—President Ali says seasoned diplomat has the experience, judgement and leadership needed to guide the United Nations through a complex global era
GUYANA has formally nominated its Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, for the position of Secretary-General of the United Nations, marking a historic moment for the country as it seeks to place one of its most accomplished diplomats at the helm of the world’s premier multilateral institution.
The announcement was made on Friday by President Dr Irfaan Ali, who said the decision comes as Guyana’s international standing continues to grow and reflects the country’s commitment to strengthening multilateral co-operation at a time of increasing global uncertainty.
“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 upon the completion of the tenure of the current Secretary-General, Mr Antonio Guterres, on December 31, 2026,” President Ali said.
He noted that 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.
According to the President, Guyana consistently advocated for peace, dialogue, respect for international law and the peaceful settlement of disputes while serving on the Security Council, earning international recognition for its contributions to discussions on some of the world’s most pressing issues.
Beyond its Security Council role, Guyana has become increasingly influential in global conversations surrounding climate change, environmental sustainability, food security, energy security, biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.
“As a country that has demonstrated that economic development and environmental stewardship can advance hand in hand, Guyana has become a respected voice in global discussions on balancing growth, sustainability and equity,” President Ali said.
The Head of State said the government believes it is both timely and appropriate to put forward a candidate who possesses the credentials and leadership qualities necessary to guide the United Nations during a period of significant global challenges.
“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. During that period, she played a central role in Guyana’s participation on the Security Council and was instrumental in advancing the country’s positions on international peace and security issues.
The President highlighted her leadership abilities, noting that her work at the United Nations has demonstrated a strong capacity for consensus-building, diplomacy and engagement with a wide range of international stakeholders.
He further underscored her extensive knowledge of the UN system, gained through direct involvement with the General Assembly, Security Council and other multilateral institutions.
Prior to her current role, Rodrigues-Birkett served as Director of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Liaison Office in Geneva from 2017 to 2020, where she worked closely with international partners on food security, sustainable development and global co-operation initiatives.
She also served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2008 to 2015 and previously held the portfolio of Minister of Amerindian Affairs from 2001 to 2008.
Throughout her public service career, Rodrigues-Birkett has been recognised for her work in advancing inclusion, social development, gender equality, indigenous rights and sustainable development.
President Ali said the next Secretary-General must be capable of rebuilding trust among member states, strengthening confidence in international institutions and ensuring the United Nations remains effective in addressing modern global challenges.
“The government of Guyana believes that the next Secretary-General must possess not only a thorough understanding of the challenges confronting the international community, but also the ability to build trust among member states, strengthen confidence in multilateral institutions and lead the organisation with vision,” he said.
According to the President, Rodrigues-Birkett’s vision for the United Nations is centred on strengthening multilateralism, promoting inclusive global governance and enhancing the organisation’s responsiveness to challenges such as conflict prevention, climate change, food insecurity, sustainable development, humanitarian crises and emerging threats to international peace and security.
“The Government of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana will actively advocate for the candidature of Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett and engage with member states of the United Nations in support of her election as the next Secretary-General of the United Nations,” the President said.
If successful, Rodrigues-Birkett would become the first Guyanese and among the few Caribbean nationals to serve as Secretary-General of the United Nations.
