The Commonwealth

The Commonwealth is an association of 56 countries working together for development, democracy and peace.

Secretary-General: @SGCommonwealth

[The Commonwealth @commonwealthsec]

Join us tomorrow for a Dialogue on Pathways to Democratic Resilience featuring distinguished speakers including High Commissioner HE Karen-Mae Hill and @CPJElmore.

Together we will explore practical ways Commonwealth countries can build more effective and inclusive institutions to maintain public trust through good governance and the rule of law.

📆 Thursday 18 June
🕒 3pm - 5pm BST | Hybrid

Register here: https://t.co/HronQjzc2r

[The Commonwealth @commonwealthsec]

The Commonwealth Secretariat and @cdri_world signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance cooperation on stronger and better infrastructure that is able to withstand the adverse impacts of climate change and disasters.

Many Commonwealth countries face increasing risks from extreme weather events, sea-level rise and other climate related threats. The MoU will directly support objectives of the 2025-2030 Commonwealth strategic plan in addressing these challenges.

Read more: https://t.co/gCgrH0hhIT

#CommonwealthForClimate

[The Commonwealth @commonwealthsec]

🌊 Commonwealth ocean ministers gathered in Kenya today for a collective push for global ocean protection.

Meeting on the margins of @OurOceanOOC, ministers and officials reviewed progress on Commonwealth ocean commitments.

The second round of the #BlueCharter Incubator was launched, offering grants of up to £50,000 to support ocean conservation projects.

🔗 Read more: https://t.co/NUtqyHBbrF

#OurOceanKenya

[Hassan Ali Joho, EGH. @HassanAliJoho]

I chaired a highly productive Commonwealth Ocean Ministers’ Roundtable, which Kenya co-hosted with the Commonwealth Secretariat on the sidelines of the ongoing 11th edition of Our Ocean Conference.

As a co-champion of the Commonwealth Blue Charter Action Group on the Sustainable Blue Economy alongside Antigua and Barbuda, Kenya remains committed to transforming high-level commitments into tangible action.

To this end, we have consistently championed the view that a thriving ocean economy is not only an environmental imperative but also a cornerstone of sustainable development, supporting fisheries, maritime transport, coastal tourism, marine renewable energy and the preservation of critical marine ecosystems.

I commend the Commonwealth Secretariat for its steadfast leadership of the Blue Charter and its unwavering support to member states in advancing our common aspirations.

Through continued collaboration and purposeful action, we will secure a sustainable blue future for our people and for generations to come.

Former U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, who is also the founder of the Our Ocean Conference, among other dignitaries participated at the roundtable meeting.

I was accompanied by Blue Economy and Fisheries Principal Secretary Ms. @PS_Betsy_Njagi. @OurOceanOOC

#OOC11 #OurOceanConference #OurOceanKenya

[The Commonwealth @commonwealthsec]

Today the Commonwealth Ocean Ministers Roundtable is underway on the margins of @OurOceanOOC in Mombasa where Ministers and officials will discuss key priorities, including progress on the Apia Commonwealth Ocean Declaration and the BBNJ Agreement.

Watch a message from the Commonwealth Secretary-General ⬇️

Read more: https://t.co/dQ1MP6yc9g

[Shirley Botchwey @SGCommonwealth]

For many Commonwealth countries the ocean is the heartbeat of life, culture and livelihoods. Of our 56 member countries, 44 border the ocean and 25 are Small Island Developing States.

Today at the Commonwealth Ocean Ministers Roundtable, held alongside the @OurOceanOOC in Mombasa, ministers and officials will share national progress on the restoration, protection and sustainable use of our ocean.

Together, we continue to advance the Commonwealth’s shared ocean ambition.

[Nana Akufo-Addo @NAkufoAddo]

Earlier this year, I had the privilege of leading a Commonwealth team of eminent persons to observe the electoral process and referendum in Bangladesh. I am pleased to share that our report has now been published.

The report reflects our observations and sets out recommendations aimed at further strengthening democratic institutions and processes in Bangladesh.

[The Commonwealth @commonwealthsec]

We are pleased to welcome John Virgoe as the new Director of our Governance and Peace Directorate.

Mr Virgoe brings extensive international experience in diplomacy, governance and international policy to the role and will help shape and strengthen policy direction from the rule of law to broader political and regional matters across our 56 member countries.

Read more: https://t.co/tnDB0o9Uop

[The Commonwealth @commonwealthsec]

Strengthening regulatory coherence across the Indo‑Pacific is essential to unlocking faster, more predictable and more inclusive trade.

Our new blog highlights how harmonised standards can boost investment and create a more connected regional economy 👇

https://t.co/e159C49lok

[The Commonwealth @commonwealthsec]

The Commonwealth Observer Group has released its final report on Bangladesh’s 2026 elections and referendum, describing it as a "democratic milestone".

The report welcomes the peaceful conduct of the polls and advances in electoral inclusion, while urging further reforms to consolidate democratic progress.

Read the final report: https://t.co/6RUfmrSpmS

#CommonwealthElections🗳️

[Presidency | Rwanda @UrugwiroVillage]

President Kagame also welcomed Hon. Shirley Botchwey, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth @SGCommonwealth, who is in Rwanda on a working visit. They held constructive discussions on strengthening cooperation between Rwanda and the Commonwealth, and the forthcoming CHOGM 2026.

[Shirley Botchwey @SGCommonwealth]

Thank you President @paulkagame for a warm and positive meeting.

We look forward to working with Rwanda to advance Commonwealth reforms, including drawing on Rwanda’s best practices in trade and investment to drive the new Commonwealth trade and investment agenda for shared prosperity.

We appreciate the partnership with Rwanda for a successful summit of our leaders in November and for a Commonwealth that works for all.

[The Commonwealth @commonwealthsec]

The Commonwealth Secretariat, with @EnvironmentRw and partners, supported a UNFCCC Secretariat-led pilot of a centralised Biennial Transparency Report review for African LDCs in Kigali in May.

This model demonstrated how co-ordinated, regional approaches and resource-pooling can improve the quality of BTR reviews, reduce costs and strengthen peer learning.
🔗https://t.co/izIlYbuHzQ

[Shirley Botchwey @SGCommonwealth]

Thank you Dr Bernadette Arakwiye, Minister @EnvironmentRw for an unforgettable tour of @Nyandungupark in the middle of Kigali – a model for Commonwealth urban centres grappling with increasing floods and costly disasters.

The park has restored nature, generates clean water for communities and offers a place of relaxation for old and young alike.

Rwanda continues to demonstrate climate leadership and @Commonwealthsec is proud to be part of how it advances the Paris Agreement commitments.

[Shirley Botchwey @SGCommonwealth]

Three institutions, three different interactions on my first day in Rwanda.

They reinforced my conviction that the exchange of best practices is one of the key benefits of Commonwealth membership.

Thank you @GovernanceRw, @RDBrwanda and @NFPO_Rwanda for the insightful exchanges, which should enhance the value of our support to member countries.

@DodoPicard @BusingyeJohns

[Shirley Botchwey @SGCommonwealth]

Today, we celebrate the Official Birthday of His Majesty King Charles III, Head of the Commonwealth.

I have long admired His Majesty's commitment to our Commonwealth family and his steadfast dedication to the values that unite us.

My warmest wishes to His Majesty on this special occasion.

[The Commonwealth @commonwealthsec]

Last week, ahead of the 62nd @UN_HRC session, our Human Rights Unit convened a briefing in Geneva for Commonwealth member countries, chaired by Samoa, the Commonwealth Chair-in-Office.

The briefing brought together 26 delegates from 23 member countries to discuss upcoming resolutions and strengthen coordination on human rights issues across the Commonwealth.

@AustraliaUN_GVA @UNHumanRights @OHCHR_Pacific @UNGeneva @FCDOGovUK
#CommonwealthHRU #HRC62 #Samoa #HumanRights

[City of London @cityoflondon]

Our Youth Natural Environment Board is inviting young photographers across the Commonwealth to take part in a photo competition 📷 🏆

🔗https://t.co/UVWrbOivoL Deadline: 22 June 👇

[The Commonwealth @commonwealthsec]

23 young leaders have been selected for the Commonwealth Youth Forum International Taskforce that will lead the planning and delivery of the 2026 Commonwealth Youth Forum at #CHOGM2026 in Antigua and Barbuda 🇦🇬

Get to know the Taskforce leaders 👉 https://t.co/wpapUV0HE2

#CommonwealthYouth #CYF