Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett Makes Case to Become First Caribbean Woman to Lead U.N.

UNITED NATIONS – Guyana’s Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett is making the case for a historic appointment as United Nations Secretary-General, saying her candidacy could break an 80-year barrier for women while giving the Caribbean its first leader of the global body.

Rodrigues-Birkett, was nominated by President Mohamed Irfaan Ali in June and has since received the endorsement of CARICOM heads of government.

If selected, she would become both the first woman and the first Caribbean national to serve as U.N. Secretary-General. The selection process will determine who succeeds António Guterres when his second term ends on Dec. 31, 2026.