“And we must work to unlock this potential by fostering greater trade and investment between member nations,” he added at The Gambia High Commission reception in UK held in his honour as candidate for the position of Commonwealth secretary-general. At least 25 High Commissions have attended the reception.
“We will also work to support small businesses and entrepreneurs, who are the engines of economic growth and job creation in many of our member nations.”
“One very important commitment I must pledge as the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, is one that my career as a diplomat has prepared me for and that is to strengthen efforts and build a strong and connected organization that prioritizes the needs and interests of its member nations,” Dr Tangara said.
“The Commonwealth is a unique network of nations, people, and organisations that share a common heritage and values, and we must leverage this strength to create new opportunities for growth, development and cooperation in an all-inclusive democratic and peaceful environment, where promoting and protecting human rights, maintaining peace and security and the progressive development of international law are our collective responsibility.”
“My vision for the Commonwealth is that of a dynamic organisation where climate change mitigation, promotion and protection of human rights and maintenance of peace and security are seine-qua-non to sustainable trade and development, with a particular focus on small islands and developing states across the length and breadth of the organization. These constituencies face unique challenges in terms of education, economic development, climate change, and sustainable growth – and the Commonwealth must work together to address these issues and ensure a brighter future for all.”
“To achieve this vision, the Commonwealth must prioritise connectivity and unity. We must build on the achievements and efforts of the former distinguished Secretary-Generals including Her Excellency the Baroness Scotland of Asthal, for their remarkable leadership that brought member states together and create a sense of shared purpose. We must also work to drive the organization forward by developing innovative strategies and initiatives to transfer skills and technology through technical assistance to support member nations ease and resolve the collective overarching education, economic, trade and climate-change challenges.”
“Central to this effort will be a focus on the leveraging of modern technology to enhance opportunities for education trade and economic development for small and disadvantaged member nations.”
Dr Tangara also paid tribute to H.E Sir Shridath Sony Ramphal, the Second Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, saying Sir Ramphal was a “distinguished citizen of the Commonwealth from Guyana, who served our organisation with distinction and profound sense of leadership and commitment to the values and principles of our cherished Commonwealth Family.”
