Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders have reaffirmed their full support for Guyana’s Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett to become the next United Nations Secretary-General, while calling for Latin America and the Caribbean to be given its turn to lead the organisation.
In a statement issued on October 28, CARICOM said Heads of Government revisited the selection process during their 44th Intersessional Meeting on October 23. They maintained the endorsement of Rodrigues-Birkett agreed to at their regular meeting in July.
Regional leaders expressed confidence in her ability and integrity to guide the UN through pressing global challenges and the need for institutional reform.
They highlighted her more than two decades of experience across legislative, political, diplomatic and international civil service roles, describing her as “a change agent and consensus builder.”
CARICOM also urged the UN Security Council and General Assembly to uphold equitable geographical balance and honour the practice of regional rotation when selecting the next Secretary-General.
The leaders said these principles serve as a critical safeguard for all countries, particularly small states seeking to contribute to the UN’s work, including through appointments to its highest offices.
“Accordingly, they shared the view that it is now time for a national of Latin America and the Caribbean to assume the mantle of leadership of the Organization,” the statement said.
The regional body recalled a September 21 declaration by Foreign Ministers of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) concerning the selection process.
CARICOM acknowledged the broad support received by candidates from Latin America and the Caribbean and expressed appreciation for the backing extended to Rodrigues-Birkett.
Her selection, the leaders said, would mark “an historic new chapter for the United Nations and the world.”
The Heads of Government also reaffirmed the Community’s commitment to multilateralism grounded in the UN Charter and international law.
