Suriname endorses first Caribbean woman for UN secretary-general

Suriname has endorsed Guyanese diplomat Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett as a candidate to become the next United Nations secretary-general, describing her as the first woman from the Caribbean nominated for the position. Speaking at the 81st U.N. General Assembly, President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons said the next leader must demonstrate a strong commitment to multilateralism, dialogue, international law and peaceful dispute resolution. She said CARICOM supports Rodrigues-Birkett’s candidacy as confidence in the United Nations faces pressure from armed conflicts, geopolitical tensions and food and energy crises. Simons argued that smaller and vulnerable countries depend on a rules-based international order to protect their sovereignty, human rights and development. The successful candidate will succeed António Guterres when his second term ends in December.