Guyana’s candidate for the next United Nations (UN) Secretary-General, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, has met with China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing, where she outlined her vision for a more efficient, effective and responsive UN as part of her campaign for the organisation’s top post. According to Guyana’s Permanent Mission to the UN on a social media post, Rodrigues-Birkett met with Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and China’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, on Monday. During the meeting, Rodrigues-Birkett presented her candidacy for the position of UN Secretary-General and shared her vision for strengthening the organisation.

She thanked the Chinese Foreign Minister for what she described as a warm reception and constructive engagement, adding that she looked forward to continuing discussions with China and other UN member states in an effort to build a stronger UN for current and future generations. China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Rodrigues-Birkett used the meeting to outline her campaign platform against the backdrop of what she described as significant global challenges, including conflicts, climate change and development deficits. According to the Ministry, Rodrigues-Birkett stressed that multilateralism remains essential despite changing global circumstances and said she was committed to advancing reforms that would make the UN more agile, efficient and fair. She also pledged to place sustainable development at the centre of the international agenda while ensuring the organisation delivers tangible benefits to people across all countries. During the discussions, Wang Yi said the UN-centred international system was facing increasing challenges, with multilateralism under pressure amid a changing global landscape.

He said the next UN Secretary-General would be expected to guide the organisation through these challenges while advancing international peace and development. According to the Ministry, Wang described Rodrigues-Birkett’s decision to contest the position as a demonstration of her commitment to multilateralism and support for the UN. Wang also reiterated China’s longstanding support for the UN, noting that 2026 marks the 55th anniversary of the restoration of the People’s Republic of China’s seat at the UN. He said China would participate in the selection of the next UN Secretary-General in a responsible and constructive manner and support the appointment of a candidate who upholds the UN Charter, demonstrates competence, fairness and integrity, and is committed to strengthening the organisation’s authority and effectiveness. Rodrigues-Birkett, Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the UN and a former Minister of Foreign Affairs, officially launched her campaign for the UN Secretary-General position in June after President Dr Irfaan Ali nominated her. She is among several candidates seeking to succeed António Guterres, whose second term as UN Secretary General ends later this year. The next UN Secretary-General is expected to assume office on January 1, 2027, following the completion of the current term.