They will take this decision, in accordance with the Agreed Memorandum on the Establishment and Functions of the Commonwealth Secretariat (revised 2022) and the principle of regional rotation. The successful candidate will serve as the seventh Commonwealth Secretary-General.
The Commonwealth invites candidates with proven leadership and managerial abilities, extensive experience in international relations, strong diplomatic and communication skills. Candidates must hold the nationality of a Commonwealth Member country and be expressly endorsed by their respective Government. The position of Secretary-General is one of great importance that requires the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, and a firm commitment to the core values and principles enshrined in the Commonwealth Charter.
“We congratulated the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland QC on her reappointment … until the next CHOGM in Samoa in 2024, where the next Secretary-General will be appointed, in accordance with usual practice and the principle of regional rotation.”
Leaders' Statement 2022
Table showing Secretaries-General to date
|
No. |
Name |
Nominating Country |
Region |
Term Start |
Term End |
|
1. |
Arnold Smith |
Canada |
Canada-Caribbean |
1.7.65 |
30.6.75 |
|
2. |
Shridath Ramphal |
Guyana |
Canada-Caribbean |
1.7.75 |
30.6.90 |
|
3. |
Emeka Anyaoku |
Nigeria |
Africa |
1.7.90 |
31.3.2000 |
|
4. |
Don McKinnon |
New Zealand |
Pacific |
1.4.2000 |
31.3.08 |
|
5. |
Kamalesh Sharma |
India |
Asia-Europe |
1.4.08 |
31.3.16 |
|
6. |
Patricia Scotland |
Dominica |
Canada-Caribbean |
1.4.16 |
Incumbent |