Rodrigues vows effective UN reforms, inclusion of member states in bid for top global post

Jun 19, 2026 News

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(Kaieteur News) – Guyana’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN) Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett has promised to work to bring about effective reforms while working “hand-in-hand” with member states to collectively achieve the goals of international peace and security to protect and promote human rights.

Rodrigues-Birkett faced an interactive dialogue on Thursday as candidate for the position of Secretary General of the United Nations. She had been nominated for the position by President Irfaan Ali, it was announced last week.

In an address to an assembly of representatives from various global factions, Rodrigues-Birkett, former foreign Minister of Guyana who has served as the country’s permanent rep said “If appointed Secretary General, I will work hand-in-hand with the 193 member states of this organisation and its staff, as well as in partnership with regional and sub-regional organisations, civil society, and other stakeholders – to achieve this shared objective.”

She promised to hold an open-door policy and be accessible to dialogue with permanent representatives in New York.

The ambassador stressed however that delivering on the promise of the UN to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, maintain international peace and security, protect and promote human rights, promote sustainable development, and foster global cooperation is a collective effort.

Paying tribute to those who held the leadership post, Rodrigues –Birkett noted “It is no small achievement that the United Nations continues to be strong after 80 years, and part of the credit undoubtedly belongs to them.”

She noted that the appointment of the next Secretary General comes at a critical moment for the United Nations.

“The global landscape has changed, and the tools required to guide the organisation must likewise evolve. The vision I have outlined is principled, pragmatic, and responsive to the needs of the organisation.”

According to the Guyana nominee, in the past five years at the United Nations, she has listened carefully to the perspectives of member states, including her own, and engaged with the wider international community on a broad range of issues concerning the United Nations.

Across these conversations, Ambassador Rodrigues –Birkett noted that there is a growing sense of frustration that the UN is not delivering as it should.

“I was especially exposed to these sentiments during Guyana’s recent tenure on the security council.  At the same time, and in every conversation, I also heard and felt the strong commitment of member states to make the United Nations truly fit for purpose.

Even though we have heard these words many times before, this ambition goes beyond rhetoric,” she said adding that coming from a small, developing state, she has seen firsthand the value of the United Nations in the lives of people all over the world,” she said.

The Guyanese candidate asserted that the UN’s global impact cannot be understated and go unnoticed.

“The UN has set global standards on a broad spectrum of issues. From decolonisation to dispute resolution; from the safety of our skies to regulating our oceans; from poverty reduction to disease prevention, improved access to education, cultural preservation, and humanitarian responses.”

“No country is untouched by the work of the United Nations. Many of our countries exist today as independent nations because of the decolonisation work of the United Nations. There are countries represented in this room that can attest to the United Nations’ role in accompanying them on the path to peace and are now enjoying greater stability precisely because of the service and sacrifice of our UN peacekeepers,” she continued

Rodrigues –Birkett said while the UN’s full achievements may not be widely recognised, its impact is clear across every region of the world.

“Indeed, it is difficult to imagine what this world would have looked like without the presence of the UN and its conflict prevention and resolution work undertaken through diplomacy, peacekeeping, and international cooperation.”

Even as she underscored accomplishments of the UN, the candidate said she is compelled to be realistic about its challenges.

To this end she noted “The proliferation of conflicts and crises, the slow pace in achieving the SDGs, and the ongoing liquidity crisis facing the organisation, are just three examples of what confronts us today.

“In fact, the UN reform agenda is an acknowledgement that the UN of today needs to do things differently and better. Improving efficiencies in the secretariat, how the organisation treats with mandates and the structural alignment of the organisation will together have a positive impact system wide. And thus, I have presented a vision that builds upon the achievements while responding directly to the challenges we face,” Rodrigues –Birkett said.

She explained that her vision is one that centers around reasserting the UN’s core principles and purposes; reforming its systems and practices; and together with member states, rallying towards the goal of a more agile and effective organisation.

“One that also delivers equally across all three pillars – peace and security, development, and human rights…”

The secretary general hopeful has pledged to be proactive in engaging member states, to use the tools available to advance the purposes and principles enshrined in the UN Charter, and to ensure that the United Nations is not on the periphery of issues that have global impact.

“If appointed secretary general, I will work hand-in-hand with the 193 member states of this organisation and its staff, as well as in partnership with regional and sub-regional organisations, civil society, and other stakeholders – to achieve this shared objective,” the Guyanese ambassador told the assembly.

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• Carolyn Rodrigues Birkett, United Nations

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