Guyana’s Ambassador tells world leaders to trust her with impartial, sound peacekeeping solutions

…hopes UN bid inspires girls to reach top leadership

Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the body, Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, hopes that her candidacy for Secretary-General (SG) of the world peace body inspires girls and women globally to participate actively at the highest levels of decision-making processes. “This position is not just about me; it’s about showing young girls that they belong in the highest offices of international leadership. If they can see me here, they can imagine themselves here too.” she said in a recent interview as she underscored that her candidacy is a collective opportunity and carries significance beyond her personal journey. With the UN in its 80 years existence not having a female as leader, Rodrigues-Birkett said that women have been the backbone of diplomacy, peacebuilding and humanitarian work and yet, too often, they are absent from the top, and as such her candidacy will be a symbol of correcting that imbalance.

As the race for the next SG of the United Nations (UN) intensifies, Guyana’s UN envoy continues to make an impression on the world stage. The latest straw poll showed that she is a marginal second only to Costa Rica’s Vice President (VP), Rebeca Grynspan in the seven-person race, following the withdrawal of former Chilean President, Michelle Bachelet. This secret poll by the 15-member Security Council was conducted a day ahead of the annual gathering of world leaders in New York this week where President, Dr Irfaan Ali, is also likely make a final push in support of Rodrigues-Birkett.