Guyana’s two year term as a representative for Latin America and the Caribbean begins on January 1, 2024. Photo: Loop News

Guyana secured 191 votes from the 192 members present at the UN’s General Assembly today.

Guyana’s two-year term as a representative for Latin America and the Caribbean begins on January 1, 2024.

Guyana previously served on the UN Security Council from 1975-1976 and 1982 to 1983.

The UN Security Council is made up of China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States and 10 non-permanent members from Africa, Asia-Pacific, Latin American and Caribbean, Eastern Europe and Western European.

Also joining Guyana on the UN Security Council in 2024 are Algeria, the Republic of Korea, Sierra Leone and Slovenia, who defeated Belarus for the seat.

Guyanese President Dr Mohammed Irfaan Ali said Guyana is humbled by the opportunity to serve the region on the important body.

“It is a responsibility that we will assume with utmost seriousness and dedication, mindful of the complex and challenging times in which we live,” Ali said in a statement following the election.

“The theme of our candidacy ‘Partnering for Peace and Prosperity’ serves as a guide to Guyana’s approach to service on the Security Council.  We intend to be a constructive and engaged partner with the members of the Council and the wider international community in the search for solutions to the myriad of momentous challenges that beset our human family”.

Ali also thanked Guyana’s diplomats at the UN’s headquarters in New York for their hard work to ensure Guyana attained the support needed to serve on the Security Council.