Ambassador Rodrigues-Birkett outlines strategy to ‘move the needle’ on UN peace efforts
Guyana’s candidate for United Nations (UN) Secretary-General, Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett said a closer examination of previous peace efforts could help the organisation identify new pathways for resolving some of the world’s most protracted conflicts.
Speaking to the Department of Public Information (DPI) on Thursday, Ambassador Rodrigues-Birkett said that, if elected, she would assess the history of individual conflicts, including the interventions that have already been attempted and the outcomes they produced.
“I will examine the conflict landscape to see what has been tried and what was not,” Ambassador Rodrigues-Birkett said.
She maintained that she would strengthen the UN’s ability to engage in preventive diplomacy before conflicts escalate.
“There are certain tools at the disposal of the Secretary General, including his/her Good Offices and mediation. Conflicts do not start in a day. There are signals before a conflict erupts. The UN has a large footprint around the world, that can provide early warning information to the Secretary General’s office“, she said.
Ambassador Rodrigues-Birkett said she would not hesitate to get in touch with the parties concerned when she is made aware that a certain situation is likely to escalate.
“I am willing to use the tools at my disposal but also to play any role that will de-escalate the situation and bring about a solution. This could be a broker, a mediator, a negotiator or even a messenger between the different sides” the ambassador said.
She opined that a detailed assessment would allow the UN to identify practical opportunities for renewed diplomatic engagement, particularly in situations where previous efforts have failed to produce lasting solutions.
Ambassador Rodrigues-Birkett acknowledged that geopolitical considerations can make conflict resolution more difficult, but said the UN must continue looking for ways to make progress.
“In short, I will look at ways to move the needle. That’s the job of the Secretary-General,” she said.
She said her approach would involve working with the UN Security Council and other relevant stakeholders and using the diplomatic tools available to the Secretary-General.
The approach reflects Ambassador Rodrigues-Birkett’s stated vision for a more agile, efficient and effective UN, including a stronger focus on practical diplomacy and finding solutions to longstanding international challenges.
Ambassador Rodrigues-Birkett is Guyana’s candidate for the position of UN Secretary-General, in the ongoing process to select a successor to the current Secretary-General.
The election for the next United Nations secretary-general is expected to take place in 2027, when the General Assembly appoints the successful candidate upon the recommendation of the Security Council.
The successful candidate will succeed the current Secretary-General at the start of January 2027.
