Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett pitches a more inclusive, effective United Nations in bid for top global job

As wars rage across multiple regions, climate disasters intensify and progress on global development goals stalls, Guyana’s Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett is making the case that the United Nations needs not only reform, but renewed trust from the people it was created to serve.

The veteran diplomat, who has been nominated by Guyana to become the next United Nations Secretary-General, used an interactive dialogue with Member States this week to outline a vision for a more responsive, inclusive and effective UN—one that is better equipped to address the complex challenges facing billions of people around the world.

If elected, Rodrigues-Birkett would succeed Secretary-General António Guterres when his second term ends in December 2026.
Her message to the international community was that the UN must remain at the centre of efforts to prevent conflict, advance sustainable development, protect human rights and respond to global crises.

“I pledge to be proactive in engaging Member States, to use the tools available to me to advance the purposes and principles enshrined in the UN Charter, and to ensure that the UN is not on the periphery of issues that have global impact,” she said.

At a time when many countries are questioning the effectiveness of international institutions, Rodrigues-Birkett argued that the United Nations remains indispensable, pointing to its historic role in decolonization, peacebuilding, humanitarian assistance, poverty reduction and disease prevention.

Drawing on her experience as a diplomat from a small developing country, she said the organization’s impact extends to every corner of the world.

“Many of our countries exist today as independent nations because of the decolonization work of the United Nations,” she noted.

But she also acknowledged that the organization faces serious challenges. Armed conflicts are increasing, progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals is lagging, and financial pressures continue to affect the UN’s ability to deliver on its mandates.

Rather than defending the status quo, Rodrigues-Birkett embraced the need for change.

She pointed to the UN80 reform agenda as evidence that the organization must evolve to meet modern realities, improve efficiency and better align its structures and resources with today’s challenges.

Her vision is built around three priorities: reaffirming the UN’s founding principles, reforming the organization’s systems and practices, and strengthening collaboration with Member States to create a more agile and effective institution.

She stressed that success will require balanced attention to all three pillars of the UN’s work—peace and security, development and human rights.

Observers note that Rodrigues-Birkett brings a rare combination of experience at the national, regional and international levels.

As Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations since 2020, she has represented one of the world’s fastest-growing economies while navigating major international issues. She also played a prominent role during Guyana’s tenure on the UN Security Council from 2024 to 2025, where the country consistently advocated for dialogue, respect for international law and the peaceful settlement of disputes.

Before arriving at the UN, Rodrigues-Birkett served as Director of the Food and Agriculture Organization’s Liaison Office in Geneva, where she worked on food security, sustainable development and international cooperation—issues that are becoming increasingly critical as climate change and geopolitical instability threaten global food supplies.

Her experience also includes serving as Guyana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Amerindian Affairs, positions that gave her direct responsibility for international diplomacy while advancing policies aimed at improving opportunities and representation for Indigenous communities.
Those experiences have helped shape what many supporters see as one of her greatest strengths: an ability to understand global challenges through the lens of both developed and developing nations.

Her priorities for the United Nations include conflict prevention, climate action, food security, humanitarian response, sustainable development and addressing emerging threats to international peace and security.

Throughout her presentation, Rodrigues-Birkett emphasized partnership and accessibility, pledging to maintain an open-door approach and work closely with governments, regional organizations, civil society and other stakeholders.

“If appointed Secretary-General, I will work hand in hand with the 193 Member States of this organization and its staff, as well as in partnership with regional and sub-regional organizations, civil society and other stakeholders,” she said.

For many smaller and developing countries, her candidacy represents the possibility of greater representation at the highest levels of global governance. For others, it offers a leadership style grounded in consensus-building, diplomacy and practical problem-solving at a time when international cooperation is under increasing strain.

If successful, Rodrigues-Birkett would become the first Guyanese and Caribbean citizen ever to serve as Secretary-General of the United Nations—one of the world’s most influential diplomatic positions and a role that will help shape how the international community responds to some of humanity’s greatest challenges in the years ahead.