Shirley Botchwey

I was pleased to welcome Namibia’s new High Commissioner to the UK, H.E. Veiccoh Nghiwete. I thanked him for Namibia’s successful hosting of #CTMM and #CBS2025 in Windhoek last year. We had a productive discussion on their national priorities including agriculture, fisheries and youth employment.

I was honoured to join women leaders this evening, convened by the Queen Consort of the Warri Kingdom, Founder of Elevate Africa, and Nigeria’s Ministry of Women Affairs. Together, we’re building alliances to advance women’s leadership across the Commonwealth.

Today I was pleased to welcome Tanmaya Lal as our new Deputy Secretary-General (Programmes). I look forward to working closely with him to advance @CommonwealthSec’s Strategic Plan and strengthen delivery across our programme areas for the benefit of all Commonwealth countries.

It was a pleasure to meet Cyprus’ Special Envoy for Multilateralism, H.E. Andreas Kakouris. We discussed the importance of multilateral cooperation and Commonwealth countries working together to address shared global challenges. I also thanked him for Cyprus’ continued contributions to the Commonwealth, particularly its expertise and leadership on ocean-related issues. @CyprusInUK @CyprusMFA

It was an honour to address @CPA_UK today at the Westminster Seminar. Without strong parliaments, the Commonwealth’s ambitions for democracy, economic growth, climate resilience and opportunities for youth and women cannot be realised. We depend on them to build a more resilient and prosperous Commonwealth. @KateOsamor @UKHouseofLords

I had a great meeting with the Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs of Trinidad and Tobago, Hon Sean Sobers. We discussed the importance of multilateralism and how #CHOGM2026 can serve as a catalyst for stronger partnerships and shared prosperity across the Commonwealth family. @mfcagovtt @TTHCLondon @ttgovcomms

I was honoured to receive @mfespinosaEC, President of the 73rd Session of the UN General Assembly, at Marlborough House where we discussed ways to strengthen multilateralism and the @UN, including through a strong Commonwealth. Her work for a gender equal multilateralism, for youth and sustainability is an inspiration.

A pleasure to meet South Africa’s Deputy Minister Hon Alvin Botes and High Commissioner HE Jeremiah Mamabolo. We discussed strengthening Commonwealth–South Africa collaboration, and I thanked them for their continued support to @CommonwealthSec and successful leadership of the G20. @DIRCO_ZA @UbuntuRadioZA

I had a productive meeting with the Foreign Minister of Uganda, Hon Odongo Jeje Abubakhar, at Marlborough House, following the meetings of #CMAG and #CFAMM. I look forward to working with the Government of Uganda in follow up to our discussions. @UGHighCommLDN @UgandaMFA

I was delighted to meet with HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco on #CommonwealthDay. I am pleased to announce a partnership with @FPA2 to strengthen ocean conservation through the successful Commonwealth BlueCharter Project Incubator. We can build a sustainable future for all.

Today I am reflecting on an extraordinary #CommonwealthDay, and my first as Secretary-General. I am thankful to our member countries, partners, communities and especially our young people who continue to show how we can unlock opportunities together across the Commonwealth.

In a world of rising economic uncertainty, how do we unlock opportunity – together? The Commonwealth Investment Network is part of the answer. It was a pleasure to join partners & businesses today to explore practical investment opportunities for Commonwealth small island developing states.

Today at the Commonwealth Investment Network Summit in London, entrepreneurs from the Pacific and Caribbean are presenting investment-ready solutions. The CIN Summit brings together investors, policymakers and business leaders to connect capital with businesses in Commonwealth small island developing states. 🔗 Read more: bit.ly/4b2OBuc

I was honoured to join His Majesty King Charles III, Head of the Commonwealth, and friends from across our family at the #CommonwealthDay reception last night. Commonwealth Day reminds us of the enduring bonds between us, the shared values that unite us and our collective strength as we work together to unlock opportunity for all. @CommonwealthSec @RoyalFamily

Today, #CommonwealthDay was celebrated under the theme 'Unlocking opportunities for a prosperous Commonwealth'. From London to Lilongwe and Auckland, communities came together to reaffirm a shared commitment to peace, partnership and progress. Read more: bit.ly/4lmEh3x

"Co-operation among nations remains the surest foundation for peace and prosperity." Today 56 member countries celebrate the unity, diversity and shared values of the Commonwealth family. 🔗 Read the #CommonwealthDay message from @SGCommonwealth: bit.ly/4bgLiOG