Tweet

As the term of current United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres enters its final two years, discussions are intensifying over who will succeed him. With the rising prominence of the Global South, the names of Mia Amor Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados, and Denzil Douglas, former Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, have emerged as potential candidates for the top UN position.

The Caribbean, long overlooked by the developed world, has become a powerful advocate for sustainability, economic reform, and climate resilience. Mottley and Douglas, both respected leaders in the region, are seen as champions of these causes. Their potential candidacies have been met with enthusiasm by CARICOM member states, underscoring the growing influence of the Caribbean on global affairs.

Since the UN’s founding in 1945, leadership of the global body has traditionally been held by leaders from the developed world. However, the emergence of the Global South has introduced a new perspective on addressing shared global challenges, particularly those that disproportionately affect developing nations. From climate change to economic instability, the concerns of these nations are now gaining broader recognition.

India, a rising global power and a strong supporter of CARICOM, could play a pivotal role in determining the next Secretary-General. The India-CARICOM Summit, held annually to strengthen ties between the two regions, reflects India’s commitment to Caribbean development. Should India decide to back a Caribbean leader rather than field its own candidate, it would significantly bolster the candidacy of Mottley or Douglas.

The term of Secretary-General Guterres will conclude on December 31, 2026, setting the stage for what could be a historic transition in the United Nations’ leadership. Whether the UN’s next leader will come from the Caribbean remains to be seen, but the region’s growing global stature signals that change may be on the horizon.