Commonwealth of Nations Secretary-General Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey at Innovation Zero World

She was appointed by Commonwealth Heads of Government at their biennial meeting in Apia, Samoa in 2024. She assumed office on 1 April 2025, bringing more than 20 years of leadership experience in diplomacy, international relations, governance, and public service to the position.

The Commonwealth Secretary-General is responsible for promoting and protecting the Commonwealth’s values, and representing the Commonwealth publicly.

Prior to her appointment, she served as Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration from January 2017 to January 2025 and was a member of Ghana’s National Security Council. Her tenure was marked by significant reforms in foreign policy delivery, which strengthened Ghana’s diplomatic footprint and introduced transformative improvements in consular services through digitisation and innovation.

 
Secretary-General Botchwey & King Charles at Windsor Castle 

COMMONWEALTH AND CLIMATE: TACKLING THE GREATEST CHALLENGE OF OUR TIME

The Commonwealth of Nations comprises 56 countries across all inhabited continents, many of which could be hardest hit by the dangers climate change poses.

Speaking at the Commonwealth Secretariat’s headquarters in London on 1 April 2025, Secretary-General Botchwey referred to climate change as "The greatest challenge of our time", pledging to mobilise stronger action and advocating for reforms of the international financial system to help small and other vulnerable Commonwealth states access the support they need.

It is an honour to welcome The Hon Botchwey to the Main Stage of the Innovation Zero World Congress on 29 April, which will be one of her first public engagements since assuming office, to deliver a keynote address about the global united efforts required to tackle this existential threat to all Commonwealth nations.