Trinidad and Tobago has received the green light to pursue a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2027–2028 term.
Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs Sean Sobers confirmed the move in the Senate on Wednesday, emphasising that the candidacy will focus on critical regional issues, including the illicit trafficking of small arms and the emerging security challenges posed by artificial intelligence.
During his contribution in the Senate on Wednesday, Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs Sean Sobers recognised the significance of this seat, noting the government’s commitment to addressing global issues.
“As a member of the UN, we have adhered to the Charter of the Body, unlike what has been said previously. Trinidad and Tobago appreciates and recognises the magnitude of the responsibility bestowed on the Security Council, and for small States like Trinidad and Tobago, the maintenance of an international rules-based order and security is of paramount importance. It is the government’s primary view that we can only be better together if we confront complex and evolving global issues head-on, instead of burying our heads in the sand.”
Minister Sobers said the country’s campaign is gaining momentum, with areas of focus aligned with the objectives of respect for regional and international rule of law, security, protection of vulnerable communities, and addressing emerging threats of illicit trafficking of small arms, light weapons, and artificial intelligence.
“Once elected, we would ensure that the voices and perspectives of all States are meaningfully represented in the work of the Security Council. Trinidad and Tobago is in the process of campaigning for its candidature as a non-permanent member of the UNSC for the term, as aforesaid. The areas of National Priorities, which will impact the role played by Trinidad and Tobago, are consistent with its stated objective of respect for regional and international rule of law, security, protection of vulnerable communities, and addressing emerging threats of illicit trafficking of small arms, light weapons, and artificial intelligence.”
He added that this country’s bid is currently uncontested within the Group of Latin America and the Caribbean (GRULAC).
Minister Sobers reaffirmed Trinidad and Tobago’s stance on maintaining cordial bilateral relations and continuing to maintain warm relations with partners.
“Whether it be from the Orient of the Far East, the sand dunes and rich cultural history of the Middle East, the Romanesque and Gothic designs of Europe, to the great plains of the Americas, and lastly, but certainly by no means least, the warmth of the Caribbean and Latin America, we have adopted the clarion call of our honourable Prime Minister to create and concretise new, long-lasting friendships. It is for this reason that Trinidad and Tobago is steadfast and confident in its goal of being elected to a seat on the United Nations Security Council as a non-permanent member for the period 2027 to 2028, and the elections to be held during the 80th session in June 2026.”
The United Nations Security Council is one of the world’s most powerful bodies, responsible for maintaining international peace and security, with 15 members, including 10 elected for two-year terms.