The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, participated in the 22nd Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting (CFAMM) at Marlborough House, London, on Wednesday 15th March, 2023.
This year’s CFAMM focused on enhancing the resilience of Commonwealth countries in times of crisis and reflected on the challenges faced by many members, such as the impacts of climate change, the COVID-19 pandemic and spiralling food and energy costs that risk impacting peace and stability.
The meeting provided a platform for member countries to reflect on how Commonwealth countries and the Commonwealth Secretariat can work together in strengthening infrastructure, governance, and connections within the Commonwealth to bolster resilience in adverse times.
In her address, Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey stated that it was imperative for Commonwealth Member States, especially Small and Least Developed Countries, to explore the opportunities that the organisation provides for its Member States in the area of trade.
Hon. Ayorkor Botchwey also indicated that the Commonwealth must push for policies that are fully responsive to the needs of Small States. She added that Member States must devise more strategies that ensure easy access to financing of the impacts of Climate Change, build their resilience and amplify their voices for their sustainable development.
The Minister further reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to efforts aimed at building economic resilience and stable societies, enhancing trade digitalisation as well as promoting global climate change agendas to secure peace and prosperity, and the survival of our planet.