RODRIGUES-BIRKETT PITCHES UN REFORM AGENDA AS SHE MAKES CASE FOR SECRETARY-GENERAL

Staff Writer

Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, has outlined her vision for a more responsive and effective UN as she continues to make the case for her candidacy for United Nations Secretary-General.

According to the Department of Public Information (DPI), Rodrigues-Birkett addressed UN reform, international peace and security, development financing, climate change, artificial intelligence and the participation of women in peace processes during an interview Monday with Egypt’s Al Qahera News Network.

Her comments come as the United Nations advances its UN80 reform process and member states consider changes to improve the organization’s ability to respond to contemporary global challenges.

“The question of reform has been answered with a loud yes that we need to reform the United Nations,” Rodrigues-Birkett said, arguing that changes must strengthen not only the UN Secretariat but also its agencies, funds and programs.

She placed particular emphasis on the financial pressures facing developing countries, arguing that high borrowing costs and mounting debt are limiting their ability to finance development.

“Too many countries are paying too much to borrow, which will further put them into debt,” she said.

Rodrigues-Birkett said the international community must improve access to development financing while helping countries strengthen their institutions and create conditions capable of attracting private-sector investment.

On global conflicts, she argued that the United Nations should make greater use of prevention and early intervention rather than waiting until crises have escalated. She pointed to the UN’s extensive global presence and its ability to identify emerging threats.

“As Secretary General, should I be appointed, I would certainly use all the tools at my disposal and not be afraid to take risks where those risks are worth taking,” she said.

Rodrigues-Birkett also linked conflict with food insecurity and climate change, warning that worsening climate conditions can intensify food shortages, displacement and existing vulnerabilities.

She called for greater participation by women in peace negotiations and argued that their involvement can contribute to more sustainable peace outcomes.

Turning to artificial intelligence, Rodrigues-Birkett advocated international safeguards that protect people without preventing technological innovation. She said AI should be used as a force for good rather than becoming another driver of inequality between countries and regions.

Climate finance was also highlighted as a priority, particularly for vulnerable states that have contributed relatively little to global emissions but face severe consequences from climate change.

Rodrigues-Birkett said a stronger United Nations must remain actively involved in negotiations and peacebuilding while ensuring that agreements reached outside the organization can ultimately receive international legitimacy through the UN system.

With reform already underway through the UN80 process, she said the next Secretary-General will have an important responsibility to advance those changes and ensure the organization remains relevant and responsive to the international community.

Source: Department of Public Information (DPI)