The Royal Commonwealth Society welcomes new Commonwealth Secretary-General

The Royal Commonwealth Society welcomes Baroness Patricia Scotland as the new Commonwealth Secretary-General designate at a time of many challenges across the 53 nation states, including climate change, countering violent extremism, and poverty.

The Royal Commonwealth Society congratulates Baroness Scotland who describes herself as Mother and wife, Catholic, passionate, change-maker and a team player. She is Dominican by birth, Antiguan by descent, and calls herself a “child of Africa and a child of the Commonwealth”.

Baroness Scotland says she will use every fibre in her body to fight for equality for Commonwealth citizens and says she wants to see change, but it has to be “change in partnership”.

The Society looks forward working in partnership wherever possible, and hopes that the following priorities can be focused upon during the tenure of the new Secretary-General:

1. To build on, spell out and explain the true value of the modern Commonwealth
2. Urge member states to lead the way in human rights, gender equality, minority protection and democratic development
3. Recognize and encourage the growing trade and business links between Commonwealth states.
4. Welcome new members who are in line with Commonwealth value

Chair of the Royal Commonwealth Society, Ms. Claire Whitaker OBE, also congratulated Baroness Scotland:

“Unfortunately we continue to live in an uncertain, and at times dangerous, world and the Commonwealth faces myriad challenges and tests. I wish Baroness Scotland strength and wisdom in tackling these challenges head on, and assure her that the Society, as ever, is here to assist in any way that we can.”