Latest news with #ShirleyAyorkorBotchwey
Scoop
23-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Commonwealth Trade Ministers And Business Leaders Wrap Up Windhoek Summit
20 June 2025 Strong Call for Multilateralism and Private Sector Partnerships Trade Ministers from across the Commonwealth have concluded two days of high-level deliberations in Windhoek, Namibia, at the 2025 Commonwealth Trade Ministers Meeting (CTMM), with a bold affirmation of their shared commitment to deepen intra-Commonwealth trade, unlock sustainable investment, and defend the integrity of the multilateral trading system. Held alongside the inaugural Commonwealth Business Summit (CBS), which closed yesterday, the two landmark gatherings marked a significant step in connecting policymakers with business leaders and development partners to chart a unified economic future. The Trade Ministers Meeting, the first ever held on African soil, concluded today with the adoption of a forward-looking Outcome Statement and agreement on a joint Commonwealth Statement on the Multilateral Trading System to the 14th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organisation, reinforcing the group's united position on fair, inclusive, and rules-based global trade. Against the backdrop of rising protectionism, climate instability and a fragmented global economy, Ministers focused on strategies to harness the Commonwealth's 21% trade advantage (rooted in shared language, legal systems, and trust) to realise the ambition of growing intra-Commonwealth trade to US$2 trillion by 2030. Speaking at the closing ceremony of the CTMM, Commonwealth Secretary-General the Rt Hon Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey said: "Together, we have explored new pathways for deepening intra-Commonwealth trade, enhancing investment, leveraging digital trade, accelerating the sustainable energy transition and building resilient economies. The outcomes of the Windhoek trade ministers' meeting represent another shining example of the enduring value of Commonwealth collaboration." "We must stand firm and united in resisting any efforts that risk undermining our progress and prosperity. The Commonwealth has shown how we can work together to ensure that all our people benefit fully from international trade." Hon. Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, Minister of International Relations and Trade of Namibia, added: "We were brave enough to decide to host the inaugural Commonwealth Business Summit, in order to initiate the practical aspects of growing intra-Commonwealth trade to US$2 trillion and beyond. I would like to be brave enough to say we were successful and that our clarion call has been heard." "During this meeting, we clearly and overwhelmingly supported the Commonwealth member countries for a rules-based multilateral trade system. In that regard, we concluded a statement ahead of the WTO's 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) in Cameroon in 2026, which will be released after this event, and will be read at the next meeting of the WTO General Council." During the meeting, the ministers also endorsed concrete initiatives to expand trade and investment across the Commonwealth: Operationalisation Plan of the Working Group on Trade and Investment was agreed for implementation with a focus on key priority activities to help invigorate trade and investment among member states. Ministers welcomed the launch of the Commonwealth Investment Network (CIN) as a key platform to help countries identify bankable projects and connect with credible investors. Ministers welcomed progress on the Commonwealth Model Law on Digital Trade, underscoring its importance in reducing friction in cross-border e-commerce. Energy transition, food security, and the future of critical minerals were flagged as areas for greater cooperation and public-private investment. Support for MSMEs, youth and women-led businesses, and improved digital readiness in vulnerable economies was reaffirmed. The CTMM built on momentum from the Commonwealth Business Summit, which concluded on Thursday. Held in parallel for the first time, the Summit brought together business leaders, entrepreneurs, and development financiers to align private sector priorities with public policy. As the Commonwealth looks ahead to the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Antigua and Barbuda, Trade Ministers have called for leaders to build on Windhoek's momentum, deepening integration, protecting the global trading system, and ensuring that trade remains a driver of prosperity and resilience for all.
Scoop
15-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Commonwealth Trade Ministers And Business Leaders Convene In Namibia To Tackle Global Trade Headwinds
Press Release – The Commonwealth Set against a backdrop of mounting global trade tensions, climate volatility, and deepening investment gaps, these meetings are more than gatherings, they represent a coordinated push to reset trade relationships for a more resilient and inclusive … As global trade grapples with rising tariffs, supply chain disruptions, and shifting economic alliances, the Commonwealth is stepping forward with a united vision for inclusive, sustainable, and digitally enabled trade. From 18–20 June 2025, Windhoek will host the inaugural Commonwealth Business Summit (CBS) alongside the Commonwealth Trade Ministers Meeting (CTMM), marking the first time these flagship events will be held on African soil. Co-hosted by the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Government of the Republic of Namibia, the meetings will bring together government ministers, CEOs, investors, and innovators from all 56 Commonwealth member states, spanning five continents and representing 2.7 billion people. Set against a backdrop of mounting global trade tensions, climate volatility, and deepening investment gaps, these meetings are more than gatherings, they represent a coordinated push to reset trade relationships for a more resilient and inclusive future. 'At a time when global trade is being reshaped by uncertainty and fragmentation, the Commonwealth offers something rare: trusted partnerships, a shared commitment to fairness, and a 21% trade cost advantage,' said Commonwealth Secretary-General Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, who will lead her first trade ministerial since taking office in April 2025. 'These meetings are not just about dialogue, they're about delivery. Across the Commonwealth, we are working together to build a trade system that works for all, one that creates real opportunities for women striving to grow their businesses, for young people seeking decent jobs, and for communities working to overcome economic hardship.' H.E. Amb. Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, Namibia's Minister of International Relations and Trade, emphasised that Namibia's strategic location, rich culture, and commitment to international partnership make it an ideal host to foster dialogue, promote intra-Commonwealth trade, and explore innovative solutions to global challenges. Trade as a Catalyst for Resilience and Renewal At the CTMM, ministers will focus on helping member states, particularly Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs), better withstand external shocks. Discussions will tackle structural challenges such as limited export diversification, rising debt, energy insecurity, and digital exclusion. While tariffs often draw attention, it is the combined impact of tariffs and non-tariff barriers, including overlapping standards and customs delays, that most severely hampers trade. Ministers will explore regulatory alignment and digital trade facilitation as practical solutions to reduce these barriers and unlock intra-Commonwealth trade. A key priority will be adding value to Commonwealth assets, especially critical minerals, by shifting from raw extraction to local processing, job creation, and entry into high-value global supply chains. Other areas of focus include: Enhancing food and energy security through climate-resilient trade Advancing sustainable energy and digital infrastructure Attracting blended finance for trade-related infrastructure Coordinating Commonwealth positions for the 2026 WTO Ministerial in Cameroon Chris Southworth, Co-Chair of the Business-to-Business Cluster of the Commonwealth Connectivity Agenda and Secretary General of the International Chamber of Commerce UK, said: 'The Commonwealth Trade Ministers Meeting and Business Summit are an opportunity to stand up for the multilateral trading system at a time when the system is under threat and boost business confidence by accelerating efforts to make trade cheaper, faster, simpler and more sustainable and inclusive for all.' The summit will be co-chaired by H.E. Amb. Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, Namibia Minister of International Relations and Trade, and Hon. Faleomanavaega Titimaea Tafua, Samoa's Minister of Commerce, Industry and Labour and the Commonwealth Chair-in-Office. At its core, this work is about people, helping Commonwealth citizens thrive in an era of uncertainty by opening up pathways to prosperity, stability, and shared growth. Speaking ahead of the Summit, Secretary-General Botchwey summed it up: 'This is not just about fixing trade. It's about future-proofing our economies for generations to come.'
Scoop
15-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Commonwealth Trade Ministers And Business Leaders Convene In Namibia To Tackle Global Trade Headwinds
As global trade grapples with rising tariffs, supply chain disruptions, and shifting economic alliances, the Commonwealth is stepping forward with a united vision for inclusive, sustainable, and digitally enabled trade. From 18–20 June 2025, Windhoek will host the inaugural Commonwealth Business Summit (CBS) alongside the Commonwealth Trade Ministers Meeting (CTMM), marking the first time these flagship events will be held on African soil. Co-hosted by the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Government of the Republic of Namibia, the meetings will bring together government ministers, CEOs, investors, and innovators from all 56 Commonwealth member states, spanning five continents and representing 2.7 billion people. Set against a backdrop of mounting global trade tensions, climate volatility, and deepening investment gaps, these meetings are more than gatherings, they represent a coordinated push to reset trade relationships for a more resilient and inclusive future. 'At a time when global trade is being reshaped by uncertainty and fragmentation, the Commonwealth offers something rare: trusted partnerships, a shared commitment to fairness, and a 21% trade cost advantage,' said Commonwealth Secretary-General Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, who will lead her first trade ministerial since taking office in April 2025. 'These meetings are not just about dialogue, they're about delivery. Across the Commonwealth, we are working together to build a trade system that works for all, one that creates real opportunities for women striving to grow their businesses, for young people seeking decent jobs, and for communities working to overcome economic hardship.' H.E. Amb. Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, Namibia's Minister of International Relations and Trade, emphasised that Namibia's strategic location, rich culture, and commitment to international partnership make it an ideal host to foster dialogue, promote intra-Commonwealth trade, and explore innovative solutions to global challenges. Trade as a Catalyst for Resilience and Renewal At the CTMM, ministers will focus on helping member states, particularly Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs), better withstand external shocks. Discussions will tackle structural challenges such as limited export diversification, rising debt, energy insecurity, and digital exclusion. While tariffs often draw attention, it is the combined impact of tariffs and non-tariff barriers, including overlapping standards and customs delays, that most severely hampers trade. Ministers will explore regulatory alignment and digital trade facilitation as practical solutions to reduce these barriers and unlock intra-Commonwealth trade. A key priority will be adding value to Commonwealth assets, especially critical minerals, by shifting from raw extraction to local processing, job creation, and entry into high-value global supply chains. Other areas of focus include: Enhancing food and energy security through climate-resilient trade Advancing sustainable energy and digital infrastructure Attracting blended finance for trade-related infrastructure Coordinating Commonwealth positions for the 2026 WTO Ministerial in Cameroon Chris Southworth, Co-Chair of the Business-to-Business Cluster of the Commonwealth Connectivity Agenda and Secretary General of the International Chamber of Commerce UK, said: 'The Commonwealth Trade Ministers Meeting and Business Summit are an opportunity to stand up for the multilateral trading system at a time when the system is under threat and boost business confidence by accelerating efforts to make trade cheaper, faster, simpler and more sustainable and inclusive for all.' The summit will be co-chaired by H.E. Amb. Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, Namibia Minister of International Relations and Trade, and Hon. Faleomanavaega Titimaea Tafua, Samoa's Minister of Commerce, Industry and Labour and the Commonwealth Chair-in-Office. At its core, this work is about people, helping Commonwealth citizens thrive in an era of uncertainty by opening up pathways to prosperity, stability, and shared growth. Speaking ahead of the Summit, Secretary-General Botchwey summed it up: 'This is not just about fixing trade. It's about future-proofing our economies for generations to come.'
Scoop
22-05-2025
- Health
- Scoop
Commonwealth Health Ministers Unite For Bold Action On Sustainable Health Financing
Press Release – The Commonwealth The 37th meeting of health ministers, held on 17 May in Geneva, marks a renewed spirit of collaboration among member countries at a time when many healthcare systems are under pressure to adapt to an uncertain and challenging future. 19 May 2025 Commonwealth Secretary-General Hon Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey with health ministers in Geneva at her first ministerial meeting, convened ahead of the 78th World Health Assembly The 2025 Commonwealth Health Ministers Meeting, convened ahead of the 78th World Health Assembly, has concluded with a blueprint for unlocking sustainable health finance and delivering on the promise of quality healthcare for the 2.7 billion people across the Commonwealth. The 37th meeting of health ministers, held on 17 May in Geneva, marks a renewed spirit of collaboration among member countries at a time when many healthcare systems are under pressure to adapt to an uncertain and challenging future. The ministers produced a strong outcome statement with a pathway for building equitable, resilient, inclusive and sustainably financed health systems that prioritise vulnerable member countries, now at risk due to recent freezes and cuts in development assistance. Addressing the health funding gap through resilient budgets In her remarks at the opening ceremony, the Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Hon Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, addressed representatives from 45 member states, 198 government officials, and 42 observers, including global health leaders, youth advocates and other stakeholders, stating: 'We must shift from short-term, fragmented approaches to long-term, wide investment. That means strengthening governance, the health workforce, infrastructure, supply chains, data systems, and most crucially, primary health care. 'We must find new ways to finance health. That includes blended finance, social impact bonds, and public-private partnerships. But innovation must serve equity, not undermine it. That requires strong regulation, public leadership, and shared accountability.' In light of shrinking international assistance, she commended the efforts of Commonwealth health ministers while calling for even greater emphasis on health spending as an 'engine of growth' in challenging times. The Hon Selibe Mochoboroane, Lesotho's Minister of Health, chaired the ministerial meeting. Underscoring the need to build health systems that are sustainable, equitable and resilient, he said: 'We gather at a pivotal moment as many Commonwealth countries face pressing challenges from the current global financial landscape. It is crucial to establish a sustainable financing framework that safeguards our health systems through these economic hardships.' The Minister added: 'Collaborative partnerships are essential; the global community must unite to support one another with innovative health financing strategies to address immediate challenges and build resilient systems that can effectively respond to both current and future health crises.' In his keynote address, the Director-General of the World Health Organization, Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, said: 'Although our current situation is difficult, we are using it as an opportunity to accelerate our journey towards greater financial sustainability. This is an area where the Commonwealth and WHO can work together to help member states on their journey to self-reliance, in particular those facing severe disruptions, with support from donors to bridge the gap.' Concrete actions and solutions The ministers explored innovative strategies and solutions to increase domestic spending on health and diversity funding streams. To achieve optimal health care, ministers underscored the importance of strengthening primary health care by: Investing in the health and care workforce to address worker shortages, Improving access to essential medicines to achieve health equity, and Investing in digital tools and strengthening country capacity for uptake by increased collaboration between the Commonwealth Secretariat and the World Health Organization, aimed at supporting countries to conduct Digital Health Maturity Assessments at the national level. Commonwealth partners and civil society organisations also advocated for impactful and cost-effective models of aid. Victoria Rutter, CEO of the Commonwealth Pharmacists Association and Chair of the Commonwealth Health Professions and Partners Alliance, said: 'The 37th Commonwealth Health Ministers Meeting stands to be the most important to date. As global funding priorities shift away from conventional models of aid, there is an opportunity for Commonwealth member states and for organisations within the Commonwealth family to come together to develop new, cost-effective and sustainable ways of working in partnership with each other to improve health outcomes.' During four breakout sessions, member countries explored critical themes including climate resilience, non-communicable diseases (including cancers), mental health, digital innovations, and healthy ageing. Secretary-General Botchwey opened the climate breakout session, chaired by Hon. Bootii Nauan, the Minister for Health and Medical Services in Kiribati, highlighting the Secretariat's ongoing commitment to take concrete action based on the needs of member countries, including climate finance. Ministers were informed that barriers to climate finance access, such as complex application procedures, need to be addressed by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and other key funding partners. Efforts by the Secretariat in this regard, through the Commonwealth Climate Finance Access Hub (CCFAH), remain essential. In the breakout session on NCDs and mental health, chaired by Nigeria's Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Hon. Dr. Iziaq Adenkule Salako, ministers underscored the need for sustainable financing to address the rising burden of NCDs and mental health issues. The session was particularly relevant given the upcoming United Nations Fourth High-Level Meeting on NCDs and Mental Health in September 2025. Ministers recognised that the event will also provide a key opportunity for the Commonwealth to highlight the critical link between climate change and health outcomes. With 4.5 billion people lacking critical health services and access to life-saving treatments, ministers agreed that investing in healthcare is essential to prevent the reversal of years of progress toward achieving health-related Sustainable Development Goals. Targeted investment for development will also be a key focus at the upcoming Commonwealth Business Summit in Namibia this June, with an opportunity to underscore that health is not just a moral imperative, but also a strategic cornerstone for sustainable development and inclusive economic growth. Notes Speeches Secretary-General's Remarks at the 2025 Commonwealth Health Ministers Meeting Watch the Secretary-General's full remarks at the Opening Ceremony Watch the opening speech by Hon Selibe Mochoboroane, Minister for Health, Government of Lesotho Keynote speech by Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, Director-General, World Health Organization Outcome Statement Access photos from the 37CHMM Flickr Album The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 56 independent and equal sovereign states. Our combined population is 2.7 billion, of which more than 60 per cent is aged 30 or under. The Commonwealth spans the globe and includes both advanced economies and developing countries. Thirty-three of our members are small states, many of which are island nations. The Commonwealth Secretariat supports member countries to build democratic and inclusive institutions, strengthen governance and promote justice and human rights. Our work helps to grow economies and boost trade, deliver national resilience, empower young people, and address threats such as climate change, debt and inequality. Member countries are supported by a network of more than 80 intergovernmental, civil society, cultural and professional organisations.
Scoop
22-05-2025
- Health
- Scoop
Commonwealth Health Ministers Unite For Bold Action On Sustainable Health Financing
19 May 2025 Commonwealth Secretary-General Hon Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey with health ministers in Geneva at her first ministerial meeting, convened ahead of the 78th World Health Assembly The 2025 Commonwealth Health Ministers Meeting, convened ahead of the 78th World Health Assembly, has concluded with a blueprint for unlocking sustainable health finance and delivering on the promise of quality healthcare for the 2.7 billion people across the Commonwealth. The 37th meeting of health ministers, held on 17 May in Geneva, marks a renewed spirit of collaboration among member countries at a time when many healthcare systems are under pressure to adapt to an uncertain and challenging future. The ministers produced a strong outcome statement with a pathway for building equitable, resilient, inclusive and sustainably financed health systems that prioritise vulnerable member countries, now at risk due to recent freezes and cuts in development assistance. Addressing the health funding gap through resilient budgets In her remarks at the opening ceremony, the Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Hon Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, addressed representatives from 45 member states, 198 government officials, and 42 observers, including global health leaders, youth advocates and other stakeholders, stating: 'We must shift from short-term, fragmented approaches to long-term, wide investment. That means strengthening governance, the health workforce, infrastructure, supply chains, data systems, and most crucially, primary health care. 'We must find new ways to finance health. That includes blended finance, social impact bonds, and public-private partnerships. But innovation must serve equity, not undermine it. That requires strong regulation, public leadership, and shared accountability.' In light of shrinking international assistance, she commended the efforts of Commonwealth health ministers while calling for even greater emphasis on health spending as an 'engine of growth' in challenging times. The Hon Selibe Mochoboroane, Lesotho's Minister of Health, chaired the ministerial meeting. Underscoring the need to build health systems that are sustainable, equitable and resilient, he said: 'We gather at a pivotal moment as many Commonwealth countries face pressing challenges from the current global financial landscape. It is crucial to establish a sustainable financing framework that safeguards our health systems through these economic hardships.' The Minister added: 'Collaborative partnerships are essential; the global community must unite to support one another with innovative health financing strategies to address immediate challenges and build resilient systems that can effectively respond to both current and future health crises.' In his keynote address, the Director-General of the World Health Organization, Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, said: 'Although our current situation is difficult, we are using it as an opportunity to accelerate our journey towards greater financial sustainability. This is an area where the Commonwealth and WHO can work together to help member states on their journey to self-reliance, in particular those facing severe disruptions, with support from donors to bridge the gap.' Concrete actions and solutions The ministers explored innovative strategies and solutions to increase domestic spending on health and diversity funding streams. To achieve optimal health care, ministers underscored the importance of strengthening primary health care by: Investing in the health and care workforce to address worker shortages, Improving access to essential medicines to achieve health equity, and Investing in digital tools and strengthening country capacity for uptake by increased collaboration between the Commonwealth Secretariat and the World Health Organization, aimed at supporting countries to conduct Digital Health Maturity Assessments at the national level. Commonwealth partners and civil society organisations also advocated for impactful and cost-effective models of aid. Victoria Rutter, CEO of the Commonwealth Pharmacists Association and Chair of the Commonwealth Health Professions and Partners Alliance, said: "The 37th Commonwealth Health Ministers Meeting stands to be the most important to date. As global funding priorities shift away from conventional models of aid, there is an opportunity for Commonwealth member states and for organisations within the Commonwealth family to come together to develop new, cost-effective and sustainable ways of working in partnership with each other to improve health outcomes.' During four breakout sessions, member countries explored critical themes including climate resilience, non-communicable diseases (including cancers), mental health, digital innovations, and healthy ageing. Secretary-General Botchwey opened the climate breakout session, chaired by Hon. Bootii Nauan, the Minister for Health and Medical Services in Kiribati, highlighting the Secretariat's ongoing commitment to take concrete action based on the needs of member countries, including climate finance. Ministers were informed that barriers to climate finance access, such as complex application procedures, need to be addressed by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and other key funding partners. Efforts by the Secretariat in this regard, through the Commonwealth Climate Finance Access Hub (CCFAH), remain essential. In the breakout session on NCDs and mental health, chaired by Nigeria's Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Hon. Dr. Iziaq Adenkule Salako, ministers underscored the need for sustainable financing to address the rising burden of NCDs and mental health issues. The session was particularly relevant given the upcoming United Nations Fourth High-Level Meeting on NCDs and Mental Health in September 2025. Ministers recognised that the event will also provide a key opportunity for the Commonwealth to highlight the critical link between climate change and health outcomes. With 4.5 billion people lacking critical health services and access to life-saving treatments, ministers agreed that investing in healthcare is essential to prevent the reversal of years of progress toward achieving health-related Sustainable Development Goals. Targeted investment for development will also be a key focus at the upcoming Commonwealth Business Summit in Namibia this June, with an opportunity to underscore that health is not just a moral imperative, but also a strategic cornerstone for sustainable development and inclusive economic growth. Notes Speeches Secretary-General's Remarks at the 2025 Commonwealth Health Ministers Meeting Watch the Secretary-General's full remarks at the Opening Ceremony Watch the opening speech by Hon Selibe Mochoboroane, Minister for Health, Government of Lesotho Keynote speech by Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, Director-General, World Health Organization Outcome Statement Access photos from the 37CHMM Flickr Album The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 56 independent and equal sovereign states. Our combined population is 2.7 billion, of which more than 60 per cent is aged 30 or under. The Commonwealth spans the globe and includes both advanced economies and developing countries. Thirty-three of our members are small states, many of which are island nations. The Commonwealth Secretariat supports member countries to build democratic and inclusive institutions, strengthen governance and promote justice and human rights. Our work helps to grow economies and boost trade, deliver national resilience, empower young people, and address threats such as climate change, debt and inequality. Member countries are supported by a network of more than 80 intergovernmental, civil society, cultural and professional organisations. For more information and regular updates about Commonwealth activities and initiatives, subscribe to our monthly newsletter.
