Introduction

LONDON, CMC – Nelson Mandela once said, “It always seems impossible until it is done.” Reflecting on my nine-year tenure as Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, I find profound truth in these words.

In a world marked by rising geopolitical uncertainty and the erosion of multilateralism, the Commonwealth does not simply endure. It is thriving. We have reaffirmed the relevance of our shared values, demonstrated the power of collective action, and laid a foundation for future generations to prosper together.

History and Growth of the Commonwealth

From a group of eight nations in 1949, the Commonwealth has grown into a dynamic family of 56 member states, encompassing a third of the world’s population.

Our commitment is not bound by treaty but by a shared belief in democracy, the rule of law, and a global common good. When many international institutions falter, the Commonwealth remains a beacon of unity and purpose.

Economic Advantage

Our strength lies not only in our values but also in our economic potential. The Commonwealth Advantage – rooted in standard legal systems, language, and business practices – lowers trade costs between member states by 21%.

Pan-Commonwealth trade currently stands at US$800 billion, projected to rise to US$1 trillion by 2026 and US$2 trillion by 2030. Intra-Commonwealth investment has tripled during my tenure, demonstrating the confidence and opportunity within our network.

Economic growth is not just about numbers; it is about people. We are equipping our citizens with the skills and opportunities to lead in the digital economy through initiatives like the Commonwealth AI Consortium and Innovation Hub. With 60% of the Commonwealth’s population under 30, investing in youth is an imperative that our member states are embracing.

Climate Leadership

The existential threat of climate change is the challenge of our times. Our most vulnerable member states are profoundly exposed, so the Commonwealth is at the forefront of practical action. Our Climate Finance Access Hub has unlocked over US$400 million for vulnerable nations, enabling projects like nature-based seawalls in Fiji and sustainable energy solutions in the Caribbean.

The Commonwealth Blue Charter and the Living Lands Charter protect a third of the world’s oceans and a quarter of its land, ensuring sustainable stewardship of our planet’s vital resources.

However, the Commonwealth’s power scale can be decisive in fostering global agreement. The consensus among our Heads of Government in 2015 helped deliver the Paris Agreement, just as consensus in 2022 helped establish the Loss & Damage Fund at COP28. The fight against climate change demands continued leadership, and the Commonwealth must remain a driving force in securing climate finance, advancing adaptation, and championing the voices of small and vulnerable states on the global stage.

An Expression of Solidarity in Action

At its heart, the Commonwealth is an expression of solidarity in action. Over the past nine years, our Good Offices team has worked quietly yet effectively to de-escalate political tensions in dozens of member states, safeguarding democracy and stability. Our Universal Vulnerability Index is reshaping how the world views development finance, showing that need, not outdated metrics, should determine access to resources.

When an unprecedented pandemic hit the world, the Commonwealth’s spirit of collaboration enabled us to navigate the crisis skillfully. From health system support to economic recovery initiatives, we worked together because that is what we do.

Embracing Innovation

The forces shaping the world’s economic future—artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and new frontiers of knowledge—do not recognize national borders.

The question is not whether we will choose to be affected by these changes but how we will harness them for the collective good. We ensure that our member states are better equipped to embrace and shape the future through partnerships with global tech leaders, establishing the Commonwealth AI Academy, and cross-border initiatives to modernize public service delivery.

A Commonwealth for the Next Generation

As I prepare to pass the baton to my successor, I do so with profound optimism. Today’s Commonwealth is stronger, more connected, and more relevant than ever. Our continued strength will rely on the Commonwealth’s capacity to deliver continual progress.

In this spirit, this year’s Commonwealth Day theme, ‘Together We Thrive,’ is a call to action. In an era of significant change, the Commonwealth stands as proof that cooperation, partnership, and mutual respect are not relics of the past but the keys to a prosperous future.

The world is watching. As history has shown, the impossible becomes reality when the Commonwealth acts with unity and purpose. If the Commonwealth continues to stand together, act together, and thrive together, it will continue to succeed—now and for future generations.

*The Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC is the 6th Commonwealth Secretary-General. She was born in Dominica and is the second Secretary-General from the Caribbean and the first woman to hold the post.

Conclusion

The Commonwealth has made significant progress over the years, and its continued growth and relevance are a testament to the power of collective action and shared values. As the world faces new challenges and opportunities, the Commonwealth is well-positioned to play a leading role in shaping the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Commonwealth?

The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 56 countries, most of which are former British colonies or territories.

What are the benefits of being a member of the Commonwealth?

Membership in the Commonwealth offers a range of benefits, including increased trade and investment opportunities, access to development funding and technical assistance, and a platform for cooperation on global issues like climate change and human rights.

How does the Commonwealth promote economic growth and development?

The Commonwealth promotes economic growth and development through initiatives like the Commonwealth Advantage, which lowers trade costs between member states, and the Commonwealth AI Consortium and Innovation Hub, which equip citizens with the skills and opportunities to lead in the digital economy.