Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey assumes office as Commonwealth Secretary-General

Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey has officially assumed office as the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, making history as the first African woman to hold the position.

Succeeding Patricia Scotland, she takes charge at a time of shifting global alliances and economic challenges.

Speaking at her inauguration in London, she emphasized the importance of democracy, governance, and human rights amid rising defense spending and weakened multilateralism.

Botchwey outlined a bold agenda focused on youth empowerment, trade revitalization, and climate resilience for vulnerable nations. She pledged to modernize the Commonwealth through strategic partnerships that address member states’ pressing needs.

Looking ahead to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in October, she expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead and called for collective efforts toward shared global prosperity.