The Commonwealth Secretariat has today named Dr. Richard Sezibera as Special Envoy for Health and Education to fast track the Sustainable Development Goals in the two key sectors of life.
“The Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Health and Education is Rwandan medical doctor, diplomat and politician, Richard Sezibera. He will focus on the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) relating to health and well-being (SDG3) and quality education (SDG4),” reads part of the communique from Commonwealth Secretariat on Saturday, December 12.
Former Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, once Minister of Health and Secretary-General of the East African Community(EAC), Sezibera is among the four special envoys and champions whom, the Commonwealth expects to promote its values and principles around the world.
Others are the former director of The Prince of Wales’s International Sustainability Unit, Justin Munday, as 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.
Prof 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.
Finally, the Secretary-General’s Champion for Equality in Sports is British Paralympic athlete, Anne Wafula Strike. Her role involves connecting sporting initiatives and supporting the implementation of SDGs relating to sport, peace and development and improving equality in sport.
On this appointments, Commonwealth Secretary General Patricia Scotland shared her confidence and trust in the team.
“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,” she said.
