The Government of Guyana has officially nominated Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett as its candidate for the position of Secretary-General of the United Nations, positioning the veteran diplomat as a contender to succeed António Guterres when his term concludes on December 31, 2026.
President Mohamed Irfaan Ali announced the nomination on Friday, describing Rodrigues-Birkett as exceptionally qualified to lead the world body during a period of growing global challenges.
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In a video statement, the president linked the nomination to Guyana’s increasing influence in international affairs, highlighting the country’s successful tenure on the United Nations Security Council during 2024 and 2025.
“Over the past several years, Guyana has emerged as an influential voice on the global stage,” Ali said, noting that the country’s participation on the Security Council demonstrated its ability to provide leadership within the international system.
The president emphasized Guyana’s advocacy for peace, dialogue, respect for international law, climate action, food and energy security, biodiversity protection, and the interests of small and developing states. He said the country has demonstrated that strong economic growth can be achieved alongside environmental stewardship.
Rodrigues-Birkett has served as Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations since 2020 and played a central role in the country’s engagement during its historic Security Council term. According to President Ali, her diplomatic experience, leadership abilities, and international expertise make her well-suited for the UN’s highest office.
“Ambassador Rodrigues-Birkett has acquired the experience, expertise, judgment and diplomatic skills necessary to effectively carry out the duties of Secretary-General of the United Nations,” the president stated.
Her distinguished public service career spans more than two decades. Prior to her current role, she served as Director of the Food and Agriculture Organization’s Liaison Office in Geneva between 2017 and 2020. She was also Guyana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2008 to 2015 and Minister of Amerindian Affairs from 2001 to 2008, where she championed policies aimed at advancing the rights and welfare of Indigenous communities.
President Ali said the next UN Secretary-General must possess the ability to build consensus among member states, strengthen confidence in multilateral institutions, and provide visionary leadership in addressing complex global issues.
He noted that Rodrigues-Birkett’s vision for the United Nations includes strengthening multilateral cooperation, improving the organization’s effectiveness and responsiveness, and ensuring it remains equipped to tackle pressing challenges such as armed conflict, climate change, food insecurity, and emerging threats to global peace and security.
The president confirmed that Guyana will actively campaign on behalf of Rodrigues-Birkett’s candidacy and engage with United Nations member states to secure support for her election.
Ali said the decision to nominate Rodrigues-Birkett was made following careful consideration and consultations with international partners and colleagues, expressing confidence that she possesses the leadership qualities needed to guide the United Nations through an increasingly complex global landscape.
If elected, Rodrigues-Birkett would become one of the most prominent Caribbean figures ever to lead the United Nations and would mark a significant milestone for both Guyana and the wider Caribbean region.
