GUYANA’S candidate for United Nations Secretary-General, Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, on Wednesday, presented her vision for a revitalised United Nations to members of the Forum of Small States (FOSS), emphasising the need for stronger advocacy for small nations and continued institutional reform within the global body.
Speaking during an engagement hosted at the Permanent Mission of Singapore to the United Nations, Rodrigues-Birkett, Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the UN, outlined her priorities should she be elected to lead the organisation.
The Guyanese diplomat said her vision centres on a “reinvigorated United Nations” capable of responding more effectively to the complex challenges facing the international community while strengthening its role in advancing peace and security, sustainable development, and human rights.
Rodrigues-Birkett told representatives of FOSS member countries that the ongoing UN80 reform agenda presents an important opportunity to modernise the organisation and better position it to meet evolving global demands.
She also highlighted the critical role that small states play within the multilateral system, arguing that their priorities must receive stronger representation at all levels of international decision-making.
“Small States have an important role in the multilateral system, and there is a need for strong advocacy for their priorities at all levels,” Rodrigues-Birkett said.
The ambassador further stressed the importance of improving public awareness of the United Nations’ work, noting that greater visibility could help mobilise broader international support for the organisation and its mission.
As part of her campaign platform, Rodrigues-Birkett pledged to be a “discerning and versatile” Secretary-General and committed to building a leadership team that reflects geographical diversity and gender balance.
She also promised to prioritise consultation and engagement with member states, civil society organisations and other stakeholders throughout her campaign and, if elected, during her tenure as Secretary-General.
According to Rodrigues-Birkett, meaningful dialogue with a broad range of stakeholders is essential to developing effective responses to the challenges confronting both the United Nations and the wider international community.
Her presentation to FOSS forms part of a series of diplomatic engagements as candidates seeking to succeed the current UN Secretary-General continue discussions with member states ahead of the selection process.
The Forum of Small States, established by Singapore in 1992, comprises more than 100 countries and serves as a platform through which small states can coordinate positions and advocate for issues of common concern within the United Nations system.
Rodrigues-Birkett’s candidacy has attracted significant attention both within Guyana and internationally, as she seeks to become the first Caribbean national and the first Guyanese to serve as Secretary-General of the United Nations.