Latest content: Secretary-General Patricia Scotland

On this International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, we come together as a global community to reaffirm our commitment to ending violence against all women and girls.
This day reminds us of our shared responsibility to eliminate one of the most pervasive human rights violations.
Read news - Commonwealth Secretary-General’s message for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women
The Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, made a strong case for continued investment and partnership at the UK-Caribbean Trade and Investment Forum. The event was organised by DMA Invest in partnership with the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office, the UK Department for Business & Trade, and UK Export Finance.
Read news - Commonwealth Secretary-General encourages increased investment in the Caribbean
We have been closely monitoring the situation in Bangladesh and talking to various parties to quickly obtain reliable information. I continue to be concerned about ongoing developments, particularly the violence and loss of life. My thoughts are with all those who are affected. I urge all to discourage violence and to nurture mutual respect and understanding. 
Read news - Statement from the Commonwealth Secretary-General on recent developments in Bangladesh   
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. 
Read news - Rwanda Rises: 30 years on from the genocide against the Tutsi
In March, leaders gathered in London to highlight the crucial role women play in leadership and decision-making at a time when over half of the world’s population is going to the polls. In her keynote address, the Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, spoke about a new world reality with women taking on more leadership roles. 
Read news - ‘Women are determining the world’: the Commonwealth Secretary-General celebrates women leaders 
The Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, addressed leaders from 121 Non-Aligned Movement countries, calling for greater cooperation to protect all humanity from overlapping economic, environmental and security challenges.
Read news - Cooperation only path to protecting humanity from ongoing crises, Commonwealth Secretary-General tells Non-Aligned Movement Summit