Mottley says national, regional responsibilities behind decision not to seek UN top job

NEW YORK, United States (CMC) – Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley says her responsibilities to Barbados and the wider Caribbean are among the main reasons she decided not to seek the post of United Nations Secretary-General.

Mottley addressed the issue during a discussion earlier this week, hosted by the Council on Foreign Relations in New York, where she was asked why she had chosen not to enter the race to succeed António Guterres.

“I have a country to run and a region to take care of,” Mottley said, pointing to her continuing responsibilities at home and across the Caribbean. She also joked about whether the international community was ready for her outspoken style, saying she was “not sure that the world wants somebody whose tongue is as heavy as mine”.

The Barbadian leader has featured prominently in international discussions on climate finance, reform of the global financial system and the concerns of vulnerable developing states. At the CFR event, she discussed challenges facing climate-vulnerable countries and efforts to expand access to development financing and reform the international financial architecture. Mottley has instead backed Guyana’s United Nations Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett for the position. Addressing the UN General Assembly this week, she said Rodrigues-Birkett has the experience, skills and understanding needed to serve the wider UN membership. Barbados’ support is in keeping with Carciom’s endorsement of the Guyanese diplomat.

The race is under way to select a successor to Guterres, whose second term ends on December 31. The UN Security Council recommends a candidate to the General Assembly, with the five permanent members of the Council able to block a nomination through the veto.

Mottley said that despite speculation surrounding her possible candidacy, she intends to remain focused on her responsibilities as Prime Minister of Barbados and her work in the Caribbean region.

Of note is that a woman has never headed the international body.