride for Indigenous communities across Guyana.
Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Sarah Browne-Shadeek and staff of the ministry warmly welcomed the announcement, praising Rodrigues-Birkett’s remarkable journey from the Moruca, Santa Rosa in Region One (Barima-Waini) to the highest levels of international diplomacy.
The ministry described her as “a true daughter of the soil” whose life story continues to inspire generations of Guyanese.
According to the ministry, Rodrigues-Birkett has devoted more than two decades to advancing Guyana’s interests nationally, regionally and internationally, earning widespread respect among world leaders and diplomats.

The ministry further noted that her candidacy represents “not only a historic milestone for Guyana but also a powerful symbol of hope and possibility for Indigenous peoples everywhere.”
Support also came from the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, which encouraged Guyanese to unite behind the nomination.
“We look forward to rallying with you all around Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett who was just nominated by Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali to be the Secretary General of the United Nations,” the ministry stated.
“When women step up and take their place, the world benefits!”
Guyana’s Ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva and former Minister of Health, Dr Leslie Ramsammy, similarly argued that the time is right for both a woman and a Caribbean national to lead the United Nations.
“It is time for a woman to be the UN SG. It’s time for a Caribbean citizen to be the SG for the UN. It is time the best candidate is elected to be the SG,” Ramsammy stated.
“One person fits all these elements as the UN votes for its SG – Carolyn Rodrigues. Let’s do the right thing.”

Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud, also extended congratulations to Rodrigues-Birkett, describing her as an “outstanding daughter of Guyana.”
“My warmest congratulations and best wishes to this outstanding daughter of Guyana and she continues to make Guyana and all of us proud,” Persaud stated.
President Ali, in announcing the nomination on Friday, described the decision as one that reflects Guyana’s growing international stature and confidence in Rodrigues-Birkett’s diplomatic credentials.
The President announced: “Guyana has decided to formally nominate Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, for the position of Secretary-General of the United Nations.”
He pointed to Guyana’s successful tenure on the UN Security Council between 2024 and 2025 and the country’s increasing influence on issues such as climate change, environmental sustainability, food security, biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.
According to the President, Rodrigues-Birkett possesses the experience, expertise and diplomatic judgement required to guide the UN through a period marked by global conflict, humanitarian crises and increasing geopolitical tensions.
“In my estimation, Ambassador Rodrigues-Birkett has acquired the experience, expertise, judgement and diplomatic skills necessary to perform ably and effectively carry out the duties of Secretary-General of the United Nations,” President Ali stated.

Rodrigues-Birkett has served as Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations since 2020 and played a central role in the country’s participation on the Security Council. Before that, she served as Director of the Food and Agriculture Organization’s Liaison Office in Geneva from 2017 to 2020.
Her ministerial career includes serving as Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2008 to 2015 and Minister of Amerindian Affairs from 2001 to 2008. Throughout her public service career, she has been associated with advancing Indigenous rights, gender equality, social development and sustainable development initiatives.
If successful, Rodrigues-Birkett would make history as the first woman and the first Guyanese national to lead the United Nations as Secretary-General.

The Government of Guyana has indicated that it will actively engage member states across the world in support of her candidacy as the campaign for the UN’s top post gathers momentum.