Statement to be delivered by H.E. Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Permanent Representative of Guyana to the United Nations, at the informal plenary meeting of the General Assembly on the intergovernmental negotiations on the question of equitable representation on and reform of the United Nations Security Council

Distinguished Co-Chairs,

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the fourteen (14) Member States of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

At the outset, CARICOM thanks you for the presentation of the updated Elements Paper reflecting the status of discussions within the IGN on both the substantive and procedural issues related to the reform of the Security Council. CARICOM also takes this opportunity to acknowledge your exceptional stewardship of the IGN and the commitment you have demonstrated to moving the needle forward.

Co-Chairs,

CARICOM is of the view that reform of the Security Council is one of the most critical processes under the United Nations’ peace and security pillar, which has implications not just for the maintenance of international peace and security but also for development and for human rights. A truly reformed Security Council is one that is agile in its response to threats to international peace and security, guided by the principles of the Charter. Given the importance of the reform, CARICOM joins other Member States in advocating for an injection of greater urgency in the IGN, the regularization of its working methods to align them with other negotiating processes and a revitalization of the IGN to achieve Security Council reform in the short term.

Co-Chairs,

CARICOM welcomed the presentation of the African model during this session of the IGN. The presentation of African model has filled a critical gap in the IGN and we are now in a position to move towards the development of a consolidated model. CARICOM has taken note of the Co-Chairs’ observations in the Elements Paper that “the development of a consolidated model has emerged as an important objective for the IGN moving forward” and that “this future consolidated model will provide a concrete basis to guide the next stage of negotiations.” CARICOM agrees with this perspective and is willing to play a constructive role in the IGN when the negotiations move in that direction.

Regarding our proposal for a rotating cross-regional seat for SIDS, CARICOM has taken note of the observation that more in-depth discussions are needed to clarify the metrics for its operationalization. In this regard, and following a recent mandate from the CARICOM Foreign Ministers, CARICOM intends to address this question in the near term.

Having also taken note of the divergences described in the Elements Paper, CARICOM is of the firm view that the next stage of the IGN should focus heavily on ways of bridging those differences in position. In the areas where there are already convergences, it would perhaps be more practical not to devote too much time to continuous discussion of those issues.

Co-Chairs,

CARICOM looks forward to your guidance regarding the next steps in the IGN process for this session, and renews to you our full support in the execution of your important work.

I thank you.