A comprehensive, illustrated overview of how the Commonwealth Secretariat has supported and benefited member countries – and how it has been reformed, modernised and strengthened – under the leadership of the Rt Hon. Patricia Scotland KC, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth.
Upon taking office in April 2016, the Commonwealth's first woman Secretary-General outlined a new vision for a Commonwealth: a compelling and powerful global advocate for all our members and people, based on our shared values, and a catalyst for real change.
Central to this vision was the Commonwealth’s extraordinary ability to forge consensus and co-operation among countries of all sizes, advancing democracy and development in an increasingly connected and complex world in ways that no single nation can hope to achieve by acting alone.
The role of the Secretariat – which convenes the processes, develops the partnerships and marshals the skills, expertise and resources required to empower and protect member countries and all Commonwealth citizens – was redefined:
- to seek cost-effective, measurable and positive impacts on the lives of the people of the Commonwealth
- to lead the pursuit of expanded trade and economic partnerships, to create jobs, grow future industries and build sustainable economic success
- to drive the development of common economic frameworks to address systemic and long-term challenges and inspire sustainable development, tackling inequality and endemic poverty, alongside programmes that decrease the vulnerability and increase the resilience of small states
- to generate a new consensus for education, health and justice, to build the foundation of skills, wellbeing and institutional strength which enable a better future.
This report to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2024 in Apia, Samoa, demonstrates how fully the Secretariat has fulfilled these promises in the eight years since 2016. Opening with a personal account of the many challenges met, successes achieved, relationships forged and innovations delivered throughout the Secretary-General's time in office, the report then presents key highlights from the Secretariat's work and programmes in the areas of:
- good governance, peace and democracy
- the environment, climate finance and the Sustainable Development Goals
- economy, trade and innovation
- building resilient societies through the mainstreaming of gender and youth, sport and health.
It also details:
- the invaluable support of the Secretary-General's Special Envoys and Champions, renowned experts who provide strategic, pro bono support to member countries
- the vital, innovative partnerships formed – and memoranda of understanding signed – with partner organisations
- the contribution of Commonwealth Accredited Organisations to achieving the Commonwealth's objectives
- the Secretariat's eight years of progress on transparency, accountability and financial performance
- the accolades that the Secretary-General's work has received from governments, universities, intergovernmental organisations, charities and social enterprises across the globe.