Sharma mourns death of former Chair of the Commonwealth Foundation

The Commonwealth Secretary-General has paid tribute to Professor Guido de Marco, who passed away on 12 August, as “a tireless and passionate advocate for the voice of civil society”.

“The loss will be deeply felt across the Commonwealth, for which Guido did so much”, said Kamalesh Sharma.

The former Maltese President served as Chairman of the Commonwealth Foundation – which helps civil society organisations promote democracy, development and cultural understanding – between January 2005 and December 2008.

“In the Commonwealth, he spoke always for the interests of small states such as Malta,” said Mr Sharma. “How fitting it was that the Commonwealth Gozo Statement on Vulnerable Small States was agreed during our memorable Heads of Government Meeting in Malta in November 2005.”

The Secretary-General said that Professor de Marco was a great parliamentarian, a committed multilateralist, a firm advocate of human rights and latterly a distinguished President. As well as his great work for the Commonwealth, Mr Sharma observed that he was also known and revered in the European Union and the United Nations.

“A small state has lost one of its largest figures,” Mr Sharma added. “He will be sorely missed.”

Key Links:

• Kamalesh Sharma
• Country Profile: Malta

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• Commonwealth Founation