The Commonwealth’s outgoing Secretary-General delivered a heartfelt address, marking the conclusion of her tenure and celebrating the Commonwealth’s enduring unity, resilience, and shared vision for a sustainable future. As the symbolic “torch” passed from President Paul Kagame, who led with dedication as Chair-in-Office, to the Prime Minister of Samoa, the Secretary-General expressed her gratitude to both leaders. She highlighted the beauty of Samoa, a place embodying the interconnectedness and cultural richness of the Commonwealth, which served as the setting for the organization’s annual gathering.
Reflecting on her service since 2016, the Secretary-General emphasized the pivotal transformations within the Commonwealth during her time in office. Driven by foundational agreements on climate change and sustainable development, she noted the collective achievements made possible by reforms that have increased the Commonwealth’s agility and responsiveness. The design of each initiative, mandate, and program aimed to provide member states with enhanced practical support, improved digital infrastructure, and strengthened global relationships. Despite daunting challenges—from the economic repercussions of global conflict to the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic—the Secretary-General underscored the Commonwealth’s unified response, one rooted in resilience and adaptability.
She highlighted significant achievements such as the Blue Charter, which tackles ocean sustainability, and the Living Lands Charter, which focuses on land conservation and restoration. These initiatives have underscored the Commonwealth’s commitment to environmental sustainability. The Secretary-General also highlighted the organization’s efforts to enhance trade and investment between member states, which are projected to reach significant financial targets by the end of the decade. Initiatives like the Youth Development Index, which provide invaluable insights to improve opportunities for young people, have placed youth at the heart of policy decisions. The “Commonwealth Says No More” campaign has been instrumental in addressing gender-based violence, while advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and digital connectivity have positioned the Commonwealth to meet emerging technological demands.
The Secretary-General’s address also stressed that these achievements were possible because of the shared sense of service among Commonwealth members. Recalling the commitment of Queen Elizabeth II, who served as Head of the Commonwealth for decades, she highlighted the Queen’s lifelong dedication to fostering unity and goodwill within the organization. This legacy now continues under King Charles III, who, during his first Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) as Head, reaffirmed his commitment to advancing the Commonwealth’s influence for good. The Secretary-General echoed his call to harness the organization’s potential to drive positive global change, emphasizing that the Commonwealth’s strength lies in its diversity and shared values.
The theme of resilience framed much of her speech, with a focus on how technology can further unify and empower the Commonwealth. A forthcoming report, combining data from CHOGM 2024, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and emerging fields like AI and green energy, will provide actionable insights to guide member states. While the role of technology is crucial, the Secretary-General reminded the audience that people are at the heart of every effort. The Commonwealth’s collective success, she insisted, hinges on the capacities of leaders to transform data into tangible benefits for their citizens, fostering inclusive growth and development.
The Secretary-General concluded her address with a piece of wisdom from Samoan culture: “O le ala i le pule o le tautua,” meaning “The path to leadership is service.” She expressed gratitude for the trust placed in her and extended well-wishes to her successor, who will continue the organization’s journey of reform and growth. As she reflected on her time in office, she reaffirmed her commitment to the Commonwealth’s mission and extended her gratitude to all member states for their support.
This final address was both a celebration of achievements and a call to continue the Commonwealth’s work toward a fairer, more sustainable world. With its shared commitment to resilience, service, and unity, the Commonwealth remains an influential force for global progress, prepared to navigate the challenges of tomorrow with purpose and vision.
