Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has thanked nations around the globe for voting for Trinidad and Tobago to serve as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2027-2028 term.
The Prime Minister stated via her X platform yesterday, “I am proud to announce that our nation has been elected to serve as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2027-2028 term, securing the support of 181 countries.
“The Government of Trinidad and Tobago extend heartfelt thanks to the nations of the world for their overwhelming vote of confidence and support. Your trust is deeply appreciated, and we look forward to working together in the pursuit of peace, security and sustainable development.”
Trinidad and Tobago’s election to the United Nations Security Council was part of the UN’s established regional rotation system, under which the ten non-permanent seats are distributed among regional groups and filled through elections by the United Nations General Assembly.
For the 2027-2028 term, one seat was allocated to the Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC), which includes Caricom states.
Trinidad and Tobago was the sole candidate nominated by GRULAC and therefore ran uncontested for the seat currently held by Panama.
Despite being unopposed, the country was still required to secure the support of at least two-thirds of UN member states present and voting in the General Assembly to be elected.
Trinidad and Tobago received support from the international community and will begin its two-year term on January 1, 2027.
Complex challenges
Minister of Foreign and Caricom Affairs Sean Sobers, speaking after the vote was taken in New York, USA, yesterday, said he accepted with profound honour and gratitude the confidence placed in Trinidad and Tobago by the membership of the UN to be elected to the Security Council.
“We accept this mantle of responsibility with humility and pride; we wish to express our profound gratitude for the friendship, partnership and solidarity shown to Trinidad and Tobago during our campaign,” he said.
He congratulated all candidates for a well-executed and impactful campaign, adding that T&T looks forward to working with them on the security council.
He noted that this was not the first time T&T will serve on the Security Council as it had done so from 1985-1986.
“Since Independence 64 years ago, Trinidad and Tobago has upheld the rule of law, championed human rights, strengthened international law, and never been silent in the face of injustice,” he said.
Sobers reaffirmed T&T’s commitment to the UN Charter, international law and the rule of law.
He said this country’s campaign, building consensus for the realisation of sustainable peace and security, will guide its engagement on the council as it pledges to foster dialogue and bridge differences amid a multiplicity of complex challenges confronting the international community.
“Specifically, during our tenure, we will place particular emphasis on advancing the women and children on the peace and security agenda, addressing the illicit trafficking of small arms and light weapons, and examining the implications of artificial intelligence for international peace and security,” he said.
He said the Prime Minister instructed that T&T use its tenure at the UN Security Council to champion issues, the voices and aspirations of all people and, more importantly, to amplify the unheard voices to ensure that justice and equality anchor lasting security.
“We recognise the breath and complexity of the council’s mandate and stand ready to engage constructively and reasonably across the full range of issues across the council,” he said.
Sobers said T&T looks forward to serving alongside all 14 members of the council.
A release from the Ministry of Foreign and Caricom Affairs hailed Persad-Bissessar’s leadership for this “diplomatic milestone”.
It noted that in order to secure a seat on the UNSC, Trinidad and Tobago was required to secure the support of a two-thirds majority of UN member states (approximately 129 countries).
The release stated that yesterday morning, T&T secured the votes of 181 countries out of 190 countries (95%) in one round of voting, including from all five permanent members of the council (United States, United Kingdom, France, China and Russia).
It noted that this country’s campaign was launched by the Prime Minister during her participation at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York in September 2025.
Since then, the Prime Minister has been in constant contact and personal dialogue with several world leaders to advance the country’s bid, it added.
“Therefore, this country’s success is a testament to the vision, dedication, and steadfast leadership of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, whose commitment to advancing Trinidad and Tobago’s interests internationally has helped secure this historic victory,” stated the ministry.
The ministry said the theme for Trinidad and Tobago’s UNSC campaign was “Building Consensus for the Realisation of Sustainable Peace and Security”, and the country’s campaign was focused around three strategic pillars:
1. Curbing the illicit trafficking of small arms and light weapons.
2. Women and children, peace and security.
3. Artificial intelligence and global security.
UN Security Council (from January 1, 2027)
The council will comprise:
• Permanent members: China, France, Russia, United Kingdom, United States.
• Non-Permanent members: Bahrain, Colombia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Latvia, Liberia, Austria, Kyrgyzstan, Portugal, Trinidad and Tobago, Zimbabwe.
The newly elected countries will replace Denmark, Greece, Pakistan, Panama and Somalia when their terms expire on December 31, 2026.
Trinidad and Tobago will become the first English-speaking Caribbean country to sit on the Security Council since Jamaica served in 2000-2001, and it will be this country’s second term after serving in 1985-1986.
