Commonwealth Secretariat
The Commonwealth Secretariat, established in 1965, is the main intergovernmental agency of the Commonwealth, facilitating consultation and cooperation among member governments and countries. It is responsible to member governments collectively.
Mission Statement:
We work as a trusted partner for all Commonwealth people as:
- a force for peace, democracy, equality and good governance.
- a catalyst for global consensus-building
- a source of assistance for sustainable development and poverty eradication
Based in London, UK, the Secretariat organises Commonwealth summits, meetings of ministers, consultative meetings and technical discussions; it assists policy development and provides policy advice, and facilitates multilateral communication among the member governments. It also provides technical assistance to help governments in the social and economic development of their countries and in support of the Commonwealth's fundamental political values.
The Secretariat is headed by the Commonwealth Secretary-General who is elected by Heads of Government for no more than two four-year terms. The Secretary-General and two Deputy Secretaries-General direct the divisions of the Secretariat. The present Secretary-General is Kamalesh Sharma from India 1 April 2008 succeeding Don McKinnon from New Zealand (2000-08). The first Secretary-General was Arnold Smith of Canada (1965-75), followed respectively by Sir Shridath Ramphal of Guyana (1975-90) and Chief Emeka Anyaoku of Nigeria (1990-2000)