Candidate for The Secretary-General of the Commonwealth

Joshua Phoho Setipa

I am an experienced leader with extensive political and administrative experience gained over 25 years of executive positions at the national, regional, and multilateral levels formulating and implementing economic development policy.

My extensive political and diplomatic skills are evident in over 25 years of managing key stakeholder relationships with the private sector, governments, multilateral and regional economic communities, and development partners.

Fortifying the Commonwealth

Joshua Phoho Setipa - candidate of the commonwealth secretary general

I have initiated positive transformation on international trade and economic policy, public policy, strategic and portfolio management issues at national, regional, and multilateral levels, with particular focus on developing countries. My field experience in formulating and implementing national, regional, and multilateral development projects in Africa, Caribbean and Asia/Pacific regions have afforded me a deep understanding of the Commonwealth countries’ political and policy realities, allowing me to build an extensive network of strategic relationships at the highest levels.

Over 25 years of extensive experience

BIOGRAPHY

As an experienced leader with extensive political and administrative experience gained over 25 years of executive positions at the national, regional, and multilateral levels formulating and implementing economic development policy.

Setipa - Commonwealth Secretary-General

Strategic Leadership

Appointed by the UN Secretary-General as the first Managing Director of the UN Technology Bank for Least Developed Countries in November 2018, I bring a wealth of experience in leading and managing teams of highly skilled professionals, delivering technical capacity building, implementing global programmes and advocating for developing countries’ interests and challenges in regional and international fora and managing strategic partnerships with multilateral, public and private sector partners.
Joshua Phoho Setipa - candidate of the commonwealth secretary general

Political Experience

As Minister of Trade and Industry in Lesotho, I provided strategic leadership for the formulation and implementation of national trade and accelerated passage of key national industrial policy legislation and policies, and secured significant concessional financing for industrial infrastructure to facilitate investments in key sectors of strategic interest. As Chief Executive of the Lesotho National Development Corporation, I managed a diversified investment portfolio of more than US$200 million and pioneered the establishment of credit guarantee schemes.
Message from Joshua Phoho Setipa - candidate of the commonwealth secretary general

Multilateral Diplomatic Expertise

I bring over two decades of robust diplomatic acumen representing international organizations and Lesotho at the highest level in global fora and providing strategic leadership in formulation and implementation of mandates, particularly for developing and least developed countries across the Commonwealth. Over a 25-year period, I have held senior roles at the World Trade Organization, World Bank, United Nations, as well as in the Lesotho Diplomatic Service where I established the Lesotho Permanent Mission to the UN in Geneva in 1998.
Joshua Phoho Setipa

Extensive Knowledge of The Commonwealth Secretariat

Currently on leave of absence from the Commonwealth Secretariat where I serve as the Senior Director for Strategy, Portfolio, Partnerships and Digital Divisions at the Commonwealth Secretariat. I am also the Secretary to the Board of Governors, Executive Committee, and all Subsidiary Committees. I am responsible for overseeing the intergovernmental processes of the Commonwealth and I am responsible for reporting delivery of the Secretariat’s programmes to members.

Joshua Phoho Setipa's

Vision

Setipa-Commonwealth Secretary-General

As a candidate for the position of Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, my vision is driven by a profound sense of urgency to strengthen the organisation and empower it to effectively confront the emerging global challenges that confront us, notably those intensified by the pandemic and climate change. My foremost priority is to critically reassess and refocus how the Secretariat operates. Through extensive consultations with our member states, I propose to implement reforms that enhance our efficiency, transparency, representation, and impact in global and regional engagements.

Recognising the paramount importance of economic growth, I will prioritise trade and investment by fostering a vibrant and competitive environment that leverages the unique strengths of our member states. Furthermore, we must invest heavily in human capital across our Commonwealth. 

I am committed to forging a Commonwealth that is resilient, responsive, and a beacon of hope for generations to come

The Secretariat will redouble its efforts to support education, health, and skill development  programs that will drive sustainable growth and uplift the lives of Commonwealth citizens. This includes mobilising global resources to strengthen healthcare systems and promote digital health infrastructure in the post pandemic era. It also includes enhancing education and skills development focusing on 21st-century competencies.

Good governance is the bedrock upon which progress is built, and hence another key pillar of my proposition as Secretary-General. I will resolutely champion public sector reforms that emphasise transparency and innovation. These reforms will enhance participation in democratic processes for all, and especially empower marginalized communities. Furthermore, I am committed to combating corruption through robust legal and institutional frameworks, managing fiscal and debt challenges, and upholding human rights, particularly those of women and girls.

Setipa's Pledge for a Sustainable, Prosperous Commonwealth

The imperative to address climate change cannot be overstated. I will prioritise robust resilience and adaptation measures, particularly for our vulnerable small island developing states. Our focus will involve scaling up access to climate finance, advocating for sustainable ocean governance, and leveraging the potential of Blue Economies.

Gender, Youth, Innovation, Partnerships, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) will serve as cross-cutting pillars of our development work. We will integrate these critical areas into all aspects of our operations, ensuring inclusive, forward-looking solutions. Partnerships and AI have the potential to transform the way we address complex challenges and harness the collective strength and  potential of our diverse Commonwealth community.

My vision of a fortified Commonwealth  is  a realistic, innovative and  transformative plan that embraces change, innovation, and collaboration with members to effectively address the needs and aspirations of our member states. As Secretary-General, I pledge to work tirelessly with the Board of Governors to foster  unity and co-operation, and diligently working towards a prosperous, equitable, and sustainable Commonwealth.I am committed to forging a Commonwealth that is resilient, responsive, and a beacon of hope for our generations to come.