Today at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Apia, Samoa, leaders announced the selection of the Honourable Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, currently Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Ghana, as the incoming Secretary-General of the Commonwealth.
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CHOGM 2024: Incoming Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Announced
The Commonwealth Peace Prize will be awarded to a distinguished peace-builder with a strong track record of faith-based engagement in conflict resolution, promotion of social cohesion, and sustainable peace. The prize organised and delivered by the Khalili Foundation in partnership with the Commonwealth Secretariat, is a part of the Commonwealth Faith Festival and Faith in the Commonwealth Initiative.
In marking the passing of Sir Shridath Ramphal, the second Commonwealth Secretary-General, who served from 1975 -1990, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, the Commonwealth Secretary-General, said:
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Statement from the Commonwealth Secretary-General on the passing of Sir Shridath Ramphal
The Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, delivered the inaugural Commonwealth Lecture in Barbados, commemorating the 75th anniversary of the modern Commonwealth.
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Celebrating milestones – Commonwealth Secretary-General reflects on 75 years of the modern Commonwealth
"When Commonwealth countries take collective decisions, it can move the whole world," - Commonwealth Secretary-General
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Modern Commonwealth celebrates 75 years
In 2024, the Commonwealth celebrates its 75th anniversary.
Since its founding in 1949, the modern Commonwealth has grown in both scale and influence with 56 member countries, spanning six continents and representing a third of the world's population.
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Commonwealth at 75
Since its founding in 1949, the modern Commonwealth has grown in both scale and influence with 56 member countries, spanning six continents and representing a third of the world's population.
Rwandan President Paul Kagame lights a memorial flame at the Kigali Genocide Memorial
Today, Rwanda is one of Africa's fast-growing economies and is seen as a model for sustainable growth and resilience. However, thirty years ago, the world’s attention was focused on Rwanda because of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, shocking mass killings where it is estimated that almost a million Rwandans died.
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Rwanda Rises: 30 years on from the genocide against the Tutsi
Today, Rwanda is one of Africa's fast-growing economies and is seen as a model for sustainable growth and resilience. However, thirty years ago, the world’s attention was focused on Rwanda because of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, shocking mass killings where it is estimated that almost a million Rwandans died.
The Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, has echoed the concern of His Excellency Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, the President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, after President Nicolás Maduro of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela promulgated the Organic Law for the Defence of Essequiba on 3 April 2024.
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Statement by the Commonwealth Secretary-General in support of Guyana after Venezuela’s recent legislation on the April 3rd Organic Law on Essequibo
Commonwealth Day was celebrated on Monday 11 March 2024, marking the beginning of a week-long series of events and activities happening around the globe – including faith and civic gatherings, debates, school assemblies, flag-raising ceremonies and cultural events.
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Commonwealth Day
Grenada is known for many things: the beauty of the country, world-renowned for its spices, the cultural richness of its Carnival and the warmth of its people. The country has also played a critical role in the development and strength of the Commonwealth and on the world stage.
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Golden Grenada – A brief history of its 50-year Commonwealth connection
Commenting on the recent decision by the International Court of Justice, the Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, said:
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Statement by the Commonwealth Secretary-General on the ICJ process regarding the Guyana-Venezuela border dispute
Speaking on the recent violence in Sierra Leone, the Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, said:
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Statement by the Commonwealth Secretary-General on the recent violence in Sierra Leone
The Commonwealth Secretary-General the Rt. Hon. Patricia Scotland, KC has expressed deep concern at the 21 September decision of the Venezuelan National Assembly to undertake a referendum on the status of the Essequibo region, part of the sovereign territory of the Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.
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Statement by the Commonwealth Secretary-General on the escalation of the Guyana-Venezuela border dispute
An independent study detailing the collective contribution of the 87 non-profit organisations accredited to the Commonwealth was launched last week by the Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC.
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New report reveals vital role of Accredited Organisations in the Commonwealth
The Commonwealth Ministerial Group on Guyana was convened in New York on 17 September 2023 by the Commonwealth Secretary-General, The Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, in accordance with a mandate given by the Commonwealth Heads of Government to monitor “developments in respect of the existing controversy between Guyana and Venezuela.”
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Statement - The Commonwealth supports Guyana’s territorial integrity and calls for the respect of the judicial process underway
The 63rd Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) met in New York this week on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly to discuss developments in member states.
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Gabon partially suspended from the Commonwealth pending restoration of democracy
Award-winning Ugandan-British writer Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi to chair high-profile international judging panel. Prize opens for submissions until 1 November 2023. Entrants can submit stories in 13 languages for the chance to win international recognition and prize money.
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Judges announced for 2024 Commonwealth Short Story Prize
A series of high-level ministerial meetings will bring together representatives from all Commonwealth member countries to exchange views and discuss joint strategies around governance, sustainable development and climate issues, in the margins of the High-Level week of the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
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Commonwealth ministers to meet in New York to lay groundwork for CHOGM summit and COP28
The Commonwealth Observer Group has commended the people of Maldives for the manner in which they exercised their right to vote at their presidential elections on 9 September 2023.
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Commonwealth Observers praise the people of Maldives for peaceful and orderly elections
A Commonwealth Spokesperson said:
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Commonwealth statement on Zimbabwe elections
The Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, has paid a moving tribute to enslaved people from Africa, India and Southeast Asia, known as Maroons, who fought for their freedom and sought shelter in the caves of Le Morne, a basaltic mountain situated on the west coast of Mauritius.
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Commonwealth Secretary-General pays tribute to slaves who sought freedom in Le Morne
A Commonwealth Secretariat spokesperson reacting to recent developments in Kenya said:
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Commonwealth statement on recent developments in Kenya
Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, has commended Rwandan President His Excellency Paul Kagame for his strong commitment to the Caribbean, particularly in his role as the current Commonwealth Chair-in-Office.
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Commonwealth Secretary-General praises President Kagame’s commitment to the Caribbean
The Bahamas, renowned for its turquoise waters, 700 islands, and vivacity and warmth of its people, is gearing up to celebrate a momentous milestone: 50 years of independence on 10 July 2023.
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Photo story: The Commonwealth and The Bahamas celebrating 50 years
The Commonwealth Secretariat and the Caribbean Development Bank have agreed to deepen their collaboration on sustainable development in the Caribbean region.
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Commonwealth and Caribbean Development Bank join forces to advance sustainable development