Nigeria, April 5 -- The new Commonwealth Secretary General, Shirley Botchwey, has warned against global impact of sluggish economic growth, rising defence spending, and weakened multilateral cooperation.

Mrs Botchwey said the shifting global landscape could create challenges that will directly impact the well-being and livelihoods of millions of people worldwide.

"The world we woke up to today is unlike any we have seen in our lifetimes," she said. "The Commonwealth's role has never been more crucial. We must seize this moment to drive transformation and progress for our societies."

Mrs Botchwey, who is the first African woman to lead the 56-nation bloc, assumed office on Tuesday, four months after her appointment in October 2024.

In ...