GEORGETOWN, Guyana – Guyana will nominate Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett as its candidate for United Nations Secretary-General, with President Irfaan Ali describing her as “fit and proper” to lead the global organisation.
Carolyn Rodrigues-BirkettPresident Ali made the announcement in a video statement posted on Friday night, positioning Rodrigues-Birkett as a candidate to succeed current UN Secretary-General António Guterres, whose term ends on December 31, 2026.
“Over the past several years, Guyana has emerged as an influential voice on the global stage. Our successful election to the United Nations Security Council and the successful completion of our 2024-2025 term on the body have demonstrated to the world that Guyana can provide leadership at various levels of the global system,” he said.
The president said Guyana’s tenure on the Security Council reflected its advocacy for peace, dialogue and respect for international law, and pointed to the country’s growing role in areas such as climate change, food and energy security, biodiversity, and the interests of small and developing states.
Turning to the nominee, Ali said Rodrigues-Birkett brings the experience required for the post.
“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,” he said.
Rodrigues-Birkett has served as Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations since 2020 and represented the country during its term on the UN Security Council.
Her career in public service spans more than two decades, including service as Director of the Food and Agriculture Organisation’s liaison office in Geneva from 2017 to 2020, Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2008 to 2015, and Minister of Amerindian Affairs from 2001 to 2008.
Ali said the next Secretary-General must be able to build trust among member states, restore confidence in multilateral institutions and lead with vision, adding that Rodrigues-Birkett embodies those qualities.
He said her vision for the United Nations includes strengthening multilateralism, improving effectiveness and responsiveness, and ensuring the organisation can address conflict, climate change, food insecurity and emerging global threats.
“Accordingly, the Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana will actively advocate for the candidature of Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Burkett and engage with Member States of the United Nations in support of our elections as the next Secretary-General of the United Nations,” he said.
Ali said the decision was taken after “careful consideration, and in consultation with many colleagues”.
