By electing me, the second successive woman to occupy the position of Secretary-General, you have continued the tradition of the Commonwealth as a history-making organization. The improbable vision that brought the former colonial power together with its free and independent colonies, and now, with other independent nations, as equals, in a family of nations, working together to advance democracy and development, is a legacy that defies convention.
As heirs to that history, I see my election as affirmation that the Commonwealth is poised to rise to the occasion as the world commits to “multilateral solutions for a better tomorrow”. On the front of the global work to empower women and ensure gender equality, we know that that is still work in progress. A lot more remains to be done.
It is fitting on this occasion to pay tribute to the late Queen, Elizabeth, the former head of the Commonwealth, whose legendary wisdom and leadership, epitomized women leadership in our era.
I am also grateful for the important contributions of past Secretaries-General since 1965, from Arnold Smith, Shridath Sonny Ramphal, whose recent passing away we grieve, Emeka Anyaoku, Don Mckinnon, Kamalesh Sharma and our current Secretary-General Patricia Scotland KC.
Excellencies, a month ago, many of you here joined your counterparts around the world at the United Nations in New York, to adopt a Pact for The Future. While the critical importance of the United Nations is not in question, we know from experience the enormous potential benefits of multilateral organizations, such as the Commonwealth, to deepening the effectiveness of multilateralism; for contributing to multilateral solutions in an interdependent world. As the need for multilateral solutions to global problems expands exponentially, so must the role played by the Commonwealth.
Our task, as the Commonwealth, is to find ways to cooperate among our family of nations to successfully respond to the aspirations of our people and safeguard our planet for current and future generations. Our fast-changing world and its impacts on our people and planet demand new ways of doing things, taking advantage of technology, artificial intelligence and innovation, in short, a transformation of mindsets and ways of doing things for effective results. Our challenges also demand a sense of urgency.
My vision is that the Commonwealth Secretariat, along with every Member Country, will seize the moment, with imagination, innovation, creativity and boldness, sure in the conviction that we are capable of building a better world, together.
As a candidate, I spoke with you, our leaders; I spoke with our think tanks and civil society, and the desire for a new Commonwealth has been palpable. A Commonwealth that is transformed for the changing times: building resilience in our democracies to ensure that all citizens benefit from the democratic dividend; building resilience through new models of development cooperation for sustainable development; and ensuring an effective Secretariat, which is accountable, responsive and fully funded and resourced to play the ambitious role required of it.
My vision reflects this realization, that our democracies are under threat, our economies are unable to meet the expectations of our people, and our planet is still set on a perilous course, due to climate change. But it also reflects the even more hopeful picture of the enormous possibilities within the Commonwealth and the opportunities we must seize to make the Commonwealth relevant and consequential in our fast-changing world. I commend Baroness Patricia Scotland for her leadership and work in setting the stage for further transformation of the Commonwealth.
I am aware that the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth does not set policy. Neither does she bear primary responsibility for the development of any Member Country. My election, however, I respectfully suggest, is a reflection of the consensus among our Member Countries on the goals and purposes of a new Commonwealth.
As we meet in Apia, Samoa, we are still faced with the challenges of our two worlds: one world where, for some, the economic growth and inclusion that drives social mobility and effective social protection has plateaued; and, another world where opportunity for growth abounds, but failed policies and unresponsive development cooperation have robbed millions of people of the opportunity to escape poverty, disease, and the cycle of hopelessness. How we respond to the two inseparable worlds would enable us to realize the Commonwealth ideal of democracy, peace and development, as well as reversing climate change.
I am committed to working with, and for, Commonwealth Heads of Government and your officials, as you seek pathways to increase national wealth and opportunities for all Commonwealth citizens, especially women and young people, strengthen human rights and social protection and enhance social mobility, including by deepening democracy and good governance and reversing climate change.
I pledge to work for a Commonwealth of the Peoples. I intend to work with all stakeholders towards the yearning for a Commonwealth that is closer to the people and whose relevance is felt in the daily lives of people. I am convinced that through strategic partnerships with the Commonwealth institutions and associated organizations, the larger civil society across the world, the United Nations and other multilateral organizations, we can make the Commonwealth a consequential organization suited to the times.
As we work to transform our institution, I am committed to leading an international civil service that is highly motivated, resourceful, efficient and accountable. I will explore every avenue, working with Member Countries, to find ways in which the rights and freedoms of Commonwealth citizens can be protected and promoted, while at the same time deepening democratic practices to ensure inclusive growth and higher living standards.
I will enhance the effectiveness of the good offices function, giving priority to early warning mechanisms and working closely with regional and other institutions. We can, and must be, nimble and effective, even as we build partnerships and take advantage of processes under other institutions.
As we seek to build resilience to respond to tens of the millions of our citizens – women, young people, workers, the unemployed and vulnerable groups- led us pledge to rally around the Commonwealth Secretariat, with a commitment by all Governments to extend political support and contribute to its funding.
To the peoples of the Commonwealth, I say this is your organization. Your support for a Commonwealth that enlarges the political, economic, social, the scientific and technological and environmental space for each individual Member Country, enlarges your prospects as a citizen in your own country. Let’s join hands to facilitate the political will necessary for transformation and resilience building.
Excellencies, as I accept the high post you have entrusted to me, and even as the weight of the formidable challenges we face loom large at this moment of high drama, I am filled with confidence and determination. I am convinced that with your support and the goodwill of the citizens of this Commonwealth, we shall build a new partnership and the new world our peoples yearn for.
I thank you.