CARICOM reaffirms support for Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett as next UN chief
Key Points(5)
- The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has reaffirmed its support for Guyana’s Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett to become the next secretary-general of the United Nations, calling for Latin America and the Caribbean to have the opportunity to lead the global body.
- In a statement issued Wednesday, CARICOM said its heads of government reaffirmed their endorsement of Rodrigues-Birkett at the 44th Intersessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government, held Oct.
- The leaders first endorsed her candidacy in the communiqué issued at the 51st Regular Meeting of the Conference on July 10.
- CARICOM said it had confidence in Rodrigues-Birkett’s ability and integrity to lead the United Nations amid pressing global challenges and calls for institutional reform and renewal.
- The Community highlighted her more than two decades of experience in fieldwork, legislative and political affairs, diplomacy and international civil service.
The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has reaffirmed its support for Guyana’s Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett to become the next secretary-general of the United Nations, calling for Latin America and the Caribbean to have the opportunity to lead the global body.
In a statement issued Wednesday, CARICOM said its heads of government reaffirmed their endorsement of Rodrigues-Birkett at the 44th Intersessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government, held Oct. 23, 2026.
The leaders first endorsed her candidacy in the communiqué issued at the 51st Regular Meeting of the Conference on July 10.
CARICOM said it had confidence in Rodrigues-Birkett’s ability and integrity to lead the United Nations amid pressing global challenges and calls for institutional reform and renewal.
The Community highlighted her more than two decades of experience in fieldwork, legislative and political affairs, diplomacy and international civil service. It also pointed to her diplomatic skills and ability to build consensus and drive change.
The regional bloc also stressed the importance of equitable geographical representation in the selection process, urging the UN Security Council and General Assembly to uphold regional rotation when choosing the organization’s next leader.
CARICOM referenced a Sept. 21 declaration by the foreign ministers of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), issued in New York, on the selection process.
The leaders said regional rotation was an important safeguard for all countries, particularly small states seeking to contribute to the United Nations and its senior leadership.
“Accordingly, they shared the view that it is now time for a national of Latin America and the Caribbean to assume the mantle of leadership of the Organization,” the statement said.
CARICOM also acknowledged the support extended so far to candidates from Latin America and the Caribbean and expressed appreciation for backing for Rodrigues-Birkett.
The Community said the appointment of a woman from CARICOM as secretary-general would mark a historic new chapter for the United Nations and the world.
