Guyana’s candidate for United Nations Secretary General, Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, says the UN Charter and international law would guide her decisions if she is selected to lead the organisation.
Rodrigues-Birkett outlined her approach to the post during a recent virtual dialogue on “The Future of Global Leadership”, convened by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) within the framework of the World Governments Summit.
During the discussion, the Guyanese diplomat was questioned about how she would represent the interests of both developed and developing nations, particularly given her background as a representative of a small developing country.
Rodrigues-Birkett stressed that while more than 100 countries have populations below 10 million, the Secretary General has a responsibility to all 193 UN Member States.
“As Secretary General, the only bias I would have is to the [UN] Charter and to international law. And so, whatever I do as Secretary General must be in consonance with the Charter and with international law,” she said.
She argued that the interests of large and small states should not be viewed as opposing sides, pointing out that challenges such as climate change and disruptions to global trade affect countries regardless of their size.
Rodrigues-Birkett said maintaining close engagement with Member States would therefore be important, both through their representatives at the UN headquarters in New York and directly with governments in their respective capitals.
The former Guyana Foreign Affairs Minister also identified UN reform, peace and security, humanitarian challenges and engagement with international financial institutions among the areas she would prioritise if selected.
On reform, Rodrigues-Birkett said the Secretary General is required to carry out decisions taken by Member States. Where reforms are still being considered, however, she said the Secretariat should provide objective information to help countries make informed decisions.
Peace and security would also receive early attention. Rodrigues-Birkett said she would assess conflicts around the world to determine where the powers and mechanisms available to the Secretary General could be used and where intervention by the Security Council may be required.
She also highlighted the need to pursue political solutions alongside peacekeeping operations.
“As you know, peacekeeping was meant to keep the peace while we seek political solutions. And so, this is what I would also want to do to look at how we could move the needle on some of the conflicts,” Rodrigues-Birkett said.
The Guyanese candidate also plans to engage international financial institutions, particularly on issues affecting developing countries, while addressing growing global humanitarian needs would form part of her priorities during her first 100 days.
Rodrigues-Birkett is currently among the leading candidates in the race for the UN’s top post.
In the second United Nations Security Council straw poll, she secured eight “encourage” votes, three “discourage” votes and four “no opinion” votes, giving her the highest number of encourage votes among the candidates.
Rebeca Grynspan received seven encourage votes, four discourage votes and four no-opinion votes.
In the first straw poll, Grynspan had secured 10 encourage votes while Rodrigues-Birkett received nine.
