A delegation from the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago is participating in the 9th E-10 and I-5 Annual Dialogue for elected members of the United Nations Security Council, being held in Panama City, Panama, from 1 to 2 September 2026.
The delegation is led by Mr Randall Karim, Permanent Secretary and Head of the Foreign Service at the Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs. He is accompanied by Ms Mariella Fonrose, Foreign Service Officer II and First Secretary at the Permanent Mission of Trinidad and Tobago to the United Nations in New York.
During the first day of the Dialogue, Permanent Secretary Karim held bilateral discussions with Panama’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Carlos Hoyos. The officials exchanged views on issues of mutual interest to Trinidad and Tobago and Panama and reaffirmed the importance of continued engagement between both countries.
Hosted by the Government of Panama, the annual dialogue brings together the ten current elected members of the Security Council, known as the E-10, and the five incoming members, known as the I-5. It provides an important platform for strengthening collaboration among elected members, sharing institutional knowledge, and identifying further opportunities to advance international peace and security.
Discussions during the two-day engagement are expected to address Security Council effectiveness and procedures, the Council’s operations in real-world scenarios, preventive diplomacy, and the selection of the next United Nations Secretary-General.
Trinidad and Tobago’s participation is particularly significant following the country’s election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. The country will take office in January 2027 and assume the Presidency of the Council in March 2027.
Participation in the dialogue will support Trinidad and Tobago’s preparations for its upcoming tenure by providing opportunities to deepen its understanding of the Council’s working methods, build relationships with fellow members, and engage in early consultations on issues expected to arise during its term. These engagements will also help the country lay the groundwork for its Presidency, during which it will be responsible for convening and chairing meetings, coordinating the Council’s programme of work, and representing the Council publicly.
The Government of Trinidad and Tobago remains committed to multilateralism and looks forward to contributing constructively to the Security Council's work and to international efforts to maintain global peace and security.
