– calls for renewed Commonwealth unity amid global challenges

Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, former Ghanaian Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, officially assumed office as Secretary-General of the Commonwealth on Monday, pledging to uphold the values of the Commonwealth Charter amid growing global tensions and shifting alliances.

Botchwey succeeds Patricia Scotland, whose nine-year tenure ended in March. She becomes the first African woman—and the second African overall—to lead the 56-member association, which represents a third of the world’s population and over a quarter of United Nations member states.

UNITY IN UNCERTAIN TIMES

Speaking at the Commonwealth Secretariat’s headquarters in London on April 1, 2025, Secretary-General Botchwey acknowledged the scale of global challenges facing the Commonwealth, including economic pressures, increased defence expenditures, and weakened multilateral cooperation.

“The world we woke up to today is unlike any we have seen in our lifetimes,” she stated. “The consequences of lower economic growth, increased defence expenditures, and a frayed multilateralism will affect our pockets directly, increase unemployment and poverty, reduce social protection, and weaken our resilience to shocks.”
Emphasising the significance of the Commonwealth’s role, she said, “For over 75 years, the Commonwealth has been a unique and powerful force for good. Now we must seize the moment to realise the transformation our societies seek.”

Botchwey stressed the strength of Commonwealth unity, declaring, “The challenges we face are real and serious, but together we are more than equal to them.” She reaffirmed her commitment to the Commonwealth’s core principles, including democracy, good governance, peace, human rights, and equal opportunity, vowing to build a future of dignity, prosperity, and opportunity for all.

The Secretary-General outlined three key priorities that will define her leadership: Empowering Women and Youth: She committed to equipping women and young people with the necessary skills, tools, and opportunities to thrive in a rapidly evolving world; Revitalizing Trade and Investment: She emphasised the need to strengthen trade, investment, and connectivity across the Commonwealth, calling it a pathway to industrial development, productivity, and inclusive economic growth. She stressed that no nation should be left behind, regardless of its size or income level; and Tackling Climate Change: Recognising climate change as “the greatest challenge of our time,” she pledged to advocate for stronger global action and reforms in the international financial system to enable small and vulnerable Commonwealth states to access critical support.

Botchwey also committed to accelerating the modernisation of the Commonwealth by fostering more efficient and responsive partnerships to address the needs of all member nations.

Reflecting on her historic appointment, Botchwey remarked, “It is a great honour to be the first African woman to serve as Secretary-General. No matter where in the Commonwealth you come from, this path is open to you.”
She concluded her address with a message of determination and solidarity: “Let’s move forward with purpose, with courage, and with an unshakable commitment to a Commonwealth that truly thrives together.”

Born in Accra, Shirley Botchwey was appointed to the position by Commonwealth leaders at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa on October 25, 2024.