President Dr. Irfaan Ali on Friday announced that Guyana will formally nominate Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, the country’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, for the position of Secretary-General of the United Nations when the tenure of current Secretary-General António Guterres concludes on Dec. 31, 2026.
The announcement positions the veteran diplomat, former foreign minister and former minister of Amerindian affairs as Guyana’s candidate to lead the world’s premier multilateral institution beginning Jan. 1, 2027.
“After careful consideration, and in consultation with many colleagues, I am pleased to announce that Guyana has decided to formally nominate Ambassador Carolyn Allison Rodrigues-Birkett, Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, for the position of Secretary-General of the United Nations,” Ali said.
The President said the nomination reflects Guyana’s growing international profile and its longstanding commitment to strengthening the multilateral system at a time when the world faces increasingly complex and interconnected challenges.
Ali pointed to Guyana’s successful tenure as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council from 2024 to 2025, during which the country advocated for peace, dialogue, respect for international law and the peaceful settlement of disputes.
“Over the past several years, Guyana has emerged as an influential voice on the global stage,” the President said, citing the country’s leadership on issues including climate change, biodiversity conservation, food security, energy security and sustainable development.
He noted that Guyana has earned international recognition for demonstrating that economic development and environmental stewardship can advance hand in hand, making it a respected voice in global discussions on growth, sustainability and equity.
Rodrigues-Birkett has served as Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations since October 2020, representing the country at the highest levels of international diplomacy for nearly six years.
In that role, she played a central part in Guyana’s historic tenure on the Security Council from 2024 to 2025, helping to advance the country’s positions on international peace and security while engaging with a broad range of member states and international stakeholders.
Prior to her appointment as Permanent Representative, Rodrigues-Birkett served as Director of the Food and Agriculture Organization’s Liaison Office in Geneva from 2017 to 2020, where she worked closely with United Nations agencies and international partners on food security, sustainable development and international cooperation.
She previously served as Guyana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2008 to 2015, overseeing the country’s external relations and representing Guyana at the highest levels of international diplomacy. Before that, she served as Minister of Amerindian Affairs from 2001 to 2008, where she championed policies aimed at improving the welfare, rights and participation of Indigenous peoples in national development.
Throughout her public service career, Rodrigues-Birkett has been associated with initiatives focused on inclusion, social development, gender equality and sustainable development.
Ali said the government believes Rodrigues-Birkett possesses the experience, expertise, judgment and diplomatic skills necessary to lead the United Nations during a period marked by geopolitical tensions, climate challenges, food insecurity and growing demands for international cooperation.
According to the President, her vision for the United Nations centers on strengthening multilateralism, enhancing the effectiveness and responsiveness of the organization, promoting inclusive global governance and ensuring that the institution remains capable of addressing contemporary challenges, including conflict prevention, humanitarian crises and emerging threats to international peace and security.
The Government of Guyana, Ali said, will now actively engage member states of the United Nations in support of Rodrigues-Birkett’s candidacy.
The selection of the next Secretary-General is expected to intensify over the coming months as member states consider candidates to succeed Guterres, whose second and final five-year term ends on Dec. 31, 2026.
If elected, Rodrigues-Birkett would become the first Guyanese national to serve as Secretary-General of the United Nations and among the few Caribbean nationals ever to hold the organization’s highest office.
Her nomination continues Guyana’s tradition of distinguished international service. Guyanese diplomat Sir Shridath Ramphal served as Commonwealth Secretary-General from 1975 to 1990, while Ambassador Rashleigh Jackson served as President of the United Nations General Assembly during its 29th session.
Ali said Guyana’s decision to put forward a candidate reflects both confidence in Rodrigues-Birkett’s leadership and the country’s belief that small states can make significant contributions to addressing global challenges through effective multilateral cooperation.