PM: Trinidad and Tobago will use its new UN role responsibly

PRIME Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar says Trinidad and Tobago will use its position as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council to influence positive change that will benefit all UN member states.

She made this commitment during her address to the 80th UN General Assembly in NewYork on September 26.

"TT sought support as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2027–2028 term. We are happy that the same was met with a non-objection."

Non-permanent members hold office on the council for periods of two years. Their election is based on regional distribution, with seats allocated to different regional groups like Africa and Asia, Eastern Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Western Europe and other state.

These members do not have the veto power which the council's permanent members (China, France, Russia, the UK and the US) have.

Persad-Bissessar said TT' has been steadfast in its commitment to the UN and all bodies under its purview for the last 63 years.

She added TT takes its responsibilities on the UN Security Council seriously.

"During our term we will build on this record, amplifying unheard voices to ensure that justice and equality anchor lasting security. "

Persad-Bissessar said the Security Council should reflect "not only the interests of the powerful, but also the voices and aspirations of all people."

She added, "Let us agree to strive for greater cooperation and an openness to respecting free speech and dissenting opinions."

Persad-Bissessar claimed over the last decade there has been an inclination to cancel views that are not fashionable to the dominating narrative.

"Let us pledge to listen to each other with an objective mindset."

Persad-Bissessar said the UN remained the forum where peace and progress can be fulfilled through honest and sometimes uncomfortable discussions.

"This honest communication is even more important in a multipolar world order where military and economic power is now disseminated across the globe."