Latest content: Secretary-General

Commonwealth countries must rethink their approach to delivering public services if sustainable development is to be achieved, according to the Commonwealth Secretary-General.

Secretary-General Patricia Scotland has reaffirmed the Commonwealth’s support for the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group of States, while urging deeper collaboration to boost their trade and development potential.

Responding to the devastation caused by Cyclone Idai and flooding affecting several countries in Southern Africa, in particular Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe, the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Patricia Scotland has expressed great concern and sympathy for the people and communities suffering.

Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland today expressed shock and revulsion at the terror attack in Christchurch, New Zealand.

High commissioners and women’s rights activists have joined Secretary-General Patricia Scotland to salute the unwavering courage of women in their struggle for equality. 

At this time when multilateralism is under threat, and we see nationalism and narrow self-interest on the rise, the Commonwealth shines as a beacon of hope and promise, inspiring confidence in the benefits of international co-operation and collective action.

Secretary-General Patricia Scotland has reaffirmed the Commonwealth’s collective commitment to an inclusive, fair and open rules-based multilateral trading system which drives growth, productivity, innovation and employability.

Music, poetry and cultural performances from around the globe portrayed the power of mother languages to promote intercultural dialogue and preserve heritage, as Secretary-General Patricia Scotland joined hundreds in London to commemorate Language Martyrs Day and Mother Language Day.

Human resources as well as information and communication technologies (ICTs) play a crucial role in helping an organisation achieve its goals and objectives, says the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Patricia Scotland.

The Secretary-General has praised Nigeria's "steadfast commitment to the promotion of peace" in the run-up to Saturday's presidential election.

WEConnect International will recognise Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland’s global leadership on women’s equality and empowerment with the 2019 Distinguished Champion Award on 1 April 2019

The Republic of Maldives has applied to re-join the Commonwealth. The country’s President, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, made the request in a letter to Secretary-General Patricia Scotland earlier this month.

Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland is backing redoubled efforts by the Commonwealth family of 53 countries to fight climate change, in light of a sobering report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) calling for “rapid and far-reaching” actions to keep global warming below 1.5°C.

While billions of pounds have been pledged to tackle climate change, much more is required to turn the tide on global warming.

Secretary-General Patricia Scotland has announced a new approach to boosting collaboration between the 87 accredited Commonwealth organisations, in order to promote democracy, human rights and the rule of law.

Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland has paid tribute to the University of the West Indies (UWI) for its enormous contributions to education and for strengthening the fabric of Commonwealth connections

The Secretary-General, Patricia Scotland, has launched a UN report that highlights the enormous contributions of young people to peacebuilding and conflict resolution.

The Commonwealth Secretary-General appeared alongside world leaders and superstars from the world of music and entertainment to call for concerted action to make the internet a safer place for connectivity and engagement.

Caribbean leaders and senior officials have agreed to accelerate joint action to build resilience to disasters, stressing climate action as a matter of their survival.

Students studying in the UK on Commonwealth scholarships are “exemplars of Commonwealth connection”, said Secretary-General Patricia Scotland on Friday.

This year, from International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on 25 November until Human Rights Day on 10 December people throughout the world are mobilising to bring about change through 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.

The small states of the Commonwealth could be losing out on $4.5 billion of overseas development assistance, a preliminary Commonwealth Secretariat study has shown.

Cricket has the potential to unite communities and help countries towards their development goals, Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland has said.

The proof of the pudding was in the eating for delegates attending the Commonwealth Royal Agriculture conference in Canada this week.

Walkers don't need any encouragement to visit one of the most picturesque parts of Edmonton, Canada, but the Commonwealth is providing an added incentive.