As Dr Anne T. Gallagher AO’s second and final term concludes, Razmi Farook will take the helm as ambassador for civil society in the Commonwealth.
LONDON – UNITED KINGDOM: Following approval from its 51 member countries, Razmi Farook has been announced as the new Director-General of the Commonwealth Foundation, the Commonwealth’s agency for civil society. Ms Farook will assume the role on 1 September 2025 at the Foundation’s offices in Marlborough House, London.
Razmi Farook brings exceptional leadership experience from senior roles in civil society and intergovernmental organisations, including the United Nations, the International Federation of the Red Cross, and ActionAid International. Her career has focused on supporting marginalised and war-affected communities, advocating for equity, inclusion, and active civil society participation in governance and decision-making processes.
Ms Farook’s work includes leading humanitarian diplomacy with ASEAN and its member states on disaster resilience, managing complex humanitarian portfolios across Africa, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East, and most recently directing ActionAid’s Asia Region and Global Humanitarian Programmes. Her strong commitment to civil society, human rights, and sustainable development positions her uniquely to guide the Foundation’s future work.
Dr Anne T. Gallagher AO’s distinguished tenure, which is now coming to an end as she completes her second and final term as Director-General, saw the Foundation navigate a challenging global environment, responding effectively to crises including Covid-19 and using these insights to reshape how it approaches resilience, civic space, and inclusive policy reform.
Since Dr Gallagher’s appointment in 2019, the Foundation has provided more civil society grants in more countries than ever before: 187 projects in 48 Commonwealth countries These vital initiatives have advanced health justice, climate justice, and freedom of expression in every Commonwealth region.
This period has also seen a major strategic expansion in the Foundation’s visibility and reach: its online audiences have increased more than two-fold as compared to the last strategic period and the Foundation received twice as many applications for grants in 2025 than in 2019. Notable achievements include influencing inclusive health policies in Kenya and Uganda, strengthening climate journalism and grassroots participation in United Nations Climate negotiations, and empowering marginalised voices through transformative arts initiatives in Tonga, Eswatini, and South Africa.
The Foundation also emerged as a leading civil society convener in intergovernmental spaces. Thousands of Commonwealth citizens helped shape policy recommendations presented at Commonwealth Intergovernmental meetings as part of the Foundation’s innovative Critical Conversations online events series—and People’s Forums in Rwanda and Samoa have redefined civil society engagement at the biennial Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.
The Foundation’s creative approach brought new visibility to civil society voices, with photography exhibitions, creative videos, and poetry performances reaching millions. These efforts were especially impactful for small and vulnerable states, with tailored support helping local organisations to influence laws, policies, and international agreements.
The Foundation’s Commonwealth Short Story Prize continues to flourish, receiving nearly 8,000 submissions annually from across the Commonwealth and significantly boosting the profiles of emerging writers—promoting diverse, local narratives on the global stage.
Reflecting on her tenure and Razmi’s appointment, Dr Anne T. Gallagher AO, the current Director-General of the Commonwealth Foundation, said:
‘It has been the honour of a lifetime to lead the Commonwealth Foundation during a time of extraordinary global upheaval. Amid shrinking civic space and deepening inequality, we held fast to our mission: to champion the voices of the people across the Commonwealth and to uphold the values and principles of the Commonwealth Charter. With our civil society and government partners—and a team of extraordinary talent and conviction—we delivered change that is not only measurable, but deeply meaningful. Together, we have shaped policy, shifted narratives, and expanded the presence of civil society in decision-making spaces that once felt out of reach.
Today, the Foundation stands more connected, more courageous, and more committed than ever. I leave with a deep sense of pride in what we’ve accomplished—and a profound sense of what still must be done. In a world that is fractured and uncertain, the Commonwealth has a unique responsibility—and opportunity—to stand for justice, equality, and democratic participation. I urge our Member States and civil society actors not just to defend civic space, but to reimagine it. Under Razmi’s leadership, I am confident the Foundation will continue to inspire that vital work.’
Chair of the Commonwealth Foundation’s Board of Governors, Her Excellency Winnie Anna Kiap CBE, said of the appointment:
‘I warmly congratulate Razmi Farook on her appointment as the new Director-General of the Commonwealth Foundation. Razmi’s extensive humanitarian and development expertise, particularly in civil society strengthening, climate justice, and inclusive governance, will undoubtedly enable the Foundation to thrive and evolve. Her distinguished career and demonstrated commitment to Commonwealth values are exactly what the Foundation requires to navigate and respond effectively to our shared global challenges. The three intergovernmental pillars of the Commonwealth—the Foundation, the Secretariat, and the Commonwealth of Learning—all now have newly-appointed leaders, and I look forward to seeing their continued and vital collaboration.’
On news of her appointment, Razmi Farook said:
‘I am thrilled to be joining the Commonwealth Foundation as Director-General, having committed so much of my career to working internationally to strengthen the role of civil society, support governments, and place communities at the heart of everything I do. I will relish the important platform the Commonwealth Foundation provides to build global civil society solidarity and intergovernmental cooperation, especially at this critical moment in history when our common values and principles are being put to the test.
It is my ambition to explore how we can harness the richness of the Commonwealth’s diversity and partnerships as a force for positive change and progress. I am committed to meaningfully engaging those at the forefront of the climate and health crises to find solutions to the urgent challenges they face—as well as continuing the Foundation’s critical work around promoting democracy, human rights, and peace. It is a great honour to lead the Foundation, and to be part of a transformative and inclusive multilateral platform at a time when global cooperation is needed more than ever.’
For more information
For further information about the Commonwealth Foundation, further comments, or photo requests, please contact Maria Reta Perez via press@commonwealthfoundation.com
Notes
The Commonwealth Foundation is an intergovernmental organisation mandated by its member countries to advance the interests of Commonwealth civil society. The Foundation’s membership is separate from other Commonwealth agencies, but members must be Commonwealth countries in order to join the Foundation
The Commonwealth Foundation is one of the Commonwealth’s three intergovernmental agencies alongside the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Commonwealth of Learning
The Director-General is responsible for all activities of the Commonwealth Foundation and reports to the Chair of the Board
Annual priorities of the Commonwealth Foundation are determined by a Board of Governors, comprising representatives of Commonwealth governments and High Commissioners based in London, civil society representatives, and the Commonwealth Secretary-General. The Chair of the Foundation is a distinguished private citizen of a Commonwealth country appointed by Heads of Government
The Commonwealth Short Story Prize is an annual competition which is free to enter for Commonwealth citizens.
