Farewell message from Commonwealth Foundation Director-General, Dr Anne Gallagher

 As received by me (Blessed Mudiaga Adjekpagbon) on 15 August 2025, from Dr Anne T. Gallagher AO, the Director-General of Commonwealth Foundation

Dear Blessed,

As my second and final term as Director-General of the Commonwealth Foundation comes to a close, I want to share my thanks—and my hopes for the future.

Dr Anne T. Gallagher AO

It has been the honour of a lifetime to lead this small but mighty organisation during a period of profound global uncertainty. Amid shrinking civic space, deepening inequality, and escalating climate and health crises, we held fast to our mission: to amplify the voices of the Commonwealth’s people and advance a vision of fairer, more inclusive societies.

Together with you and our partners, we’ve turned strategy into action—and action into impact. Civil society actors in every Commonwealth region have shaped policies, challenged injustice, and expanded their presence in spaces where decisions are made. We’ve supported hundreds of initiatives through our grant making, launched powerful new platforms for connection and creativity, and brought the concerns of small and vulnerable states to the forefront of global debate. We’ve changed minds—and hearts.

Today, I am proud to share our Interim Report of Impact and Change, a record of what we have accomplished together since 2021. At its heart, it tells the story of the People of the Commonwealth—community leaders, artists, activists, and change-makers—whose courage and creativity continue to shape a fairer future. I hope you will take a moment to explore it.

As I prepare to pass the baton, I am delighted to welcome Razmi Farook as the Foundation’s new Director-General. Razmi brings deep experience and a strong commitment to equity, inclusion, and civil society voice. I am confident that, under her leadership, the Foundation will continue to thrive—and continue to inspire.

Thank you for your support over the years. It has meant more than you can know, and I will always carry with me the energy, creativity, and commitment of this extraordinary community.

With my warmest wishes,

Dr Anne T. Gallagher AO

Director-General  

Commonwealth Foundation