CLA News / CLA Secretary General Brigid Watson Speaks at the Farewell for Prof. Luis Franceschi, ASG at The Commonwealth Secretariat

I was honoured to represent the Commonwealth Lawyers Association at the farewell for Professor Luis Franceschi, who recently completed six years of dedicated service at the Commonwealth Secretariat as Director of Peace and Governance and Assistant Secretary General.

In my remarks, I celebrated Luis’s extraordinary commitment to supporting governments and the work of accredited organisations like ours. His passion for justice, advocacy, and the rule of law has inspired all of us. From high-level dialogues to mentoring the next generation of leaders, Luis has consistently gone the extra mile, championing initiatives that strengthen Commonwealth collaboration.

As lawyers, we recognise the importance of legal frameworks in advancing democracy and access to justice. Luis has demonstrated how adversarial skills can be harnessed for mediation and restorative processes, improving the lives of citizens across the Commonwealth. His energy, insight, and partnership will be sorely missed.

Luis’s own message after the farewell reflected his gratitude for the work of all accredited organisations: “They are a true example of Commonwealth camaraderie and generosity… they truly keep the Secretariat on its toes, and we need it!”

It was a privilege to speak on behalf of the CLA and our fellow accredited organisations.

Luis, we wish you every success in your next chapter and thank you for everything you have given to the Commonwealth community.

Brigid Watson, CLA Secretary General