Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett has reaffirmed her commitment to advancing United Nations reform, conflict prevention and stronger multilateral cooperation during an interview with the Al Arabiya News Network as part of her campaign for the position of UN Secretary-General.
Speaking with journalist Talal Al-Haj on Friday, she identified institutional reform as her top priority.
She said the ongoing UN80 Initiative presents an opportunity to make the organisation more efficient, effective and responsive to global challenges.
Ambassador Rodrigues-Birkett also highlighted conflict resolution, humanitarian action, sustainable development financing and greater representation of underrepresented countries within the UN system as key priorities.
She also said she would take a proactive approach to diplomacy, using mediation and the secretary-general’s good offices to help advance peace efforts while working closely with member states and regional organisations.
“The world is longing to see some of these conflicts make a movement in terms of getting closer to peace. Certainly there are tools at the disposal of the secretary-general which I intend to use,” she emphasised.
Addressing the UN’s financial and structural reforms, she said the UN80 process has already made meaningful progress and stressed the importance of ensuring reforms strengthen, rather than weaken, the organisation’s development work.
Ambassador Rodrigues-Birkett believes the appointment of the first woman secretary-general would send a powerful message on gender equality and inspire women and girls around the world.