Mr. Joel Kibazo is from Uganda and is Director of Communications and Public Affairs, and spokesperson of the Commonwealth Secretariat, the association of 53 countries around the world.

He joined the Secretariat in December 2000 after more than a decade as a journalist at The Financial Times. Joel has worked and reported from many countries around the world. He has written and presented several radio documentaries for the BBC World Service, Radio Four and also made programmes for television.

Joel was also a regular contributor to magazines in London, Africa, Japan and the United States. He has lectured on media issues in several countries.

Education:

Universities of Sunderland, Reading, Bradford

BA Social Sciences,

MA International Economics and Development

MBA  

Career Highlights:

Director of Communications and Public Affairs and Spokesperson of the Commonwealth Secretariat.

2000 to present.

Financial Times:

1988 -2000

Journalist: Financial Markets, African Business and Finance

The Voice Newspaper

1987-1988

Political Correspondent

I was educated at……

-  The Universities of Sunderland, Reading and Bradford.  I hold a BA Hons. Social Sciences degree, a MA degree in International Economics and Development and a MBA.  

My first job was……

-  Reporter for the New Life weekly newspaper in 1986.

What I do now is……

-  Director of Communications and Public Affairs and spokesperson of the Commonwealth Secretariat, a position I have held since 2000.

- In this role, I manage the media and Public Affairs Division of the Commonwealth Secretariat.  This includes Press, PR, online, Library Services and Publishing.

What I learned along the way is……

- Always take a little time before making a major decision….things will always be better in the morning.

My greatest influence has been……

- My parents, they gave me everything and still give me support up to today.

The best advice I ever received is……

-  Be true to yourself in whatever you do. That way you can always handle anything.