T&T wins UN Security Council seat with overwhelming support

Trinidad and Tobago has secured a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2027-2028 term, winning overwhelming backing from member states in a diplomatic victory that returns the country to the world body's most powerful decision-making forum after more than two decades.

According to the Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, Trinidad and Tobago received the support of 181 of the 190 countries that voted during elections held at the United Nations headquarters in New York on Wednesday, comfortably surpassing the two-thirds majority required for election.The country's campaign was built around the theme, "Building Consensus for the Realization of Sustainable Peace and Security", and focused on three main priorities: curbing the illicit trafficking of small arms and light weapons, advancing the agenda of women and children in peace and security, and addressing the implications of artificial intelligence for global security.

The election returns Trinidad and Tobago to the Security Council for the third time in its history. The country previously served on the council during 1985-1986 and again from 2002-2003.The new term will begin on January 1, 2027, and run until December 31, 2028.With the election now complete, Trinidad and Tobago is expected to begin preparations for its return to the Security Council, where it will join 14 other member states in addressing matters affecting international peace and security.