Latest content: Secretary-General

Commonwealth Secretary-General to attend UNCTAD15 Conference in Barbados to urge for rapid action against multiple global crises 

This week, Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland QC, will push for bold and swift action in supporting small and vulnerable states to fight the global interlinked crises of climate change, the COVID-19 pandemic and their resulting economic fallout.
Read news - Commonwealth Secretary-General to attend UNCTAD15 Conference in Barbados to urge for rapid action against multiple global crises 

Commonwealth Says NO MORE launches initiative to prevent domestic and sexual violence in 54 countries

The Commonwealth Secretariat and NO MORE Foundation are launching a new “Join The Chorus” initiative to help the 54 member countries tackle an alarming rise in domestic and sexual violence during the COVID-19 pandemic while urging leaders to make prevention a top priority in rebuilding efforts.
Read press release - Commonwealth Says NO MORE launches initiative to prevent domestic and sexual violence in 54 countries

In a Watershed Year for Climate Change, the Commonwealth Secretary-General calls for Urgent, Decisive and Sustained Climate Action

IPS spoke to Commonwealth Secretary-General the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland QC about the Association’s climate initiatives, the unique challenges faced by small states, its focus on gender mainstreaming and access to financing for critical adaptation and mitigation projects.
Read news - In a Watershed Year for Climate Change, the Commonwealth Secretary-General calls for Urgent, Decisive and Sustained Climate Action

Commonwealth Secretary-General urges G20 to urgently vaccinate the world’s small states

Commonwealth Secretary-General The Rt Hon Patricia Scotland QC has called on G20 members to urgently work with the Commonwealth and other partners, particularly the World Health Organization and World Trade Organization, to urgently put in place a robust plan to vaccinate the world’s 42 smallest states and shield them from COVID-19.
Read press release - Commonwealth Secretary-General urges G20 to urgently vaccinate the world’s small states

"Be the change we wish to see" The Commonwealth and United Nations Population Fund celebrate Mandela Day

As we prepare to celebrate Nelson Mandela International Day - a day to honour the legacy of the much-loved icon - the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland QC Secretary-General of the Commonwealth invited UNFPA’s Executive Director, Dr Natalia Kanem, to discuss the values of championing social justice, volunteering and community service. 
Read news - "Be the change we wish to see" The Commonwealth and United Nations Population Fund celebrate Mandela Day

Debt-for-climate swaps in the Caribbean

22 June 2021 to 22 June 2021
Event
In the face of multiple global crises, debt-for-climate swaps are being widely discussed as an instrument to manage mounting public debts, climate change challenges and Covid-19 recovery. Belize is a small island developing state in the Caribbean region facing these challenges. The Government of Belize has requested the Commonwealth Secretariat to provide assistance to design and implement a ‘Debt for Climate/Nature Swap Mechanism’ for the country.