A Voice from Small Territories in the Selection of the Next UN Secretary-General

Over several weeks, the United Nations organized a series of dialogues during which candidates for Secretary-General presented their visions for the Organization for the 2027–2031 mandate.

As representatives of the Bonaire Human Rights Organization (BHRO), our organization had the privilege of participating in this important process. Remarkably, Mr. James Finies and I were among the few, if not the only at times, Caribbean CSO representatives present in these debates, making it a truly unique experience. Prior to the commencement of the dialogue sessions BHRO were invited to submit letters to each candidate outlining our expectations for the next Secretary-General. In those letters, we highlighted issues that are often overlooked by the international community, particularly those affecting small island territories and peoples whose voices are not always heard in international decision-making.

The candidates included of Guyana, of Costa Rica, of Chile, of Senegal, of Ecuador, and of Argentina.

The candidates brought extensive experience in diplomacy and public service. Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett served as Guyana's Foreign Minister and Permanent Representative to the United Nations. Rebeca Grynspan, a former Vice President of Costa Rica, currently serves as Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). Michelle Bachelet served twice as a former President of Chile and former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. Macky Sall served as President of Senegal. María Fernanda Espinosa was President of the United Nations General Assembly and Ecuador's Foreign Minister. Rafael Grossi is Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and a senior Argentine diplomat.

On 18 June 2026, the United Nations reached a historic milestone. For the first time, a CARICOM national, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett of Guyana, stood among the candidates being considered for the position of Secretary-General of the United Nations.

Throughout the discussions, each candidate outlined a vision for addressing the challenges facing the United Nations and the international community. Climate change, sustainable development, peace and security, economic inequality, and human rights featured prominently on the agenda. Member States and civil society organizations were also given the opportunity to ask questions directly to the candidates some of the questions from Member States were very complex, frank, and demanding, which made the exchanges particularly engaging to observe.

The Caribbean contains more non-self-governing territories than independent countries. For many of these territories, questions surrounding democratic participation, political representation, cultural preservation, and the implementation of international obligations remain unresolved.

The next Secretary-General will therefore inherit not only the responsibility of addressing global conflicts and development challenges, Human rights but also the responsibility of ensuring that the principles of the United Nations Charter are applied equally to all peoples. The Charter emerged from the devastation of the Second World War, a conflict in which millions lost their lives. It was founded on the promise of human dignity, human rights, and equal rights for all peoples.

BHRO Participation in this process was a reminder that even small organizations from small islands can contribute to global conversations. It demonstrated that the concerns of Bonaireans, and indeed all peoples whose rights and aspirations deserve recognition, can reach the highest levels of international dialogue.

History may remember 18 June 2026 as a milestone in the evolution of United Nations leadership. For Bonaire, it was also a reminder that engagement matters, representation matters, and that even the smallest voices can help shape the future of international governance when they are given the opportunity to be heard.

Davika Bissessar Shaw
President, Bonaire Human Rights Organization (BHRO)
Columnist – Bonaire Under the Lens and beyond

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