Concerns Arise Over Rodrigues-Birkett in Race for UN Secretary-General

The race for the next UN Secretary-General remains contentious, with no clear frontrunner emerging yet. However, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Guyana’s ambassador to the United Nations, has raised concerns for the U.S. Despite her country’s alliance with the U.S., her positions favor China, Cuba, and Hamas.

In a recent UN Security Council straw poll, Rebeca Grynspan, a former Costa Rican vice-president, led narrowly. Rodrigues-Birkett followed closely, having previously topped the poll. To secure the position, candidates need support from nine of the Council’s 15 members and must avoid vetoes from its permanent members: the U.S., China, the UK, France, and Russia.

Rodrigues-Birkett’s alignment with China triggers unease in Washington, particularly as more leaders advocate for a woman leading the UN. Her support for China’s World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization further highlights her leanings. This initiative includes members like Russia, Cuba, and Nicaragua, contrasting with U.S. interests.

Rodrigues-Birkett openly supports the 1971 UN resolution recognizing the People’s Republic of China, excluding Taiwan from the UN system.

During her July visit to Beijing, her endorsement of China’s four global initiatives was noted. These pillars support President Xi Jinping’s agenda to reshape international cooperation in favor of Beijing.

Rodrigues-Birkett also has shown favor towards the Cuban regime. Her 2013 speech praised Fidel Castro as a revolutionary, despite his oppressive rule. As Guyana’s foreign minister, she condemned the U.S. blockade against Cuba.

On the Gaza conflict, Rodrigues-Birkett blamed Israel for escalation after the October Hamas attack, suggesting Israel committed genocide. Her support for the continued UN role in post-war Gaza contrasts with U.S. calls to abolish the UN Relief and Works Agency due to alleged links to terrorism.

The U.S., as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, holds veto power on recommendations for the Secretary-General. It may need to exercise this power concerning Rodrigues-Birkett, despite possible protests from Guyana.

Richard Goldberg from the Foundation for Defense of Democracies emphasizes the need for a Secretary-General supportive of President Trump’s strategy for Gaza’s stability.