THE Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has thrown its full support behind Guyana’s nomination of Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett for the position of Secretary-General of the United Nations.
In the communiqué issued following the 51st Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government held in Saint Lucia, CARICOM leaders unanimously endorsed Guyana’s candidate, describing the upcoming appointment as one of significant importance at a critical time for the international community.
“Heads of Government strongly welcomed Guyana’s nomination of Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett and expressed their full endorsement for her candidacy,” the communiqué stated.
The regional endorsement came as CARICOM leaders reaffirmed their commitment to multilateralism, anchored in the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law, amid what they described as pressing global challenges confronting the international community.
The Heads of Government noted that the selection of the next UN Secretary-General comes at a particularly pivotal moment for the world and acknowledged that several distinguished candidates from Latin America and the Caribbean have been nominated for the post.
Against that backdrop, the leaders underscored their collective support for Guyana’s nominee, signalling a united regional position behind Ambassador Rodrigues-Birkett’s bid to become the next head of the United Nations.
Rodrigues-Birkett, Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations and a former Minister of Foreign Affairs, officially presented her candidacy and vision to CARICOM Heads of Government earlier this week during the regional summit in Saint Lucia.
During that engagement, she thanked regional leaders for their encouragement and support, while outlining her vision for a more effective, inclusive and responsive United Nations capable of addressing today’s complex global challenges.
The endorsement by CARICOM strengthens Guyana’s campaign as the process to appoint the next UN Secretary-General gathers momentum ahead of the end of the current term.
In early June, President, Dr Irfaan Ali formally announced Guyana’s nomination of Rodrigues-Birkett, describing the decision as both timely and appropriate given the significant global challenges confronting the international community.
The President at that time said Guyana’s successful tenure on the UN Security Council from 2024 to 2025 demonstrated the country’s capacity to provide leadership on the global stage, while highlighting its growing influence on issues including climate change, biodiversity conservation, food security and sustainable development.
He further cited the Ambassador’s extensive diplomatic experience, noting that she has served as Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations since 2020 and played a central role in advancing the country’s positions during its Security Council membership.
