Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett called it “an honour and a privilege” after President Mohamed Irfaan Ali nominated her to become the next Secretary-General of the United Nations, casting the move as recognition of Guyana’s growing influence on the world stage.
“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,” she said.
Rodrigues-Birkett has been Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations since 2020. If her canidature is successful, she will replace Secretary-General António Guterres, whose tenure ends on December 31, 2026.
President Dr Irfaan Ali announced the nomination on Friday night in a video statement posted to his page.
“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.
Ali said that during Guyana’s 2024-2025 term on the Security Council, the country pressed consistently for peace, dialogue and respect for international law.
“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,” Ali said.
Before becoming Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Rodrigues-Birkett headed the Food and Agriculture Organisation’s Liaison Office in Geneva from 2017 to 2020, where she worked with international agencies on food security, sustainable development and international cooperation.
She served as Guyana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and International Cooperation from 2008 to 2015, and as Minister for Amerindian Affairs from 2001 to 2008. She has also served twice as president of the UN Security Council during Guyana’s term as a non-permanent member.
