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Commonwealth Secretariat press release

Former President of Malta appointed Chairperson of the Commonwealth Foundation

2 September 2004

Professor Guido de Marco, the former President of Malta, has been chosen as the new Chairperson of the Commonwealth Foundation, the intergovernmental body of the Commonwealth mandated to work with civil society organisations.

Professor de Marco was unanimously chosen by the Foundation's Board of Governors at their meeting at Marlborough House on 1 September 2004. He will begin his two-year term on 1 January 2005. He succeeds Mrs Graça Machel, who has been Chairperson since 2000.

Commenting on the selection, Commonwealth Secretary-General Don McKinnon said, "I am delighted that Professor Guido de Marco has become the new Chair of the Commonwealth Foundation. He is a top man for a top organisation. I am sure that through his knowledge and experience, he will help strengthen the role of the Foundation and the work it achieves for the benefit of all Commonwealth people."

While Colin Ball, Director of the Commonwealth Foundation, said, "being funded by and reporting to Commonwealth governments and mandated to work with, and in support of civil society at a time when the sector's importance is increasingly recognised, gives the Foundation a unique position among intergovernmental organisations and a key role in Commonwealth affairs. We look forward to working with Professor de Marco, whose status and authority will I am sure greatly add to our work and impact."

Professor de Marco was President of Malta from 1999 to 2004. He was Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs from 1990 to 1996 and from 1998 to1999. Professor de Marco also held the post of Minister of the Interior and Justice. As Minister of Foreign Affairs, he submitted Malta's application for membership of the European Community in 1990.  

The same year, Professor Guido de Marco was elected President of the United Nations General Assembly and during his time, initiated a dialogue to revitalise it.  Between 1990 and 1996, he spearheaded a number of initiatives, including the expansion of Malta's representation overseas and the conclusion of agreements in the area of international co-operation. Professor de Marco studied at the University of Malta and graduated as a Doctor of Laws in 1955. Since 1967 he has been a lecturer and later a Professor of Criminal Law at the University of Malta. 

 

Note to Editors:

This is a joint press release by the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Commonwealth Foundation.

The Commonwealth Foundation is an intergovernmental organisation resourced by and reporting to Commonwealth governments.  Founded in 1965, its mandate is to strengthen civil society and enhance its contribution to development and democracy in the Commonwealth. The Foundation's work is guided by Commonwealth values and programme priorities including those related to democracy and good governance, respect for human rights and gender equality, poverty reduction and sustainable, people centred-development. 

For further information, contact Ms Patricia Mahoney, tel: +44 (0)20 7747 6574,

fax: +44 (0)20 7783 8157, email: mahoneyp@commonwealth.int

Website: www.commonwealthfoundation.com

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ISSUED BY THE COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS DIVISION
Commonwealth Secretariat Marlborough House Pall Mall London SW1Y 5HX United Kingdom
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