Statesmen's Forum: Don McKinnon, Commonwealth Secretary-General

Don McKinnon became secretary-general of the Commonwealth in April 2000. He previously served as New Zealand’s deputy prime minister and foreign minister, and as a member of its parliament for 21 years. Secretary McKinnon spoke of how the Commonwealth is a relevant and credible force in building sustainable democracies and in promoting global peace and stability in today’s world. He explored the Commonwealth’s role in the promotion of democratic processes and institutions in several countries, and shared insights about the Commonwealth’s conflict prevention activities and its efforts to bridge growing divides in countries facing community and cultural challenges.

Robin Niblett, executive vice president of CSIS and director of its Europe Program, introduced McKinnon. Steve Morrison director of CSIS's Africa Program moderated the question-and-answer session that followed.

The CSIS Statesmen’s Forum is designed to provide leaders from around the world the opportunity to present their views about critical policy issues before a group of U.S. government officials, foreign diplomats, academic and regional experts, leaders from the corporate community, and the media. The forums give those who have professional responsibility for policy determination and interpretation a chance to assess the positions and perspectives of global leaders and to engage them in dialogue.