Caribbean Voice Grows in UN Seat Campaign

 With diplomatic momentum building ahead of a key international vote, Trinidad and Tobago is pressing forward with its campaign for a non permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, citing support from more than 100 countries.

The election, scheduled for June during the United Nations General Assembly, will determine membership for the 2027 to 2028 term. Foreign Affairs Minister Sean Sobers told lawmakers on Tuesday that a formal launch of the campaign is set for May, as preparations intensify.

Addressing the Senate, Sobers said the country’s bid has secured firm regional and international backing, including endorsement from the Caribbean Community. “We also have global support of over 100 UN member states, including regional groupings,” he stated.

He credited longstanding diplomatic ties across continents as a foundation for the effort. According to Sobers, Trinidad and Tobago has maintained constructive relationships spanning Asia, the Middle East, Europe and the Americas, alongside its Caribbean and Latin American partners.

Confidence in the campaign remains high as the country approaches elections linked to the UN’s 80th session in June 2026. Sobers said the government is positioning itself to play a meaningful role in global decision making during the two year tenure if elected.

Former foreign affairs minister Amery Browne endorsed the continued pursuit of the seat, noting that the initiative originated under a previous administration. He said regional approval had already been secured before the last general election, with the understanding that the country would represent Caribbean perspectives at the Security Council.

“We did achieve a CARICOM endorsement of the Trinidad and Tobago campaign with the understanding that we would take the voice of CARICOM with us,” Browne said.

He traced the origins of the bid to 2013, when Trinidad and Tobago signalled its interest to the Group of Latin America and the Caribbean, which comprises 33 nations. Browne argued that representation for small island states is essential at the highest levels of global governance. “This world does need small islands because it needs our voice,” he said.

Sobers also defended the country’s foreign policy stance, including its ties with the United States and its advocacy against narcotics trafficking in multilateral forums. He pointed to ongoing regional security concerns, particularly the flow of illegal drugs and firearms, as justification for sustained cooperation.

Both officials emphasised that, if elected, Trinidad and Tobago would champion international law, peace and the interests of small island developing states. Browne underscored the responsibility involved, saying global challenges require collective engagement rather than inaction. “Once elected, we would ensure that the voices and perspectives of all states are meaningfully represented,” he said.

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