On September 22, 2022, on the margins of the 77th Session of the UN General Assembly in New York, the CoD held a Presidency transfer ceremony from Romania to Canada. The outgoing Presidency of Romania was represented by Foreign Minister Bogdan Aurescu and the incoming Presidency of Canada was represented by Foreign Minister Melanie Joly.

SG Thomas E. Garrett thanked Foreign Minster Bodgan Aurescu for his supportive leadership of the CoD and welcomed Canada as the new Presidency:

‘I want to express my  deep appreciation to Romania and Foreign Minister Bogdan Aurescu for his supportive and visionary leadership of the Community of Democracies (CoD), extended from two to three years, providing a much-needed continuation of leadership in times of pandemic and ever-changing circumstances for democracy. I am also delighted to welcome Canada as the new CoD Presidency, starting today. Canada plays a vital role in the global promotion and protection of human rights and democracy, and we look forward to working together under its leadership to promote and defend shared democratic values.’