President Ali announces Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett as candidate for UN Secretary-General

President Dr. Irfaan Ali has announced that Guyana will formally nominate Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, the country’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, for the position of Secretary-General of the United Nations when the term of current Secretary-General António Guterres ends on December 31, 2026.

In a national address, President Ali said the decision was made after “careful consideration” and consultations with colleagues and comes at a time when Guyana’s international profile has grown significantly on the world stage.

The President said the nomination reflects Guyana’s confidence in its ability to contribute leadership at the highest levels of international diplomacy and is consistent with the country’s longstanding commitment to strengthening the multilateral system.

“This decision comes against the background of Guyana’s rising international profile and is consistent with its longstanding commitment to strengthening the multilateral system at a time when the world faces increasingly complex and interconnected challenges,” President Ali stated.

Ali pointed to Guyana’s recent service on the United Nations Security Council as evidence of the country’s growing influence in international affairs.

Guyana served on the Security Council from 2024 to 2025, a period during which the country advocated for peace, dialogue, respect for international law and the peaceful settlement of disputes.

According to the President, Guyana’s contributions during its tenure demonstrated that the country is capable of providing leadership within the global system despite its size.

Beyond the Security Council, he noted that Guyana has become an increasingly important voice on issues including climate change, biodiversity conservation, food security, energy security, sustainable development and the interests of developing countries and small states.

“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,” the President said.

President Ali said Rodrigues-Birkett possesses the experience, expertise and diplomatic skills necessary to lead the United Nations at a time of growing global challenges.

She has served as Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations since 2020 and played a central role in Guyana’s work on the Security Council.

The President said her performance at the UN has demonstrated strong leadership, consensus-building abilities and the capacity to engage effectively with a wide range of international stakeholders.

He noted that she has acquired extensive knowledge of the United Nations system, including its principal organs, agencies and programmes, through her current role.

Before becoming Guyana’s Permanent Representative, Rodrigues-Birkett served as Director of the Food and Agriculture Organization’s Liaison Office in Geneva from 2017 to 2020, where she worked closely with international agencies on food security, sustainable development and international cooperation.

She also previously served as Guyana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Amerindian Affairs, overseeing the country’s external relations while championing policies aimed at improving the welfare and participation of Indigenous peoples in national development.

Throughout her career, President Ali said, she has consistently advocated for inclusion, gender equality, sustainable development and social advancement.

According to President Ali, Rodrigues-Birkett’s vision for the United Nations centres on strengthening multilateralism, improving the effectiveness of international institutions and promoting more inclusive global governance.

Her priorities include addressing conflict prevention, climate change, food insecurity, sustainable development, humanitarian crises and emerging threats to international peace and security.

“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,” the President said.

President Ali announced that the Government of Guyana will actively engage member states of the United Nations in support of Rodrigues-Birkett’s candidature.

If successful, Rodrigues-Birkett would become the first Guyanese and among the few Caribbean nationals to serve as Secretary-General of the United Nations, one of the most influential diplomatic positions in the world.

The position is appointed by the United Nations General Assembly upon the recommendation of the Security Council and serves as the chief administrative officer and global spokesperson for the 193-member organisation.

The current Secretary-General, António Guterres of Portugal, is due to complete his second term at the end of 2026.

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