“I aspire to serve as the world’s chief public servant” – Amb. Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett on her UNSG candidacy

Following President Dr Irfaan Ali’s announcement on Friday evening of Guyana’s Candidature for Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN), former Foreign Affairs Minister and current Permanent Representative of Guyana to the UN, Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, has expressed gratitude for the support she has received.

“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to His Excellency President Mohamed Irfaan Ali for his decision to put forward my candidacy for the post of Secretary-General of the United Nations. It is both an honour and a privilege to receive his support and that of the Government,” Rodrigues-Birkett said in a statement on Friday evening.

Looking ahead, the Guyanese Diplomat declared her readiness to serve the international community, continuing her advocacy for international peace and security as well as for human rights across the globe.

“As I embark on this campaign, the experience and skills I have gained over the last decades serving in successive PPP/C Governments and in the international community will guide me on this journey, where I aspire to serve as the world’s chief public servant working with the 193 Member States of the United Nations and partners in advancing the cause of international peace and security, development and human rights for all,” Ambassador Rodrigues-Birkett stated.

Guyana is seeking the UNSG seat, which will become vacant when the tenure of current UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, ends on December 31, 2026.

In his announcement on Friday evening, President Ali contended that the nomination of Ambassador Rodrigues-Birkett will continue Guyana’s tradition of international engagement and service. He believes she has acquired the experience, expertise, judgment, and diplomatic skills necessary to perform ably and effectively carry out the duties of Secretary-General of the United Nations.

Ambassador Rodrigues Burkett currently serves as Guyana’s permanent representative to the United Nations, a position she has held since 2020, and during this time, she presided over Guyana’s historic tenure on the Security Council from 2024 to 2025, playing a leading role in advancing Guyana’s position on matters relating to international peace and security.

Prior to her current appointment, Ambassador Rodrigues-Birkett served as Director of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Liaison Office in Geneva from 2017 to 2020 and, before that, served as Guyana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2008 to 2015 as well as Minister of Amerindian Affairs from 2001 to 2008. 

“Throughout her career, Ambassador Rodrigues-Birkett has demonstrated a consistent commitment to inclusion, social development, gender equality, and sustainable development. Her experience spans governance, diplomacy, development cooperation, international negotiations, and multilateral leadership. The Government of Guyana believes that a 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 a vision,” President Ali stated. 

The Guyanese Leader went on to note that the decision to contest for the UNSG seat comes against the background of Guyana’s rising international profile, and is consistent with its long-standing commitment to strengthening the multilateral system at a time when the world faces increasingly complex and interconnected challenges.

“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 (UNSC), 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,” the president emphasised.