Guyana’s candidate for secretary-general of the United Nations, Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, has outlined a vision for a more agile, responsive and effective global body.
She argued that the organisation must evolve to meet increasingly complex international challenges.
Delivering her address to member states and civil society during the interactive dialogue on her candidacy, Guyana’s permanent representative to the United Nations said the appointment of the next secretary general comes at a defining moment for the institution.
“The global landscape has changed, and the tools required to guide the organisation must likewise evolve,” Ambassador Rodrigues-Birkett stated.
She described her vision as one that is “principled, pragmatic and responsive to the needs of the organisation,” grounded in strengthening the UN’s founding values while improving how it functions.
Drawing on her five years at the United Nations and Guyana’s recent tenure on the Security Council, Rodrigues-Birkett said she has engaged extensively with member states and observed growing concern that the institution is not delivering at the level expected.
At the same time, she said countries remain committed to ensuring the organisation becomes “truly fit for purpose.”
Coming from a small developing state, Rodrigues-Birkett reflected on witnessing first-hand the impact of the United Nations across communities worldwide and in Guyana itself.
She pointed to the organisation’s longstanding contributions to decolonisation, peacebuilding, humanitarian action, poverty reduction, public health, education and international cooperation.
“The United Nations is indispensable. It is incomparable, and it is a force for global good,” she affirmed.
While recognising those achievements, Rodrigues-Birkett acknowledged that the organisation faces mounting pressures, including rising conflicts and crises, slow progress on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and ongoing financial constraints.
She said the UN80 reform agenda reflects the reality that the organisation must improve efficiency, strengthen structural alignment and modernise the way mandates are implemented.
If elected secretary general, Rodrigues-Birkett pledged to work closely with all 193 member states, UN staff, regional institutions and civil society to ensure balanced delivery across peace and security, development and human rights.
She committed to maintaining an open and accessible leadership approach and ensuring the UN remains central to addressing global challenges.
“To advance this vision, I have pledged to be proactive in engaging member states…and to ensure that the United Nations is not on the periphery of issues that have global impact,” she stated.
She reflected on her experience as Guyana’s former minister of foreign affairs, former minister of Amerindian affairs, international civil servant and permanent representative; she expressed confidence in her readiness for the role.
“I do believe that I’m ready for the task ahead,” she declared.
Closing the dialogue after responding to questions from delegations, Rodrigues-Birkett said her approach throughout the engagement was intentionally grounded in practicality and realism.
Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett was nominated for secretary-general of the United Nations on June 15 by President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali. [DPI]
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