Rwanda’s former Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Richard Sezibera has been named Commonwealth’s special envoy for health and education. The veteran diplomat is among the four special envoys and champions announced by Patricia Scotland, the Commonwealth Secretary-General on Friday, December 11, and they will be responsible to promote the Commonwealth’s values and principles around the world. The Commonwealth is a political association of 54 member states most of which are former territories of the British Empire. Today any country can join the association regardless of whether it has history with the British empire or not. Rwanda is latest country to join the bloc in 2009. JUST IN: Dr Richard Sezibera has been appointed the Commonwealth Secretary Generals special envoy for health and Education. Dr Sezibera has previously served as Rwanda’s Foreign and Health Minister. pic.twitter.com/NcKcmJ0VBt — The New Times (Rwanda) (@NewTimesRwanda) December 12, 2020 In his new duties, Sezibera, who is a medical doctor by profession and former health minister, will focus on the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) relating to health and well-being (SDG3) and quality education (SDG4). SDG3 aims at ensuring healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages; while SDG4 aims at ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. Among the other envoys named, Justin Munday the former Director of the Prince of Wales’ International Sustainability Unit has been named the Special Envoy on Climate Change, Environment and Socio-Economic Affairs. “He will support the Commonwealth’s climate strategy with a focus on preparing for next year’s COP 26 in Glasgow and mobilising resources to help achieve Paris Agreement ambitions and relevant Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in member states,” read a statement from the Common Wealth Association. Praja Trevedi, former Economic Adviser to the Government of India, has been named the Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for SDG Implementation. His focus will be on implementing the UN Agenda 2030 and its 17 Sustainable development goals; including combatting poverty and reducing inequalities. Another nominee is British Paralympic athlete Anne Wafula Strike who was named Champion for Equality in Sports. Her role involves connecting sporting initiatives and supporting the implementation of SDGs relating to sport, peace and development and improving equality in sport. Speaking on the announcements, Patricia Scotland said: “I am deeply honoured that these Special Envoys and Champions of such exceptional talent, quality and experience have generously agreed to help us promote the values and principles of the Commonwealth so that we can better deliver the Sustainable Development Goals and assist the 2.5 billion people in the Commonwealth in need of our support.
