Guyana’s candidate for the position of United Nations Secretary-General, Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, has outlined the priorities she would bring to the role if elected, including strengthening multilateralism, accelerating UN reform, and ensuring greater support for developing countries.
During an interview with UN Insider on Thursday, Ambassador Rodrigues-Birkett said the United Nations remains indispensable despite growing global challenges.
She stressed that the organisation must become more efficient, effective and responsive to the needs of member states.
She also noted that her immediate priorities if elected as secretary-general would be assembling a strong leadership team, addressing the growing number of global conflicts, responding to mounting humanitarian needs, and improving access to development financing, particularly for developing countries.
Ambassador Rodrigues-Birkett also advocated for continuous UN reform, stronger diplomacy to resolve conflicts, and expanded South-South cooperation.
She added that electing the UN’s first female secretary-general would send a powerful message that barriers can be broken and inspire women and girls around the world.
The election for the next United Nations Secretary-General is expected to take place in 2027, when the General Assembly appoints the successful candidate upon the recommendation of the Security Council.
The successful candidate will succeed the current Secretary-General at the start of January 2027.