Opening remarks by the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Hon Shirley Botchwey, at the Marlborough House Dialogue with the Rt Hon. Helen Clark, held on 8 July 2026. The discussion explored the theme: “What space is there for Commonwealth small states in a multipolar world where middle powers are becoming increasingly assertive?”
It is a great pleasure to host this dialogue, and an honour to welcome the Right Honourable Helen Clark back to the Commonwealth family.
Helen’s record speaks for itself: Prime Minister of New Zealand; Administrator of UNDP; Chair of the Global Leadership Foundation; and a leader whose life in public service has been defined by moral courage, internationalism and a deep commitment to human dignity.
We are also grateful to the Honourable Bill Blair, High Commissioner of Canada, and to Her Excellency Karen-Mae Hill, High Commissioner of Antigua and Barbuda, for helping to guide today’s conversation. The question before us is difficult and necessary: what space is there for Commonwealth small states in a multipolar world, where middle powers are increasingly assertive?
It matters because the global order we are used to is rupturing. The values that enabled the United Nations System to achieve their most significant successes no longer attract consensus among the international community.
We see strain in institutions designed for a different age. We see retreat from cooperation precisely when cooperation is most needed. We see climate impacts falling heaviest on those least responsible.
We see debt burdens, constrained fiscal space, disrupted trade, and the persistent sense among many countries that decisions affecting their future are still taken elsewhere. Indeed, for all our member countries, it is the case that international cooperation had not worked to promote growth for years, even before the recent disruption.
For small states, these are existential questions – of sovereignty, security and survival. But to get to the heart of this question, and to rise to the challenges in our world, we need to change the narrative around small states.
We cannot only speak about vulnerability. Commonwealth small states are often the clearest voices in global affairs. They understand interdependence because they live it.
They know that climate security, ocean protection, food systems, finance, migration, health and peace are not separate policy areas – they are one lived reality. And they may be small in land mass, but they hold enormous potential for wealth creation in the ocean.
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I am absolutely determined that the Commonwealth will be an instrument for their transformation.
We are 56 nations, large and small, developed and developing, island and continental, all with an equal voice. That equal voice is not a procedural detail, it is a political principle.
It says that legitimacy in international affairs cannot be measured by population size, market power or military weight alone. Our task is to turn that principle into influence. Sharper advocacy for fairer climate finance and better measures of vulnerability.
Practical support on trade, investment, debt sustainability and digital transformation. Through our Blue Charter, Living Lands agenda, and work to help countries access the resources they need.
Through reforms that make the Secretariat more focused, responsive, and closer to our members — including through plans for a Commonwealth Pacific Office. At a time of fragmentation, I see the Commonwealth as a strong bridge between regions, generations, the formal institutions of power and the people whose lives depend on their decisions.
Which brings us to this dialogue. I am pleased that Marlborough House is a place where great thinkers and leaders can speak honestly, listen carefully, and leave with clearer purpose. Helen, you bring to this discussion the experience of national leadership, multilateral leadership, and the trusted counsel that has become your hallmark.
We are deeply grateful for your friendship and your willingness to share that wisdom with us today. I hope this conversation help us think more boldly about how small states shape the world — not from the margins, but from the heart of the Commonwealth’s purpose.
Thank you.
