Dignitaries from across the Commonwealth and beyond gathered today to welcome the seventh Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Hon Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, at a reception in London's Lancaster House.
Among the prominent guests were the Rt Hon David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom, as well as other government ministers and senior officials from across the Commonwealth. The Secretary-General also acknowledged the presence of the traditional ruler of the Akwamu people of Ghana.
Representatives from Commonwealth-accredited and sister organisations, Commonwealth High Commissioners, members of the diplomatic community, development partners, prominent businesspeople, cultural icons and thought leaders were also in attendance.
The reception, sponsored by the GUBA Foundation, offered the new Secretary-General a chance to forge new partnerships and build stronger relationships with stakeholders who she and her team see as critical partners for a transformative Commonwealth agenda.
In her address, the Commonwealth Secretary-General thanked Commonwealth governments for their robust support throughout her tenure. She also acknowledged the scale of the challenges confronting the world and the importance of continued Commonwealth solidarity.
Secretary-General Botchwey said:
“The Commonwealth is a living promise — of unity, of cooperation, of progress and sustainability. The Commonwealth is proof that we can overcome our past; that we can take the good, while calling out the bad; that we can find unity in purpose, not identity; that we don’t have to look East or West, South or North, just forward.
“In a world this fractured, we are a space for solutions.”
She is the first African woman, and the second person from the African continent, to lead the association of 56 countries, which make up a third of the world’s population.
In his address, the UK’s Foreign Secretary, said:
"A thriving Commonwealth is a matter close to my heart. My heritage, spanning the UK and the Caribbean, Africa and India gives me a powerful sense of belonging in this family of nations."
He also asserted the UK's support for the Commonwealth's renewal, asserting the world needs a thriving Commonwealth.
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Playing dual roles as the sponsor and one of the evening’s comperes, Akosua Dentaa Amoateng MBE, also known as Lady Dentaa, expressed great joy in playing a part in the event and noted her longstanding support of the Commonwealth and its Secretariat. She said:
“As a daughter of Ghana, of course it gave me immense pride to host this event. Commonwealth values and aspirations echo those of the Guba Foundation and I look forward to supporting my dear sister, the Secretary-General, as she implements her vision for a more dynamic Commonwealth.”
Lady Dentaa is the President and Founder of the Grow Unite, Build, Africa Enterprise (GUBA) and heads the GUBA Foundation, which supports health, education, and youth empowerment initiatives in the UK, USA, and Ghana.
The event was held mere weeks after the Secretary-General assumed office and days before she heads to the Commonwealth Trade Ministers Meeting (CTMM) in Namibia, the first to be held outside of the Commonwealth Secretariat's headquarters in London. During the CTMM, the inaugural Commonwealth Business Summit will also bring together members of the private sector for discussions on advancing trade.
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In her speech, the Secretary-General noted: “Trade, investment and economic resilience are at the core of my vision.” She noted that her work will continue to build on the strong platform left by previous Secretaries-General and the staff of the Commonwealth Secretariat, who she described as “dedicated”.
While partnership-building and networking were the focus of the evening, the event also showcased the vibrant spirit and culture of the Commonwealth.
Internationally renowned disc jockey and producer DJ Cuppy, who hails from Nigeria, skilfully weaved together a selection of old favourites and contemporary music to the delight of the audience. Guests were also treated to the dulcet sounds of the steel pan by Ayeshah George and Zola Steelpan, which evoked the Caribbean, as well as a powerful performance by BLEMA African Drum and Dance.
Read the Commonwealth Secretary-General's keynote address
See photos on Flickr
