New Secretary-General to the Commonwealth takes office
Published: 6 April 2016
Senate Publishing are thrilled to congratulate and welcome the new Commonwealth Secretary-General, Her Excellency Rt Hon Patricia Scotland QC.
Originally born in Dominica, Her Excellency Rt Hon Patricia Scotland QC has made history in becoming the first female to hold the post. The former UK Attorney General took office on Monday 4th April, as the sixth Secretary-General since the Commonwealth Secretariat was established in 1965. Her role is to promote and protect Commonwealth's values and principles as set out in the Commonwealth Charter, to represent the Commonwealth globally and manage the Commonwealth Secretariat and its various programmes.
Chairman Lord Evans, and CEO Caroline Minshell were thrilled to attend the Welcome Celebration for the Sixth Secretary General of the Commonwealth. The celebration at Marlborough House was attended by High Commissioners from member states, campaign supporters and public service delegates. True to form, she made an impassioned thank you speech displaying her gratitude for everyone’s loyal support, outlining her agenda and emphasising her determination for a more aspirational, collaborative Commonwealth. She asserted, “Our real wealth is what we have in common – our shared humanity, our capacity to love one another and our common desire for a world in which everyone – no matter who they are – can expect to live their life to the full.”
Lord Evans, a close friend of Her Excellency Rt Hon Baroness Patricia Scotland QC comments, “I cannot think of a more worthy candidate to serve the Commonwealth. I wish Baroness Scotland every success in her mission to build a stronger future by protecting and empowering the Commonwealth and it's members.”