CLGF Secretary-General Lucy Slack joined with dignitaries from across the Commonwealth to welcome the seventh Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Hon Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, at a reception held in London's Lancaster House last week.

Hon Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey 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.  

As an Associated Commonwealth Organisation, CLGF works closely with the Commonwealth Secretariat, and many other Commonwealth organisations and partners, and was proud to join High Commissioners, members of the diplomatic community, development partners, prominent businesspeople, cultural icons and thought leaders to mark the start of the Secretary-General’s term of office.

Critical partners

In addition to thanking governments for their support, Secretary-General Botchwey heralded the opportunity to forge new partnerships and build stronger relationships with stakeholders who are critical partners for a transformative Commonwealth agenda. She also acknowledged, however, the many challenges facing the world and emphasised the importance of continued Commonwealth solidarity.  

Stressing the importance of working together, she 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.” 

In his address, the Rt Hon David Lammy, 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, stating that the world needs a thriving Commonwealth. 

Core to the vision

The reception took place In advance of the Commonwealth Trade Ministers Meeting (CTMM) in Namibia, the first to be held outside of the Commonwealth Secretariat's headquarters in London, Hon Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey emphasised the importance of building a resilient economy. She said: “Trade, investment and economic resilience are at the core of my vision.”   

CLGF's Lucy Slack commended the words of Hon Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey and said: "CLGF is delighted to be representated at this event to welcome the new Commonwealth Secretary-General. Local Economic Development is a priority for CLGF as we see it as a critical driver to the creation of successful communities and nations. This goes hand in hand with all 17 of the Sustainable Development Goals, exemplified by Hon Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey's words on sustainability, resilience and unity."

While partnership-building and networking were the focus of the evening, the event also showcased the vibrant spirit and culture of the Commonwealth.  

Read the Commonwealth Secretary-General's keynote address

Image courtesy of the Commonwealth Secretariat