Secretaries-General of The Commonwealth
Chronological List of the Secretaries-General of the Commonwealth of Nations
The Secretary-General of the Commonwealth is the organisation’s chief executive officer, responsible for managing its activities, facilitating cooperation, and advocating for its principles of democracy, human rights, and development. Below is a chronological list of the Secretaries-General of the Commonwealth, with brief biographies:
Arnold Smith (1965–1975)
Nationality: Canadian
Biography: Arnold Smith was the first Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, serving from 1965 to 1975. A Canadian diplomat, Smith played a critical role in defining the position and establishing the Commonwealth Secretariat as the central institution for coordinating the organisation’s activities. During his tenure, he focused on conflict resolution and strengthening ties among member states during a period of decolonisation and Cold War tensions.
Sir Shridath “Sonny” Ramphal (1975–1990)
Nationality: Guyanese
Biography: Sir Shridath Ramphal was the second Secretary-General and the first from a developing nation. A prominent lawyer and diplomat from Guyana, he served three terms, making him the longest-serving Secretary-General. Ramphal is remembered for his passionate advocacy for human rights, anti-apartheid policies, and economic development within the Commonwealth. He strengthened the organisation’s role in global affairs and championed the needs of smaller states.
Chief Emeka Anyaoku (1990–2000)
Nationality: Nigerian
Biography: Chief Emeka Anyaoku was the third Secretary-General and the first from Africa. A seasoned diplomat from Nigeria, Anyaoku played a key role in promoting democracy and good governance in the Commonwealth. He was instrumental in mediating political transitions in countries such as South Africa, where he supported the end of apartheid, and Pakistan, during its return to democracy.
Don McKinnon (2000–2008)
Nationality: New Zealander
Biography: Don McKinnon, a former Foreign Minister of New Zealand, served as the fourth Secretary-General. His tenure focused on strengthening democracy, particularly through the Commonwealth’s election monitoring programmes. McKinnon also worked on addressing development challenges and climate change, issues critical to small island nations in the Commonwealth. He received the New Zealand Order of Merit for his service.
Kamalesh Sharma (2008–2016)
Nationality: Indian
Biography: Kamalesh Sharma, a career diplomat from India, became the fifth Secretary-General. Under his leadership, the Commonwealth expanded its focus on youth empowerment, economic development, and gender equality. Sharma also sought to make the organisation more relevant in addressing contemporary global challenges, such as climate change and terrorism, while continuing to advocate for the interests of smaller states.
Patricia Scotland, Baroness Scotland of Asthal (2016–Present)
Nationality: British-Dominican
Biography: Patricia Scotland is the first woman to hold the position of Secretary-General. Born in Dominica and raised in the UK, she is a distinguished lawyer and former Attorney General for England and Wales. Her tenure has focused on modernising the Commonwealth, promoting gender equality, and tackling climate change. While her leadership has faced criticism, she has emphasised the importance of unity and reform within the organisation.
The role of Secretary-General continues to evolve, reflecting the Commonwealth’s commitment to addressing the needs and aspirations of its diverse member states while maintaining its core principles of democracy, development, and cooperation.