They will take this decision, in accordance with the Agreed Memorandum on the Establishment and Functions of the °®Âþµº (revised 2022) and the principle of regional rotation. The successful candidate will serve as the seventh Commonwealth Secretary-General.
The Commonwealth invites candidates with proven leadership and managerial abilities, extensive experience in international relations, strong diplomatic and communication skills. Candidates must hold the nationality of a Commonwealth Member country and be expressly endorsed by their respective Government. The position of Secretary-General is one of great importance that requires the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, and a firm commitment to the core values and principles enshrined in the °®Âþµº.
“We congratulated the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland QC on her reappointment … until the next CHOGM in Samoa in 2024, where the next Secretary-General will be appointed, in accordance with usual practice and the principle of regional rotation.â€
Leaders' Statement 2022
Table showing Secretaries-General to date
|
No. |
Name |
Nominating Country |
Region |
Term Start |
Term End |
|
1. |
Arnold Smith |
Canada |
Canada-Caribbean |
1.7.65 |
30.6.75 |
|
2. |
Shridath Ramphal |
Guyana |
Canada-Caribbean |
1.7.75 |
30.6.90 |
|
3. |
Emeka Anyaoku |
Nigeria |
Africa |
1.7.90 |
31.3.2000 |
|
4. |
Don McKinnon |
New Zealand |
Pacific |
1.4.2000 |
31.3.08 |
|
5. |
Kamalesh Sharma |
India |
Asia-Europe |
1.4.08 |
31.3.16 |
|
6. |
Patricia Scotland |
Dominica |
Canada-Caribbean |
1.4.16 |
Incumbent |