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 Government described the result as a major achievement under the leadership of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, noting that the country’s campaign was launched during the United Nations General Assembly in September 2025 and involved extensive diplomatic engagement with world leaders.
In a statement, the ministry said the victory reflected Trinidad and Tobago’s commitment to international cooperation and its efforts to advance issues of global peace and security.
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 Security Council is responsible for maintaining international peace and security and has the authority to make binding decisions on issues such as armed conflict, sanctions, peacekeeping missions, counter-terrorism measures and humanitarian crises.
As a non-permanent member, Trinidad and Tobago will hold a vote on Security Council resolutions and participate directly in deliberations on some of the world’s most pressing security challenges.
Government officials said the seat would strengthen Trinidad and Tobago’s diplomatic influence while providing a platform to advocate for the interests of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and the wider Caribbean region.
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.
The ministry said the successful bid demonstrated the country’s ability to build international consensus and would create opportunities for stronger diplomatic partnerships and increased engagement on global issues.
Trinidad and Tobago contested the seat allocated to the Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC), while elections were also held for seats representing Africa, Asia-Pacific and the Western European and Others Group.
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.
Trinidad Express
