London, UK – Seasoned diplomat Joshua Setipa, a former Lesotho Minister for Trade and Industry, is vying to lead the Commonwealth Secretariat. Setipa brings a wealth of experience from his leadership roles at the World Bank, United Nations, and World Trade Organization. In an interview with Diplomatic Watch, Setipa outlined his vision for a stronger and more responsive Commonwealth, capable of tackling pressing global challenges.
Diplomatic Watch’s Adekunle Owolabi (AO) begins by asking Setipa about his background and experience.
AO: Can you share with us your journey and experiences that have shaped your career trajectory, particularly in international trade, economic policy, and development? How do you believe your diverse professional background positions you uniquely for the role of Secretary-General of the Commonwealth?
Joshua Setipa (JS): I have over 25 years of experience in strategic management of highly skilled professionals, extensive diplomatic experience and skills gained by representing multilateral organisations including the World Bank, United Nations and World Trade Organisation at international fora at the highest level.
I have an extensive and intimate knowledge and understanding of the global governance system, including the key issues of interest to Commonwealth Members, as well as an extensive hands-on experience of formulating and delivering technical assistance to countries across the Commonwealth including in Africa, the Caribbean and the Asia-Pacific.
I am also the only candidate that has led an international organisation. In 2018 I was appointed by the UN Secretary General, Mr Antonio Gutierrez as the first Managing Director of the United Nations Technology Bank for Least Developed countries ( based in Istanbul, Turkey) and the first Mosotho to head a United Nations entity. This experience has given me an extensive insight into how to manage teams and lead an international organisation.
I have worked with the Commonwealth from all angles. First as a representative of Lesotho, secondly as a representative of a partner institution, the UN and WTO and third as senior Director at the Secretariat. So, as you can see, I have an intimate knowledge and understanding of the CW and its mandate.
As a former Minister for Trade and Industry in Lesotho, I have extensive political experience and skills to manage and operate at the highest political level.
AO: What motivated you to pursue the office of Secretary-General, and what overarching vision do you have for the Commonwealth under your leadership?
Could you outline some key priorities and initiatives you intend to focus on if elected as Secretary-General?
Joshua Setipa (JS): Throughout my 32 year professional career, I have witnessed the role and influence of the Commonwealth in developing countries and I have been convinced that it is one the unsung heroes of development. Take for example, the work done by the CW on preventive diplomacy. You never hear about it in public but it has saved many countries from outright war including in my own country. These are the key issues that motivated my decision to run for SG. The hope that as SG I can continue this strong legacy of public service.
As Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, my vision centres on a profound sense of urgency to strengthen the organisation, enabling it to effectively respond to the emerging global challenges and disruptions, notably those intensified by the pandemic and climate change. My foremost priority is to critically reassess and refocus how the Secretariat operates. This will involve intensive negotiations and discussions with member states to identify and implement reforms that enhance efficiency, transparency, representation, and effectiveness in global and regional engagements.
Recognising Trade and Investment as critical drivers of economic growth, I aim to prioritise the creation of a vibrant and competitive environment that leverages the unique strengths of our member states. Focusing on Health, Education, and Skill Development, the Secretariat will redouble its efforts to support fundamental programs that will achieve sustainable growth and improve quality of life across the Commonwealth. This involves mobilising global support and resources towards advocating for rebuilding and strengthening of public health systems and digital health infrastructures in the post pandemic era. It also includes enhancing education and skills development focusing on 21st-century competencies and promoting development of qualitative human capital across the Commonwealth.
Mobilising increased resources to support and strengthen good governance forms another key pillar of my proposition as Secretary-General. I am committed to continued support for public sector reforms that emphasise transparency and innovation. These reforms aim to strengthen participation in democratic processes for all, with a particular focus on marginalized groups. Additionally, my commitment includes combating corruption through robust legal and institutional frameworks, managing fiscal and debt challenges, and upholding human rights, with a special emphasis on the rights of women and girls.
I will prioritise a robust response to climate change, focusing on resilience and adaptation, particularly for our small island developing states that are most climate vulnerable. 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) form the cross-cutting pillars of our development work. Our approach will integrate these critical areas into all aspects of our work, ensuring inclusive, innovative, and forward-looking solutions. We aim to leverage partnerships and explore the full potential for AI to address complex challenges, thereby harnessing the full potential of our diverse Commonwealth community.
My vision of a fortified Commonwealth is a realistic, innovative and transformative plan for the Commonwealth Secretariat, embracing change, innovation, and collaboration with members to effectively address the needs and aspirations of our member states in a rapidly evolving global context.
AO: What leadership qualities do you consider most essential for effectively leading an international organization like the Commonwealth?
How do you plan to engage with member states, stakeholders, and global partners to achieve shared objectives and address common challenges?
Joshua Setipa (JS): As Secretary-General, I will commit to leading the Secretariat with integrity, fostering unity and cooperation, and diligently working towards a prosperous, equitable, and sustainable Commonwealth. 
The experience managing teams of professionals from a diverse cultural background has equipped me with the skills necessary to lead the Commonwealth Secretariat. I have extensive experience in change management in organisations more complex and bigger than the Commonwealth Secretariat.
I have built a sound understanding of how to manage diverse stakeholders and reconcile divergent positions and expectations of member countries.
I also value the power of partnerships to advance institutional priorities and given the limited resources and limited global footprint of the Commonwealth, a strong partnerships strategy is central to my strategy as Secretary General.effivcient in delivering to Commonwealth countries through others including within the UN system, private sector and civil society organisations across the Commonwealth.
As you are aware, the CW is made up of 56 members with a total population of 2.5 billion people. The biggest CW member has a population of 1.2 billion and the smallest a population of 10,000 inhabitants. Over the next 8 months, I plan to visit all the 55 countries to engage as widely as possible with all stakeholders. This is important because it will offer me an opportunity to listen and engage with all stakeholders including those outside the government.
In my recent travels across the CW, I have met and interacted with many stakeholders including civil society leaders, faith-based organisations, youth and women led organisations. All of them recognise the CW as a key partner in their communities and my priority will be to strengthen these networks. Furthermore, there are 87 Commonwealth Accredited Organisations across the CW including here in Lesotho. This is a very important network that I will continue to work with and grow.
AO: In your view, what are the most pressing global challenges facing the Commonwealth today, and how do you propose to address them?
How can the Commonwealth leverage its strengths and resources to promote sustainable development, economic resilience, and inclusivity on a global scale?
Joshua Setipa (JS): Communities across the world are faced with multiple crises and the Commonwealth is no exception. These include the current climate change related challenges faced by developing countries today, particularly small island developing states (SIDS ),which threaten to reverse recent achievements, particularly, the promise of the 2030 Agenda of justice and equality, of inclusive, sustainable development, and human rights and dignity for all.
On-going instability in several regions of the world, and the weakening of democratic institutions across developing countries, present significant challenges that require renewed political focus and investments. With its convening power, the Commonwealth is well placed to play a leading role on the global stage to address these challenges.
The Rt. Hon @MatekaneSam, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of #Lesotho 🇱🇸 says @JoshuaSetipa is a worthy candidate for consideration….#TheCommonwealth Secretary General election, October 2024!
— Ntsiuoa oa Thatolla Sekete (@MsN_SEKETE) April 8, 2024
Meet Africa's candidate @ https://t.co/p8vrhZslRs pic.twitter.com/Z53LaNcLEs
Setipa’s vision for a revitalized Commonwealth offers a roadmap for a more effective organization. As the race for Secretary-General heats up, Diplomatic Watch will continue to provide in-depth coverage of the candidates and their plans for the future of the Commonwealth.