Dr Richard Sezibera is among four special envoys and champions announced yesterday who will promote the Commonwealth's values and principles around the world.
According to statement released on Friday, the four roles will be responsible for portfolio areas covering key issues designed to support and assist the Commonwealth's 54 countries and 2.5 billion people.
Other appointees including 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.
Prof Praja Trevedi, former economic adviser to the Government of India, has been named the Secretary-General's Special Envoy for SDG Implementation while British Paralympic athlete, Anne Wafula Strike has been named the Secretary-General's Champion for Equality in Sports is, Anne Wafula Strike.
Speaking on the announcements, the Secretary-General 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."
Richard Sezibera is a Rwandan medical doctor, diplomat and politician, who served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs from 18 October 2018 until November 4, 2019.
Previously, he was the fourth Secretary-General of the East African Community. He was appointed to that position by the East African Community Heads of State on 19 April 2011 for a five-year term.
On a professional level, Sezibera is a member of the Rwanda Medical Association and a Fellow of the Institute for advanced studies in the humanities at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland.
He served as Vice President of the World Health General Assembly and chairperson of the World Health Organization regional committee on Africa and commissioner on the UN Secretary-General's Commission on accountability for women and children's health.
He is a member of the GAVI (Global Alliance for Vaccine) board, first as minister of health in Rwanda, and then a second and third time as an individual. Dr Sezibera serves as the chairperson of the board's programme and policy committee.
He once served as Rwanda's ambassador to the United States of America, Argentine, Mexico and Brasilia. Before his political career, he was a soldier who went for military training in the United States of America.
Dr Sezibera was born on 5th June 1964. He is married with five children.
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