Latest content: Secretary-General

Blog by Patricia Scotland, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth: The frightening reality of Pacific island nations disappearing into the ocean could also become a real worry for western metropolises. Only with a truly inclusive and worldwide effort, with every nation, government and community on board can we win the battle. 

The Pacific is the Commonwealth region most vulnerable to climate change. It faces intense variations in temperatures, extreme storms, rising sea levels, and is also highly vulnerable to earthquakes, floods, tidal surges, landslides, droughts, forest fires, tsunamis and volcanic eruptions.

Five months ago, Cyclone Idai ripped through the Southern African region, causing a massive humanitarian disaster that affected three million people. More than a thousand perished, while 200,000 lost their homes, many of whom are still to this day living in refugee camps.

By taking coordinated collective action, the nations of the Commonwealth can accelerate the mobilisation of international efforts that are the only hope if we are to prevent further detrimental human impact on the delicate natural balance of our planet.

The Commonwealth Secretary-General, Patricia Scotland, welcomes the signing of a peace and reconciliation agreement between the governing party Frelimo and the opposition Renamo on 6 August 2019.

Five months ago, Cyclone Idai ripped through the Southern African region, causing a massive humanitarian disaster that affected three million people. More than a thousand perished, while 200,000 lost their homes, many of whom are still to this day living in refugee camps.

The Commonwealth is embracing a digital transformation in its work practices, which was showcased this week at the organisation’s first ever open day on innovation and information and communication technology (ICT).

The Commonwealth Secretary-General welcomes the appointment of the new Chairperson of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and commends all involved parties who enabled agreement to be reached on this issue.

The Duke of Sussex, who was last year appointed to be Commonwealth Youth Ambassador, today joined a policy dialogue at Commonwealth headquarters, focused on the implementation of youth policy in the 53 countries of the Commonwealth.

At a Commonwealth seminar entitled ‘Peace in the home: ending domestic violence together', experts in health, gender, law and human rights have called for more action aimed at eliminating gender-based violence, particularly domestic violence.

Caribbean anti-corruption agencies have unanimously agreed on the need for robust legislation to investigate and prosecute corruption in the region.

Secretary-General Patricia Scotland has outlined a framework to help member countries investigate and prosecute corruption offences, which cost the global economy around $2 trillion a year. 

Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland has reiterated the importance of taking advantage of the innate benefits of intra-Commonwealth trade

The Secretary-General has outlined four pillars designed to nurture Commonwealth students into future leaders.

The Sri Lankan cricket team has congratulated the Commonwealth on its Peace at the Crease initiative

Secretary-General Patricia Scotland has underscored the global benefits of multilateral cooperation through the Commonwealth and other international bodies.

The Secretary-General says securing equal rights and fair treatment of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people is essential to achieving the sustainable development goals.

Secretary-General Patricia Scotland has congratulated the people of Belize on a successful referendum. They voted to refer to the International Court of Justice any legal claim of Guatemala against Belize relating to land, insular territories and any maritime areas.

Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland expressed her revulsion at the appalling news of the horrendous and mindless coordinated set of terrorist attacks in Sri Lanka

Rwanda has held a national act of remembrance to mark 25 years since the genocide that killed an estimated one million people.

Patricia Scotland has received a Distinguished Champion award at the WEConnect Gala in Washington DC for her tireless efforts to empower women and achieve gender equality across the world.

Patricia Scotland will receive a Distinguished Champion award at the WEConnect Gala in Washington DC for her tireless efforts to empower women and achieve gender equality across the world.

The Commonwealth’s Climate Finance Access Hub aims to more than double the number of advisers deployed to help vulnerable countries unlock funds to tackle climate change.