Guyana’s candidate for Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, has outlined a comprehensive vision for Haiti’s long-term recovery, emphasising sustained international support through peacebuilding, economic revitalisation, environmental restoration and implementation of key UN resolutions.
Speaking during the Regional Dialogue on the Future Leadership of the United Nations, convened by Uruguay in its capacity as the Pro Tempore Presidency of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) on Tuesday, Ambassador Rodrigues-Birkett said that Haiti’s complex challenges require a coordinated, long-term international response.
Drawing on her experience as Chair of the UN Security Council Sanctions Committee on Haiti and her role in negotiations surrounding Resolution 2793, Ambassador Rodrigues-Birkett stressed the importance of fully implementing measures outlined in the resolution by both Haiti and member states across the region.
She noted that rebuilding Haiti extends beyond addressing insecurity, pointing to the need to revive the country’s economy, restore degraded forests to strengthen resilience against natural disasters, and support children affected by gang violence.
“The wider implementation would involve accompanying Haiti for a number of years, given the depth of the challenges that are facing Haiti,” she stated.
The Guyanese diplomat also underscored the important role regional organisations can play in supporting Haiti, highlighting CARICOM’s political engagement over the past two years and advocating for stronger collaboration between the United Nations and regional bodies.
Additionally, Ambassador Rodrigues-Birkett continued her international campaign for the position of United Nations Secretary-General, presenting her vision for a more responsive, effective and collaborative multilateral system.
She had an engagement with His Excellency José Raúl Mulino, President of Panama, and His Excellency Javier Eduardo Martínez-Acha Vásquez, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Panama, on her candidacy for the position of Secretary-General of the United Nations.
They exchanged views on the current state of multilateralism, the challenges facing the UN and the importance of meeting the moment. Ambassador Rodrigues-Birkett shared her views on how the Organisation could be made more agile, efficient and effective while being responsive to the needs of member states.