By Admin. Updated 9:16 p.m., Wednesday, June 3, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).
The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has congratulated Trinidad and Tobago following its election to a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2027–2028 term.
Trinidad and Tobago secured 181 votes during elections held by the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday, 3 June, earning the seat allocated to the Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC). The twin-island republic ran unopposed for the position.
The election forms part of the annual process through which the General Assembly selects five non-permanent members to serve two-year terms on the 15-member Security Council. The newly elected countries, Austria, Kyrgyzstan, Portugal, Trinidad and Tobago, and Zimbabwe, will begin their terms on 1 January 2027.
In a congratulatory message, CARICOM Heads of Government described the result as a significant achievement for both Trinidad and Tobago and the wider Caribbean Community.
“The overwhelming support offered by United Nations Member States during elections held on 3 June 2026 reflects the confidence of the international community in Trinidad and Tobago’s longstanding commitment to multilateralism, peace and security, and the principles of the United Nations Charter,” CARICOM said.
The regional bloc added that Trinidad and Tobago’s election was “a proud moment not only for Trinidad and Tobago but for the Caribbean Community as a whole”.
CARICOM expressed confidence that the country would bring the perspectives of Caribbean Small Island and Low-lying Coastal Developing States to the Security Council, particularly on issues affecting peace, security, and the vulnerabilities faced by small nations.
“The Caribbean Community reaffirms its support for Trinidad and Tobago as it undertakes this significant responsibility and stands ready to collaborate in promoting the collective interests of the Region within the United Nations System,” the statement said.
Speaking after the vote, Trinidad and Tobago’s Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, Sean Sobers, said his country would use its tenure on the Security Council to promote dialogue and address key global challenges.
“As we pledge to foster dialogue and bridge differences amidst the multiplicity of complex challenges confronting the international community, specifically during our tenure, we will place particular emphasis on advancing the women, 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,” Sobers said.
He added that Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar had directed that Trinidad and Tobago use its seat on the Council to advocate for the interests of people whose concerns are often overlooked.
“The Honourable Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar has instructed that we use our tenure on the United Nations Security Council to champion issues, the voices and aspirations of all people, and more importantly to amplify the unheard voices to ensure justice, equality and lasting security,” Sobers stated.
The United Nations Security Council is responsible for maintaining international peace and security. It comprises five permanent members, China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, and ten non-permanent members elected by the General Assembly for staggered two-year terms.
This will be Trinidad and Tobago’s third term on the Security Council. The country previously served during 1985–1986 and 2002–2003. Its new term will run from 1 January 2027 to 31 December 2028.
Trinidad and Tobago joins a select group of Caribbean nations that have served on the Security Council. Four independent Caribbean countries have held or been elected to non-permanent seats on the body.
Jamaica served two terms, from 1979–1980 and 2000–2001. Guyana served two terms, from 1975–1976 and 1982–1983. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines served from 2020–2021, becoming the smallest country ever elected to the Security Council. Trinidad and Tobago’s election for the 2027–2028 term will mark its third period of service.
The election represents a significant diplomatic achievement for Trinidad and Tobago and ensures continued Caribbean representation within one of the United Nations’ most influential decision-making bodies on matters of international peace and security.
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