Mottley says Barbados, Caribbean responsibilities influenced UN secretary-general decision
Key Points(5)
- Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley says her responsibilities to Barbados and the wider Caribbean are among the main reasons she decided not to seek the post of United Nations Secretary-General.
- Mottley addressed the issue during a discussion earlier this week, hosted by the Council on Foreign Relations in New York, where she was asked why she had chosen not to enter the race to succeed António Guterres.
- The Prince’s Spur to atone in Typewriter Trophy Horse Racing, Sports The Prince’s Spur to atone in Typewriter Trophy September 27, 2026 “I have a country to run and a region to take care of,” Mottley said, pointing to her continuing responsibilities at home and across the Caribbean.
- She also joked about whether the international community was ready for her outspoken style, saying she was “not sure that the world wants somebody whose tongue is as heavy as mine”.
- The Barbadian leader has featured prominently in international discussions on climate finance, reform of the global financial system and the concerns of vulnerable developing states.
Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley says her responsibilities to Barbados and the wider Caribbean were among the main reasons she decided not to enter the race to become the next United Nations secretary-general.
Mottley addressed the issue earlier this week during a discussion hosted by the Council on Foreign Relations in New York, where she was asked why she chose not to seek the position currently held by António Guterres.
“I have a country to run and a region to take care of,” Mottley said, pointing to her responsibilities as prime minister and her work on regional issues.
She also joked about whether the international community was ready for her outspoken style.
“I’m not sure that the world wants somebody whose tongue is as heavy as mine,” she said.
Mottley has become a prominent voice internationally on climate finance, reform of the global financial system and the challenges facing vulnerable developing countries.
At the Council on Foreign Relations event, she discussed the difficulties faced by climate-vulnerable countries and efforts to expand access to development financing and reform the international financial architecture.
Instead of pursuing the UN post herself, Mottley has backed Guyana’s UN Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett for secretary-general.
Addressing the UN General Assembly this week, Mottley said Rodrigues-Birkett has the experience, skills and understanding required to serve the wider UN membership.
Barbados’ support is aligned with the Caribbean Community’s (CARICOM) endorsement of the Guyanese diplomat.
The race is underway to select Guterres’ successor, with his second term set to end on December 31, 2026.
Under the UN Charter, the Security Council recommends a candidate to the General Assembly. The council’s five permanent members — China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States — can block a recommendation by exercising their veto.
Mottley said that despite speculation about a possible candidacy, she intends to remain focused on her responsibilities as Barbados’ prime minister and on issues affecting the Caribbean.
No woman has served as secretary-general of the United Nations since the organisation was established in 1945.
