Guyana officially commenced its two-year term on the United Nations Security Council on Tuesday with the Permanent Representative of Guyana to the UN, Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett emphasising the country’s commitment to international law and multilateralism.
The Golden Arrowhead, Guyana’s national flag, was installed outside the Council’s chamber alongside the flags of the four other council members serving the same 2024 and 2025 tenure as Guyana.
In brief remarks, Ambassador Rodrigues-Birkett said Guyana “has never wavered in its commitment to multilateralism” and stressed that Guyana will be a “constructive” member of the council.
“Guyana’s pledge, therefore, led by His Excellency President Mohammed Irfaan Ali is to be guided by a firm adherence to international law including the Charter of the United Nations and to continue to work collaboratively to strengthen universal peace and security for a better world,” Ambassador Rodrigues-Birkett said.
According to a release from the Permanent Mission of Guyana to the United Nations, the theme of Guyana’s participation in the Security Council is: “Partnering for Peace and Prosperity”.
It was also noted that Guyana’s tenure on the Council will be rooted in a firm commitment to multilateralism and guided by the priorities of (i) climate change, food insecurity and conflict; (ii) peacebuilding and conflict prevention; (iii) women, peace and security; (iv) protection of children in armed conflict; and (v) youth, peace and security.
The Security Council comprises 15 members including the following five permanent members: China, France, Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
The 10 remaining members are temporary members elected for two-year terms. Algeria, Guyana, Republic of Korea, Sierra Leone and Slovenia were five temporary members elected for the 2024-2025 period.
Guyana previously served on the Council in 1975 to 1976, and 1982 to 1983.
