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COMMONGROUND<strong>CommonGround</strong> A practical guide to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Commonwealth</strong> is written foranyone who wants to know more about <strong>the</strong> history and work of <strong>the</strong><strong>Commonwealth</strong> today.Written <strong>in</strong> a simple and accessible style, with illustrated case studies and<strong>in</strong>formation panels, <strong>CommonGround</strong> outl<strong>in</strong>es changes from <strong>the</strong> former BritishEmpire to <strong>the</strong> modern <strong>Commonwealth</strong> of today, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>formation on:• how <strong>the</strong> <strong>Commonwealth</strong> was created• its members• aims and purposes• how it reaches decisions• <strong>the</strong> actions that it takes, and• <strong>the</strong> opportunities that it provides …… with full details of where to get fur<strong>the</strong>r help and <strong>in</strong>formationNOT FOR SALECOMMONGROUNDA practical guide to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Commonwealth</strong>
The publisher would like to thank <strong>the</strong> follow<strong>in</strong>g for permission to reproducecopyright images <strong>in</strong> this book: Fotolia.com: Cover, pp 2, 3, 5, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15,17, 21, 22, 28, 29, 30; © <strong>Commonwealth</strong> Secretariat: pp 2 (fourth and fifthbox image), 8, 11, 16, 17 (ma<strong>in</strong> image), 18 (top strip: National SecretariatCHOGM 2009) 18 (top left: Kenroy Ambrose), 19, 24, 25, 26 (RebeccaNduku), 27 (Tom Baird), 30 (CYP), 31, 32 (Victoria Holdsworth); ©<strong>Commonwealth</strong> Foundation: pp 19 (bottom), 21 (fifth box image); ©<strong>Commonwealth</strong> Photographic Awards: pp 23 (Trevor Skead); University ofGlasgow Archive Services: pp6; iStock.com: Cover, pp 4, 7, 10, 21; Photodisc:pp12; Wikimedia Commons (Flags): pp 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24,26, 28, 30© 2010 <strong>Commonwealth</strong> FoundationBritish Library Catalogu<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> Publication Data:A catalogue record for this book is available from <strong>the</strong> British Library.ISBN 978-0-903850-44-5Published by <strong>the</strong> <strong>Commonwealth</strong> FoundationText by Tony Thorpe with additional <strong>in</strong>put from Mark Coll<strong>in</strong>sDesigned by Nomad GraphiqueThe <strong>Commonwealth</strong> Foundation gratefully acknowledges <strong>the</strong> help of <strong>the</strong>Citizenship Foundation (www.citizenshipfoundation.org) <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> developmentof this publication.All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored <strong>in</strong> aretrieval system, or transmitted <strong>in</strong> any forms or by any means, electronic ormechanical, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g photocopy<strong>in</strong>g, record<strong>in</strong>g or o<strong>the</strong>rwise without <strong>the</strong>permission of <strong>the</strong> publisher.The citation for this publication is:<strong>CommonGround</strong>. 2010. <strong>Commonwealth</strong> Foundation. 32pp.For fur<strong>the</strong>r <strong>in</strong>formation contact:<strong>Commonwealth</strong> FoundationMarlborough HousePall MallLondon SW1Y 5HYUnited K<strong>in</strong>gdomTel: +44(0) 20 7930 3783Fax: +44(0) 20 7839 8157E-mail: gen<strong>in</strong>fo@commonwealth.<strong>in</strong>tWeb: www.commonwealthfoundation.comCOMMONGROUNDThe <strong>Commonwealth</strong> is anassociation of 54 <strong>in</strong>dependentcountries, who work toge<strong>the</strong>r topromote democracy, goodgovernment, human rights andeconomic development.This book has been written toexpla<strong>in</strong> how <strong>the</strong> <strong>Commonwealth</strong>came about and to describe itspurpose and function today.CONTENTSOrig<strong>in</strong>s 03Empire roots 04Towards <strong>in</strong>dependence 05Creation of <strong>the</strong><strong>Commonwealth</strong> 06Membership 09A different k<strong>in</strong>dof organisation 10Common aims 11Jo<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> <strong>Commonwealth</strong> 12Around <strong>the</strong> world 15Organisation 17How does <strong>the</strong><strong>Commonwealth</strong> work? 18Co-operation 21Just and honestgovernment 22Clos<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> gap 24Health and education 26Climate change andsusta<strong>in</strong>able development 28Culture and sport 30Opportunities 32
ForewordThe <strong>Commonwealth</strong> is sometimes seen as a complexbody, due <strong>in</strong> part, perhaps, to <strong>the</strong> number of levels onwhich it operates. This timely and helpful bookletcould not be clearer <strong>in</strong> expla<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> history,organisation and work of <strong>the</strong> modern <strong>Commonwealth</strong>.Based on a values system that embraces consultation,negotiation and consensus, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Commonwealth</strong> todayspans 54 countries and represents over 2 billion<strong>in</strong>dividuals – almost one third of <strong>the</strong> world’spopulation. It reaches across geographical, politicaland social divides to help <strong>in</strong>dividuals and communitiesbuild stronger nations; and stronger nations are betterplaced to meet <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>g number of globalchallenges we face today. I am sure you will f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>CommonGround</strong> both <strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>g and <strong>in</strong>formative, andessential background read<strong>in</strong>g for a betterunderstand<strong>in</strong>g of <strong>the</strong> modern <strong>Commonwealth</strong>.Kamalesh Sharma,<strong>Commonwealth</strong> Secretary-General‘Strength <strong>in</strong> diversity’ is a say<strong>in</strong>g that could have been<strong>in</strong>vented specifically to describe <strong>the</strong> <strong>Commonwealth</strong>.With a membership extend<strong>in</strong>g from Australia toZambia, Tr<strong>in</strong>idad and Tobago to Tuvalu, today’s<strong>Commonwealth</strong> represents an amaz<strong>in</strong>g diversity ofcultures, beliefs, and nationalities. The <strong>Commonwealth</strong>Foundation is <strong>in</strong>strumental <strong>in</strong> promot<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> rights of<strong>in</strong>dividuals across this broad spectrum. Work<strong>in</strong>g withnot-for-profit groups, charities, professional networks,and o<strong>the</strong>r similar organisations, we encourage<strong>in</strong>dividuals to speak out on a range of developmentissues that affect <strong>the</strong>m. <strong>CommonGround</strong> provides an<strong>in</strong>valuable resource not only for those wish<strong>in</strong>g to f<strong>in</strong>dout more about <strong>the</strong> <strong>Commonwealth</strong>, but for thosewho seek to play a more active role <strong>in</strong> help<strong>in</strong>g toshape and develop it.Dr. Mark Coll<strong>in</strong>s, Director,<strong>Commonwealth</strong> FoundationOrig<strong>in</strong>sEmpire roots 04Towards <strong>in</strong>dependence 05Creation of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Commonwealth</strong> 06A practical guide to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Commonwealth</strong> ➤ Orig<strong>in</strong>s3
Orig<strong>in</strong>sEmpire rootsThe <strong>Commonwealth</strong> is <strong>the</strong> world’soldest political association of sovereignstates. Its roots go back to <strong>the</strong> BritishEmpire, which once covered a quarterof <strong>the</strong> world’s land area, and <strong>in</strong>cludedabout <strong>the</strong> same proportion of <strong>the</strong>world’s population.How did <strong>the</strong>Empire develop?Unlike many previous empires, <strong>the</strong>British Empire was not created byconquest, although military support didplay an important part. Instead, it grewhaphazardly, <strong>in</strong> piecemeal fashion, from<strong>the</strong> sixteenth to <strong>the</strong> n<strong>in</strong>eteenth century.It was driven by a number of factors,listed below, and <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>the</strong>settlement and control of lands <strong>in</strong>Africa, India, North America, South EastAsia, and <strong>the</strong> Caribbean.Trade ● The British government’s rule<strong>in</strong> India orig<strong>in</strong>ally developed from <strong>the</strong>activities of merchants, trad<strong>in</strong>g ma<strong>in</strong>ly <strong>in</strong>cotton, silk and tea. Trade also formed<strong>the</strong> basis of what became British control<strong>in</strong> South East Asian states, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>gHong Kong, Malaya and Borneo.Piracy ● The British presence <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>Caribbean and sou<strong>the</strong>rn parts of <strong>the</strong>United States was <strong>in</strong>itially prompted bypiracy and an opportunity to establishga<strong>in</strong>s over rival Spanish and Portugueseempires. In time, this led toestablishment of plantations grow<strong>in</strong>gsugar and tobacco and <strong>the</strong> extensive<strong>in</strong>volvement of Brita<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> slave tradewith West and Central Africa.Settlement and exploration ●Settlement was an important driv<strong>in</strong>gforce <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> expansion of <strong>the</strong> Empire.In <strong>the</strong> 1620s, pilgrims left England toestablish a new social and religiousorder <strong>in</strong> America; <strong>the</strong> early colonisationof Australia was partly a result ofBrita<strong>in</strong>’s policy of sentenc<strong>in</strong>g largenumbers of convicts to compulsorytransportation; and millions, <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>n<strong>in</strong>eteenth century, settled <strong>in</strong> NorthAmerica, Australia and New Zealand toescape from poverty <strong>in</strong> Brita<strong>in</strong>.Britons were also prom<strong>in</strong>ent, dur<strong>in</strong>g<strong>the</strong> n<strong>in</strong>eteenth century, <strong>in</strong> explor<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong><strong>in</strong>terior of Africa – search<strong>in</strong>g for m<strong>in</strong>eralwealth and markets for goods, andseek<strong>in</strong>g to spread Christianity. Although<strong>the</strong>se areas had long-established<strong>in</strong>digenous populations, Brita<strong>in</strong> claimed<strong>the</strong> lands as its own.War ● In <strong>the</strong> late eighteenth and earlyn<strong>in</strong>eteenth centuries, Brita<strong>in</strong>’s victory <strong>in</strong><strong>the</strong> Napoleonic War aga<strong>in</strong>st Franceadded fur<strong>the</strong>r countries to <strong>the</strong> Empire,<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g Mauritius, Sri Lanka (<strong>the</strong>nknown as Ceylon), Tr<strong>in</strong>idad and Tobago,St Lucia and Malta.At <strong>the</strong> end of <strong>the</strong> First World War, anumber of German colonies <strong>in</strong> Africaalso became part of <strong>the</strong> British Empire,as reparations. These <strong>in</strong>cluded parts orall of <strong>the</strong> states today known asCameroon and Tanzania.Power and controlThe ma<strong>in</strong> motive beh<strong>in</strong>d <strong>the</strong>establishment and expansion of <strong>the</strong>Empire was to <strong>in</strong>crease Brita<strong>in</strong>’s wealthand political power. Often, but not always,this was at <strong>the</strong> expense of local people,particularly <strong>the</strong> non-white populations.Towards<strong>in</strong>dependenceIn <strong>the</strong> early years of <strong>the</strong> Empire, <strong>the</strong>British government made little attemptto <strong>in</strong>fluence <strong>the</strong> way <strong>in</strong> which <strong>the</strong>colonies were governed. However, by<strong>the</strong> end of <strong>the</strong> seventeenth century,more direct rule began to be imposedfrom London. This was not welcomedby <strong>the</strong> American colonies, and a tug ofwar developed between centralgovernment <strong>in</strong> London and <strong>the</strong>colonists’ own elected assemblies. Thisbecame <strong>the</strong> major cause of <strong>the</strong> pushfor <strong>in</strong>dependence by <strong>the</strong> settlers <strong>in</strong>North America.Assemblies andadvisory councilsAfter <strong>the</strong> defeat of British troops and<strong>the</strong> loss of its American colony <strong>in</strong> 1781,Brita<strong>in</strong> no longer tried to direct itscolonies centrally from London. Insteadpower was placed <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> hands of <strong>the</strong>colonies’ own assemblies or advisorycouncils. Although members of councilswere often nom<strong>in</strong>ated by Brita<strong>in</strong>, <strong>the</strong>councils and assemblies never<strong>the</strong>lesshad some authority. People of localstand<strong>in</strong>g could not generally be ignoredby those with responsibility forgovern<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> colony.IndependenceThe movement towards <strong>in</strong>dependencestarted <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> colonies of settlement.In 1867, Canada became <strong>the</strong> first Britishcolony to ga<strong>in</strong> a significant degree of<strong>in</strong>dependence, followed by Australia,New Zealand and South Africa.4A practical guide to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Commonwealth</strong> ➤ Orig<strong>in</strong>s5Antigua & BarbudaAustralia The Bahamas Bangladesh
Orig<strong>in</strong>sOf particular significance at this timewas <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>dependence of India andPakistan <strong>in</strong> 1947, <strong>the</strong> outcome of whichestablished a pattern for <strong>the</strong> modern<strong>Commonwealth</strong>.Until this po<strong>in</strong>t, all self-govern<strong>in</strong>g<strong>Commonwealth</strong> states had reta<strong>in</strong>edBrita<strong>in</strong>’s K<strong>in</strong>g or Queen as Head ofState. However, India’s constitutionalassembly wanted <strong>the</strong> country tobecome a republic and to rema<strong>in</strong>with<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Commonwealth</strong>. These tw<strong>in</strong>ambitions precluded <strong>the</strong> Monarch fromrema<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g as India’s head of state. At<strong>the</strong> <strong>Commonwealth</strong> Prime M<strong>in</strong>isters’Meet<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> 1949, it was agreed <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>London Declaration that India mightrema<strong>in</strong> a member of <strong>the</strong><strong>Commonwealth</strong>, and a republic, byaccept<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> Monarch “as a symbol of<strong>the</strong> free association of <strong>in</strong>dependentmember nations, and as such Head of<strong>the</strong> <strong>Commonwealth</strong>”.This development allowed o<strong>the</strong>rcountries that had become republics(or had a national monarch) to become<strong>Commonwealth</strong> members.The <strong>Commonwealth</strong> todayThe use of <strong>the</strong> word ‘British’ <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> titleof <strong>the</strong> <strong>Commonwealth</strong> has long gone.Today, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Commonwealth</strong> is <strong>the</strong>world’s oldest political association ofsovereign states, with 54 <strong>in</strong>dependentmember states. Thirty three of <strong>the</strong>se arerepublics, five have <strong>the</strong>ir ownmonarchs, and 16 have QueenElizabeth II as Head of State.Queen Elizabeth II is Head of <strong>the</strong><strong>Commonwealth</strong>, but has no authorityto <strong>in</strong>terfere <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> affairs of<strong>Commonwealth</strong> member states. (Seealso page 20).Although <strong>the</strong> focus of <strong>the</strong><strong>Commonwealth</strong> today is on improv<strong>in</strong>g<strong>the</strong> lives of people liv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> its memberstates, it also addresses issues of wider<strong>in</strong>ternational concern, such as terrorismand climate change.The <strong>Commonwealth</strong> runs a range ofprogrammes focuss<strong>in</strong>g on economicdevelopment, democracy andgovernance, education, health,environment and <strong>the</strong> streng<strong>the</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g ofcivil society.MembershipHM Queen Elizabeth II, Head of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Commonwealth</strong>,speak<strong>in</strong>g at <strong>the</strong> open<strong>in</strong>g ceremony of <strong>the</strong> 2009<strong>Commonwealth</strong> Heads of Government Meet<strong>in</strong>g(CHOGM), Port of Spa<strong>in</strong>, Tr<strong>in</strong>idad and Tobago, 27November 2009.A different k<strong>in</strong>d of organisation 10Common aims 11Jo<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> <strong>Commonwealth</strong> 12Around <strong>the</strong> world 158Cameroon Canada RepublicDom<strong>in</strong>icaof CyprusA practical guide to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Commonwealth</strong> ➤ Membership9
MembershipMarlborough House, gardens andmember country flags.Suspension and expulsionA <strong>Commonwealth</strong> member state thatfails to uphold <strong>the</strong> basic pr<strong>in</strong>ciples ofdemocracy, human rights, or <strong>the</strong> rule oflaw, risks be<strong>in</strong>g partly or fully suspended,or even expelled, from <strong>the</strong> organisation.Decisions on this are taken by <strong>the</strong><strong>Commonwealth</strong> M<strong>in</strong>isterial ActionGroup (CMAG), made up of <strong>the</strong>Foreign M<strong>in</strong>isters from n<strong>in</strong>e memberstates, with <strong>the</strong> authority to recommend<strong>the</strong> suspension or expulsion of anystate that <strong>in</strong>fr<strong>in</strong>ges any of <strong>the</strong><strong>Commonwealth</strong>’s fundamentalpr<strong>in</strong>ciples.Action of this k<strong>in</strong>d is a public<strong>in</strong>dication to <strong>the</strong> rest of <strong>the</strong> world of <strong>the</strong>failure of a member state. Suspensionmeans that a country will be preventedfrom tak<strong>in</strong>g part <strong>in</strong> <strong>Commonwealth</strong>programmes and meet<strong>in</strong>gs, and will nolonger be eligible for aid and technicalsupport. However, exist<strong>in</strong>g programmesmay be allowed to cont<strong>in</strong>ue <strong>in</strong> order tolimit <strong>the</strong> effects of suspension on acountry’s citizens.However, suspended states aredeliberately not isolated. For <strong>in</strong>stance,when Nigeria was suspended from <strong>the</strong><strong>Commonwealth</strong> <strong>in</strong> 1995, after <strong>the</strong>military government ordered <strong>the</strong>execution of n<strong>in</strong>e dissidents, <strong>the</strong><strong>Commonwealth</strong> cont<strong>in</strong>ued to work torestore just and fair government, withits voluntary and civic organisationskeep<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>ir l<strong>in</strong>ks. Suspension waslifted <strong>in</strong> 1999, as <strong>the</strong> country returnedto democracy.Fiji ➤ In 2009, Fiji faced fullsuspension from <strong>the</strong> <strong>Commonwealth</strong>follow<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> failure of <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>terimmilitary government to meet <strong>the</strong><strong>Commonwealth</strong>’s deadl<strong>in</strong>e to restoredemocracy after tak<strong>in</strong>g power <strong>in</strong> abloodless coup <strong>in</strong> 2006.Although Fiji has lost access to new<strong>Commonwealth</strong> aid and has beenexcluded from <strong>the</strong> <strong>Commonwealth</strong>Games, contact between <strong>the</strong><strong>Commonwealth</strong> and Fiji will cont<strong>in</strong>ue<strong>in</strong> an effort to restore democracy.Withdrawal ● Sometimesgovernments choose to withdraw from<strong>the</strong> <strong>Commonwealth</strong>. This happened <strong>in</strong>1972, when <strong>the</strong> Government ofPakistan decided to leave <strong>the</strong><strong>Commonwealth</strong> after o<strong>the</strong>r memberstates had agreed to recogniseBangladesh. Pakistan, however, rejo<strong>in</strong>ed<strong>the</strong> association <strong>in</strong> 1989.Follow<strong>in</strong>g suspension from <strong>the</strong><strong>Commonwealth</strong> <strong>in</strong> 2002, Zimbabwedecided to end its membership <strong>in</strong>2003. The communiqué issued by<strong>Commonwealth</strong> Heads ofGovernment at <strong>the</strong> end of <strong>the</strong>irmeet<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> 2009 said that <strong>the</strong>ylooked forward to <strong>the</strong> conditionsbe<strong>in</strong>g created <strong>in</strong> which Zimbabwecould return to <strong>the</strong><strong>Commonwealth</strong>.<strong>Commonwealth</strong> Heads of Government Meet<strong>in</strong>g(CHOGM) 1995. New Zealand Prime M<strong>in</strong>isterJames Bolger(left) and and <strong>Commonwealth</strong>Secretary-General Chief Emeka Anyaokuannounce <strong>the</strong> suspension of Nigeria <strong>in</strong>Queenstown, New Zealand.OrganisationHow does <strong>the</strong> <strong>Commonwealth</strong> work? 1816MaldivesMalta Mauritius MozambiqueA practical guide to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Commonwealth</strong> ➤ Organisation17
Organisationpr<strong>in</strong>ciples of <strong>Commonwealth</strong>membership, such as respect forhuman rights and <strong>the</strong> rule of law. Seealso page 11.Uphold<strong>in</strong>g <strong>Commonwealth</strong>values ● Today, <strong>the</strong>re is some debateover <strong>the</strong> way <strong>in</strong> which <strong>the</strong><strong>Commonwealth</strong> should respond tooppressive or undemocratic actions bymember states.Many believe that <strong>the</strong> most effectivestrategy is for <strong>the</strong> <strong>Commonwealth</strong> towork quietly and discreetly beh<strong>in</strong>d <strong>the</strong>scenes, persuad<strong>in</strong>g and help<strong>in</strong>g aparticular member state addressparticular difficulties and challenges.However o<strong>the</strong>rs argue for a moredirect approach and public stand,particularly where human rights areconcerned.Government to decide who, if anyone,will be her successor.About a third of <strong>the</strong> Queen’s overseasvisits are to <strong>Commonwealth</strong> countries,where she often meets communitygroups, as well as Heads of Government.She also has regular contact with <strong>the</strong><strong>Commonwealth</strong> Secretary-General,through whom she keeps up to datewith current developments.<strong>Commonwealth</strong> Day ➤<strong>Commonwealth</strong> Day is celebrated everyyear on <strong>the</strong> second Monday <strong>in</strong> March.The idea was proposed and discussed by<strong>Commonwealth</strong> leaders <strong>in</strong> 1975, and itis marked by a large number of events,<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g a message from The Queen,designed to promote understand<strong>in</strong>gabout <strong>the</strong> work of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Commonwealth</strong>,and highlight areas of concern.HM Queen Elizabeth II at Westm<strong>in</strong>ster Abbey at<strong>Commonwealth</strong> Day Observance, 10 March 2008.The Head of <strong>the</strong><strong>Commonwealth</strong>The present Head of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Commonwealth</strong>is Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Herposition, however, is not <strong>in</strong>herited, andit is up to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Commonwealth</strong> Heads ofHow is <strong>the</strong><strong>Commonwealth</strong> f<strong>in</strong>anced?Compared to many o<strong>the</strong>r <strong>in</strong>ternationalorganisations, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Commonwealth</strong> hasa t<strong>in</strong>y budget. It works on less than oneper cent of <strong>the</strong> budget of <strong>the</strong> UKDepartment for InternationalDevelopment.The work of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Commonwealth</strong> isfunded pr<strong>in</strong>cipally through annualsubscriptions by member states paid to<strong>the</strong> Secretariat and Foundation <strong>in</strong>London. Levels are fixed accord<strong>in</strong>g toeach nation’s gross national product. Inaddition, voluntary contributions aremade to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Commonwealth</strong> Fund forTechnical Co-operation, <strong>the</strong><strong>Commonwealth</strong> Youth Programme(with offices <strong>in</strong> Guyana, India, SolomonIslands and Zambia), and <strong>the</strong> Vancouverbased<strong>Commonwealth</strong> of Learn<strong>in</strong>g.Co-operationJust and honest government 22Clos<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> gap 24Health and education 26Climate change andsusta<strong>in</strong>able development 28Culture and sport 30Opportunities 3220A practical guide to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Commonwealth</strong> ➤ Co-operation21PakistanPapuaNew Gu<strong>in</strong>eaRwandaSt Kittsand Nevis
Co-operationJust and honestgovernmentA democratic promiseThe S<strong>in</strong>gapore and HarareDeclarations <strong>in</strong> 1971 and 1991 (seepage 11) commit <strong>the</strong> <strong>Commonwealth</strong>to promot<strong>in</strong>g and support<strong>in</strong>gdemocracy <strong>in</strong> all member states.Democracy is <strong>the</strong> best guarantee for<strong>the</strong> ma<strong>in</strong>tenance of <strong>the</strong> rule of law,human rights, and good governance. Itdoesn’t guarantee <strong>the</strong> absence ofserious conflict with<strong>in</strong> or betweenstates, but it does reduce <strong>the</strong> likelihoodof it occurr<strong>in</strong>g. Good governance is alsoan effective remedy aga<strong>in</strong>st poverty.What is democracy? ➤ Democracyrefers to a system of governmentwhere decisions are taken ei<strong>the</strong>r bypeople directly, or throughrepresentatives whom <strong>the</strong>y haveelected.Government based on representativedemocracy has a number of fur<strong>the</strong>rcharacteristics; it …• is based on regular and freeelections• shows a will<strong>in</strong>gness to reflect andrespond to public op<strong>in</strong>ion• allows <strong>in</strong>dividuals, civil societyorganisations, and <strong>the</strong> media tocriticise governmentpolicy, and it• protects <strong>the</strong> rights of<strong>in</strong>dividuals andm<strong>in</strong>ority groups.Over <strong>the</strong> past 60 years, <strong>the</strong><strong>Commonwealth</strong> has acted on manyoccasions to reduce conflict and tosupport or help restore democracy <strong>in</strong>member states. Central to <strong>the</strong><strong>Commonwealth</strong>’s work is <strong>the</strong>establishment of dialogue betweengovernments, political parties, and civilsociety groups. The <strong>Commonwealth</strong>also offers member states tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g andguidance on manag<strong>in</strong>g elections,help<strong>in</strong>g citizens understand more about<strong>the</strong> election process, and monitor<strong>in</strong>g<strong>the</strong> conduct of elections, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>role of <strong>the</strong> media.Conflict resolution ➤ In 2002, <strong>the</strong>President of Guyana asked for <strong>the</strong><strong>Commonwealth</strong>’s support <strong>in</strong> deal<strong>in</strong>gwith hostility between <strong>the</strong> country’stwo ma<strong>in</strong> political parties, which washamper<strong>in</strong>g effective democraticgovernment. For <strong>the</strong> next four years,<strong>the</strong> <strong>Commonwealth</strong>’s special envoy, SirPaul Reeves, worked <strong>in</strong> Guyana, withgroups right across <strong>the</strong> politicalspectrum, encourag<strong>in</strong>g dialogue andtransparency <strong>in</strong> government.After a while, Parliament began towork noticeably better, <strong>the</strong> Oppositionreturned, and a new party emergedjust before <strong>the</strong> 2006 election. A mediamonitor<strong>in</strong>g unit was set up, and <strong>the</strong>major media outlets agreed not toreport statements <strong>in</strong>cit<strong>in</strong>g racialhatred.The elections were <strong>the</strong> most peaceful<strong>in</strong> 40 years, but distrust and <strong>in</strong>securityrema<strong>in</strong> of concern. The <strong>Commonwealth</strong>cont<strong>in</strong>ues to monitor events <strong>in</strong> Guyanaand provide advice and support.Encourag<strong>in</strong>g civil society ● The<strong>Commonwealth</strong> believes that civilsociety organisations are of particularimportance <strong>in</strong> promot<strong>in</strong>g democracyand protect<strong>in</strong>g human rights. There canbe a tendency, particularly <strong>in</strong> times ofheightened <strong>in</strong>ternational security, forgovernments to limit <strong>the</strong> scope fordebate and dissent. The<strong>Commonwealth</strong> encourages people’sparticipation <strong>in</strong> government, activelypromot<strong>in</strong>g this through <strong>the</strong> work of <strong>the</strong><strong>Commonwealth</strong> Foundation (seepage 19)Human rightsThe protection of human rights is afundamental pr<strong>in</strong>ciple of<strong>Commonwealth</strong> membership, and <strong>the</strong><strong>Commonwealth</strong> works <strong>in</strong> a number ofways to develop and uphold humanrights standards <strong>in</strong> member states.Best practice ● A wide network of<strong>Commonwealth</strong> professional and civilsociety organisations provide adviceand tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g on human rights. Thiscan take many forms,<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g help<strong>in</strong>g memberstates to establish <strong>the</strong>ir ownhuman rights commission;tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g groups like <strong>the</strong>police, civil servants andjudges, on ways of uphold<strong>in</strong>ghuman rights; andencourag<strong>in</strong>g memberstates to adoptpractices reflect<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>highest human rightsstandards.Too low ➤ New Zealand is one ofmany countries work<strong>in</strong>g to achieve <strong>the</strong><strong>Commonwealth</strong> target of hav<strong>in</strong>gwomen occupy<strong>in</strong>g at least 30 per centof <strong>the</strong> seats on local councils. Inresponse to this, <strong>the</strong> New ZealandHuman Rights <strong>Commission</strong> ran a seriesof regional workshops and eventsdesigned to <strong>in</strong>crease <strong>the</strong> nationalrepresentation of women.Deal<strong>in</strong>g with abuse ● Although agreat deal of work is done by <strong>the</strong><strong>Commonwealth</strong> help<strong>in</strong>g member statesdeal with human rights issues, <strong>the</strong><strong>Commonwealth</strong> never<strong>the</strong>less facescriticism for fail<strong>in</strong>g to be more vigilant <strong>in</strong>deal<strong>in</strong>g with member states who fallseriously below accepted <strong>in</strong>ternationalstandards. At <strong>the</strong> recent CHOGMmeet<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> Tr<strong>in</strong>idad and Tobago,representatives from a number ofmember states and civil societyorganisations urged <strong>the</strong><strong>Commonwealth</strong> to take a more proactiverole <strong>in</strong> deal<strong>in</strong>g with this.<strong>Commonwealth</strong> Photographic Awards 2004: RunnerUp - Africa. This photograph was taken <strong>in</strong> a smallrural village <strong>in</strong> sou<strong>the</strong>rn Botswana.22A practical guide to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Commonwealth</strong> ➤ Co-operation23St LuciaSt V<strong>in</strong>cent and<strong>the</strong> Grenad<strong>in</strong>esSamoaSeychelles
Co-operation<strong>Commonwealth</strong> Youth Credit Initiative(CYCI) launch <strong>in</strong> Gujarat India.Clos<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> gapAno<strong>the</strong>r wayAmongst its members, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Commonwealth</strong>has some of <strong>the</strong> richest andpoorest nations <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> world. It has someof <strong>the</strong> fastest-grow<strong>in</strong>g economies, butalso some of <strong>the</strong> world’s smallest states.This diversity equips <strong>the</strong> <strong>Commonwealth</strong>with considerable expertise, but itsbudget for <strong>the</strong> alleviation of poverty isvery small, particularly compared too<strong>the</strong>r specialist organisations.The <strong>Commonwealth</strong>, <strong>the</strong>refore, is nota big player <strong>in</strong> provid<strong>in</strong>g cash for aid oreconomic development. Instead, as <strong>in</strong>o<strong>the</strong>r aspects of its work, it tends tooperate beh<strong>in</strong>d <strong>the</strong> scenes, advis<strong>in</strong>g andguid<strong>in</strong>g member nations, and help<strong>in</strong>g<strong>the</strong>m obta<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> support <strong>the</strong>y need,often directly from o<strong>the</strong>r member nations.An eng<strong>in</strong>eer with hard-hat andsurvey equipment <strong>in</strong> Dom<strong>in</strong>ica.Programmes and <strong>in</strong>itiativesThe <strong>Commonwealth</strong>, through its manyaffiliated organisations, runs a largenumber of development programmesand <strong>in</strong>itiatives for both <strong>the</strong> public andprivate sectors, help<strong>in</strong>g member statesimprove <strong>the</strong>ir efficiency <strong>in</strong> f<strong>in</strong>ance,manufactur<strong>in</strong>g, and farm<strong>in</strong>g, andadvis<strong>in</strong>g on ways of diversify<strong>in</strong>g exportsand attract<strong>in</strong>g new <strong>in</strong>vestment.Fast track ➤ At <strong>the</strong> request of <strong>the</strong>Kenyan authorities, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Commonwealth</strong>Secretariat undertook a study of <strong>the</strong>organisation of <strong>the</strong> customs facilities atNairobi airport and at <strong>the</strong> docks <strong>in</strong>Mombasa. Recommendations from thiswork led to <strong>the</strong> time taken for goods topass through customs fall<strong>in</strong>g from anaverage of eight to two days.Support for agricultural research andtra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g programmes is an importantpart of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Commonwealth</strong>’s work,us<strong>in</strong>g its professional l<strong>in</strong>ks andnetworks to dissem<strong>in</strong>ate <strong>in</strong>formationand good practice to help farmers moreeffectively manage <strong>the</strong> effects ofclimate change.The size and extent of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Commonwealth</strong>also enables it to createpartnerships with o<strong>the</strong>r major <strong>in</strong>ternationalorganisations and to have a directimpact on world op<strong>in</strong>ion. One of <strong>the</strong>best examples of this is <strong>the</strong> pioneer<strong>in</strong>gwork of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Commonwealth</strong> on debtrelief for <strong>the</strong> world’s poorest nations.It was at a meet<strong>in</strong>g of <strong>Commonwealth</strong>F<strong>in</strong>ance M<strong>in</strong>isters <strong>in</strong> Barbados <strong>in</strong> 1987,that debt relief was first discussed.<strong>Commonwealth</strong> Foreign M<strong>in</strong>isters andcivil society groups cont<strong>in</strong>ued to lobbyfor <strong>the</strong> idea dur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> 1990s and,because of <strong>the</strong>ir <strong>in</strong>itiative, more than$110m of debt has been removed fromsome of <strong>the</strong> poorest states, releas<strong>in</strong>gfunds for health, education and o<strong>the</strong>rimprovements.New bus<strong>in</strong>esses ● <strong>Commonwealth</strong>support is particularly directed at <strong>the</strong>development of small and medium sizebus<strong>in</strong>esses and help<strong>in</strong>g to improveprospects for younger people.Small states ● Thirty two<strong>Commonwealth</strong> countries are classifiedas small states. These are technicallydef<strong>in</strong>ed as hav<strong>in</strong>g a population of 1.5million people or less. With limitedresources, small states face particularchallenges. However, as members of<strong>the</strong> <strong>Commonwealth</strong>, <strong>the</strong>y have anequal voice with larger member states,and a major <strong>in</strong>ternational organisationas a platform for representation.Start<strong>in</strong>g off ➤ The <strong>Commonwealth</strong>Youth Credit Initiative helps youngpeople start bus<strong>in</strong>esses by offer<strong>in</strong>g<strong>the</strong>m small loans and bus<strong>in</strong>ess tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g.The scheme has helped thousands ofbus<strong>in</strong>esses get off <strong>the</strong> ground. Onebus<strong>in</strong>ess owner, a young woman fromAhmadabad, <strong>in</strong> Gujarat, <strong>in</strong> India, said:"I didn't know I could ever dosometh<strong>in</strong>g useful. My family is veryproud of me. I have money over everyweek, after mak<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> repayments.I put some of it back <strong>in</strong>to mylaundrette and most of <strong>the</strong> rest goes tosupport my children".Help and guidance ➤ Under present<strong>in</strong>ternational law, coastal states control<strong>the</strong> undersea resources up to 200 milesfrom <strong>the</strong>ir shore. However, <strong>the</strong> UnitedNations’, has recently given countries<strong>the</strong> opportunity to apply to extend thislimit to give <strong>the</strong>mselves rights over amuch wider area, if <strong>the</strong>y can show that<strong>the</strong> national natural landmass extendsbeyond this limit.Mak<strong>in</strong>g a case of this k<strong>in</strong>d requiresdetailed scientific surveys and analysis,which small nations may f<strong>in</strong>d difficultto organise. To date, <strong>the</strong><strong>Commonwealth</strong> has helped 15countries lodge claims for additionalareas of <strong>the</strong> seabed, giv<strong>in</strong>g greateraccess to m<strong>in</strong>eral deposits and o<strong>the</strong>rmar<strong>in</strong>e resources, and provid<strong>in</strong>g anopportunity for greater long termeconomic development.24A practical guide to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Commonwealth</strong> ➤ Co-operation25Sierra Leone S<strong>in</strong>gapore Solomon IslandsSouth Africa
Co-operationHealth andeducationThe need for goodhealth carePeople <strong>in</strong> <strong>Commonwealth</strong> develop<strong>in</strong>gcountries often suffer as a result of poorhealth care. With relatively little<strong>in</strong>vestment <strong>in</strong> public hospitals andmedical staff, patients ei<strong>the</strong>r fail to seekhelp, or are required to travel longdistances for treatment. The problemcan be heightened by <strong>the</strong> loss oftra<strong>in</strong>ed medical staff overseas. One way<strong>in</strong> which <strong>the</strong> <strong>Commonwealth</strong> hasworked to address this has beenthrough <strong>the</strong> development of a code ofpractice for <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>ternational recruitmentof health workers, which aims to protect<strong>the</strong> most vulnerable states from <strong>the</strong>unmanaged exodus of skilled staff.The challenge of HIV and AIDS ●More than 65 million people havebecome <strong>in</strong>fected with HIV s<strong>in</strong>ce <strong>the</strong>pandemic began more than 20 yearsago; and more than 25 million of <strong>the</strong>sehave died. Today, about 60 per cent of<strong>the</strong> world’s HIV cases are amongst<strong>Commonwealth</strong> citizens, and deal<strong>in</strong>gwith this is a major challenge.Through advice and tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g obta<strong>in</strong>edfrom <strong>Commonwealth</strong> programmes,government officials <strong>in</strong> a number of<strong>Commonwealth</strong> countries have beenable to negotiate better access toantiretroviral drugs, which slow down<strong>the</strong> progress of <strong>the</strong> disease. Today,almost 30 per cent of <strong>Commonwealth</strong>citizens requir<strong>in</strong>g antiretroviral <strong>the</strong>rapyare receiv<strong>in</strong>g it, compared with just twoper cent <strong>in</strong> 2003.Children receiv<strong>in</strong>g dietary supplements froma mobile cl<strong>in</strong>ic <strong>in</strong> Garissa district, Kenya.Positive liv<strong>in</strong>g ➤ The <strong>Commonwealth</strong>Young Ambassadors for Positive Liv<strong>in</strong>gProgramme enables young peopleliv<strong>in</strong>g with HIV to share <strong>the</strong>irexperiences with o<strong>the</strong>rs, and creategreater awareness. There are nownational and regional Programmes <strong>in</strong>Africa, Asia and <strong>the</strong> Caribbean,particularly target<strong>in</strong>g young people <strong>in</strong><strong>the</strong> 15-29 age group.With support from <strong>the</strong> Secretariatand Foundation, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Commonwealth</strong>HIV and AIDS Action Group is work<strong>in</strong>gto reduce <strong>the</strong> stigma anddiscrim<strong>in</strong>ation often associated withpeople liv<strong>in</strong>g with HIV and AIDS.Crisis <strong>in</strong> non-communicablediseases ● Heart disease, diabetesand o<strong>the</strong>r non-communicable diseasescause half of all deaths worldwide,often tipp<strong>in</strong>g vulnerable familiesbelow <strong>the</strong> poverty l<strong>in</strong>e. In 2009<strong>Commonwealth</strong> Heads of Governmentcalled for a worldwide strategicapproach to monitor <strong>the</strong> diseases andaddress <strong>the</strong>ir causes and repercussions.The importanceof educationEducation is one of <strong>the</strong> most effectivelong-term ways of rais<strong>in</strong>g a nation’sstandard of liv<strong>in</strong>g. It is a central priorityfor <strong>the</strong> <strong>Commonwealth</strong>, which works <strong>in</strong>many ways to enhance <strong>the</strong> lives ofyoung people, <strong>in</strong> school, at work, and <strong>in</strong>higher education, see page 11.Millennium Development Goals ●In September 2000, under <strong>the</strong> auspicesof <strong>the</strong> UN, leaders of <strong>the</strong> world’snations committed <strong>the</strong>ir countries to along-term programme of help for <strong>the</strong>poorest people <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> world. Theirdeclaration took <strong>the</strong> form of eightMillennium Development Goals, to beachieved by a target date of 2015.One of <strong>the</strong> Goals is <strong>the</strong> provision ofuniversal primary education; ano<strong>the</strong>r isgender equality. With an estimated 30million of its children not attend<strong>in</strong>gprimary school, and a disproportionatenumber of <strong>the</strong>se be<strong>in</strong>g girls, <strong>the</strong><strong>Commonwealth</strong> is an active partner <strong>in</strong>work<strong>in</strong>g to achieve <strong>the</strong>se aims.Clos<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> gap ➤ Nearly 30<strong>Commonwealth</strong> education networkscome toge<strong>the</strong>r under <strong>the</strong> banner of<strong>the</strong> <strong>Commonwealth</strong> Consortium forEducation. The Consortium drawstoge<strong>the</strong>r voices from across <strong>the</strong><strong>Commonwealth</strong> to makerecommendations to <strong>the</strong> three-yearlymeet<strong>in</strong>gs of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Commonwealth</strong>Education M<strong>in</strong>isters.Meet<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> demand ● Br<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>gmore children <strong>in</strong>to school requiresgreater fund<strong>in</strong>g, more teach<strong>in</strong>gresources, and <strong>the</strong> creation of an<strong>in</strong>creased number of qualified staff.The <strong>Commonwealth</strong> works with a largenumber of groups help<strong>in</strong>g memberstates to address <strong>the</strong>se issues.The <strong>Commonwealth</strong> of Learn<strong>in</strong>g ➤Based <strong>in</strong> Vancouver, and created by <strong>the</strong><strong>Commonwealth</strong> Heads of Government,<strong>the</strong> <strong>Commonwealth</strong> of Learn<strong>in</strong>gspecialises <strong>in</strong> open and distance learn<strong>in</strong>gthrough <strong>in</strong>formation and communicationstechnology. Its school-focussed projects<strong>in</strong>clude teacher development, teachereducation resources, and <strong>the</strong> electronicnetwork<strong>in</strong>g of schools and teachertra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g colleges.Gender equality ● Equal access toeducation for boys and girls, and <strong>the</strong>equal treatment with<strong>in</strong> schools, areimportant ways of improv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> livesof both <strong>in</strong>dividuals and entirecommunities. The <strong>Commonwealth</strong>works <strong>in</strong> partnership with a wide rangeof organisations to help achieve thisMillennium Development Goal.Pupils atBudo Juniorschool <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>district ofWakiso.A key <strong>in</strong>itiative is <strong>the</strong> <strong>Commonwealth</strong> <strong>Scholarship</strong>s and Fellowships Plan which, forfifty years, has enabled students to undertake courses overseas. Many go on tomake significant contributions towards <strong>the</strong>ir areas of specialism.26Sri LankaSwaziland Tonga Tr<strong>in</strong>idadand TobagoA practical guide to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Commonwealth</strong> ➤ Co-operation27
Co-operationClimate changeand susta<strong>in</strong>abledevelopmentClimate changeDeal<strong>in</strong>g with climate change is one of<strong>the</strong> greatest challenges fac<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> worldtoday. All countries are affected; butsome are especially vulnerable –particularly small and low-<strong>in</strong>come states.In 1987, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Commonwealth</strong> was <strong>the</strong>first major <strong>in</strong>ter-governmentalorganisation to commission a scientificstudy on <strong>the</strong> effects of variations <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>world’s climate. Published two yearslater, <strong>the</strong> Holdgate Report warned:“Changes <strong>in</strong> climate will change <strong>the</strong>frequency of extreme climatic eventssuch as severe tropical storms, floods,droughts or extremes of heat”, andcalled for a major <strong>in</strong>ternational <strong>in</strong>itiativeto establish global responsibilities forprevent<strong>in</strong>g unmanageable rises <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>world’s temperature.The same year, at <strong>the</strong>ir meet<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>Malaysia, <strong>Commonwealth</strong> Heads ofGovernment issued <strong>the</strong> LangkawiDeclaration, <strong>in</strong> which <strong>the</strong>y undertook totake immediate action to promotesusta<strong>in</strong>able development. They alsocalled for a wider <strong>in</strong>ternational agreementunder <strong>the</strong> auspices of <strong>the</strong> UnitedNations. This came three years later at<strong>the</strong> Rio de Janeiro Earth Summit.Small states ● The word<strong>in</strong>g of <strong>the</strong>Langkawi Declaration also drewattention to <strong>the</strong> dist<strong>in</strong>ct environmentalproblems faced by some develop<strong>in</strong>gcountries aris<strong>in</strong>g from poverty andpopulation pressures, and by someisland and low-ly<strong>in</strong>g areas, threatenedby ris<strong>in</strong>g sea levels.Today, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Commonwealth</strong> takes alead<strong>in</strong>g role <strong>in</strong> represent<strong>in</strong>g small stateson <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>ternational stage, and provides<strong>the</strong>m with tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g and guidance to<strong>in</strong>crease <strong>the</strong>ir effectiveness <strong>in</strong> climatechange negotiations.Under threat ➤ The Maldives comprise 1,190 islands and atolls <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> IndianOcean, with a land area of about 115 sq miles (300 sq km). The highest po<strong>in</strong>t of <strong>the</strong>islands reaches no more than eight feet (just over two metres) above sea level, whichmeans that, as sea levels rise, <strong>the</strong> very existence of Maldives becomes <strong>in</strong> jeopardy. Ifnoth<strong>in</strong>g is done to combat this, it is believed between 50 and 80 per cent of <strong>the</strong>islands will disappear <strong>in</strong> 50 years time.ForestryAs well as provid<strong>in</strong>g a habitat formillions of species, <strong>the</strong> world’s forestsare of both economic and ecologicalvalue. Forests provide many valuableproducts, but also exert a significant<strong>in</strong>fluence on climate patterns.An <strong>in</strong>ternational centre ➤ At <strong>the</strong>1989 <strong>Commonwealth</strong> Heads ofGovernment meet<strong>in</strong>g, Guyana’sPresident announced <strong>the</strong> sett<strong>in</strong>g asideof one million acres (370,000hectares) of ra<strong>in</strong> forest for purposes ofresearch as a wilderness preserve andfor susta<strong>in</strong>able use. Today <strong>the</strong>Iwokrama International Centreprovides practical guidance on <strong>the</strong> bestways of manag<strong>in</strong>g and ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>gforests of this k<strong>in</strong>d, along withimportant data on <strong>the</strong> ways <strong>in</strong> whichforests regulate climate.Iwokrama now works under a broadalliance that <strong>in</strong>cludes <strong>the</strong> European<strong>Commission</strong>, <strong>the</strong> United Nations, and awide range of specialist agencies.FisheriesThe decl<strong>in</strong>e of fish stocks is a problemconcern<strong>in</strong>g many countries throughout<strong>the</strong> world, and is of particularimportance to <strong>the</strong> 47 member stateswith coastl<strong>in</strong>es.The impact of over-fish<strong>in</strong>g is greateston those least responsible for <strong>the</strong>problem – members of poorer, morevulnerable, communities, who fishprimarily to survive. As well asmarg<strong>in</strong>alis<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>se groups, <strong>the</strong> loss offish stocks means that people may turnto hunt<strong>in</strong>g – someth<strong>in</strong>g generally muchless desirable than coastal fish<strong>in</strong>g.Commitment to action ➤ Between2007 and 2009, three <strong>Commonwealth</strong>organisations, headed by <strong>the</strong><strong>Commonwealth</strong> Foundation, ran aseries of programmes designed to raiseawareness about <strong>the</strong> problem of illegalfish<strong>in</strong>g and <strong>the</strong> need for greatermeasures to help susta<strong>in</strong> exist<strong>in</strong>g stocks.These concerns were put to<strong>Commonwealth</strong> Heads of Governmentat <strong>the</strong>ir meet<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> Tr<strong>in</strong>idad and Tobago,with leaders agree<strong>in</strong>g to undertakeurgent action to streng<strong>the</strong>n mar<strong>in</strong>emanagement, particularly <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> watersof more vulnerable member states.M<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>gM<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g and energy production are important <strong>in</strong>dustries for any country, but not allgovernments have <strong>the</strong> knowledge of how to develop <strong>the</strong>se sectors <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> long termnational <strong>in</strong>terest. However, <strong>Commonwealth</strong> states such as Australia, Botswana, andSouth Africa have considerable experience <strong>in</strong> this k<strong>in</strong>d of resource managementand, with help from <strong>the</strong> <strong>Commonwealth</strong>, are able to share this expertise with o<strong>the</strong>rmember nations.S<strong>in</strong>ce <strong>the</strong> discovery of significant oil stocks <strong>in</strong> Belize <strong>in</strong> 2005, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Commonwealth</strong>has been help<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> Government develop a petroleum tax and royalty structuredesigned to benefit <strong>the</strong> management and <strong>in</strong>vestment of <strong>the</strong> new oil revenues.28Tuvalu Uganda United K<strong>in</strong>gdom United Republicof TanzaniaA practical guide to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Commonwealth</strong> ➤ Co-operation29
Co-operationCulture and sportThe promotion of culture and sport arenot obvious ways <strong>in</strong> which to addresssome of <strong>the</strong> world’s most press<strong>in</strong>gissues. But <strong>the</strong> <strong>Commonwealth</strong>believes that cultural expression,creativity, and competition can be astrong force for human developmentand social justice.The cultural connectionCulture – <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> sense of arts andcultural expression – may be harnessedto benefit communities <strong>in</strong> many ways.Creative <strong>in</strong>dustries can make asignificant contribution to both localand national economies. With relativelylow start-up costs, <strong>the</strong>y may also offeran effective means of <strong>in</strong>troduc<strong>in</strong>ggreater economic diversity.A legal framework ➤ The<strong>Commonwealth</strong> supports <strong>the</strong> PacificIslands Forum <strong>in</strong> its work to developlaws and guidel<strong>in</strong>es designed to helpproducers of traditional arts and craftsprotect <strong>the</strong>ir <strong>in</strong>tellectual property fromunwanted commercial exploitation.Culture may also be used as an<strong>in</strong>strument of social or political change.The visual and perform<strong>in</strong>g arts can beparticularly effective (especially <strong>in</strong> hardto-reachcommunities) <strong>in</strong> convey<strong>in</strong>gmessages about legal and politicalrights, or health and environmentalconcerns.Promot<strong>in</strong>g and valu<strong>in</strong>g culture is alsocentral to develop<strong>in</strong>g respect andunderstand<strong>in</strong>g between people withdifferent identities. A failure to takeculture seriously may result <strong>in</strong> missedopportunities, <strong>the</strong> marg<strong>in</strong>alisation ofgroups or communities, and <strong>the</strong>destruction of habitats and livelihoods.Tak<strong>in</strong>g culture seriouslyThe promotion of culture is central to<strong>the</strong> work of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Commonwealth</strong>Foundation, see page 19. It runs anumber of prizes and programmeshelp<strong>in</strong>g <strong>Commonwealth</strong> artists, writers,musicians and filmmakers to make aliv<strong>in</strong>g from <strong>the</strong>ir work. Amongst <strong>the</strong>best-known of <strong>the</strong>se is <strong>the</strong><strong>Commonwealth</strong> Writers’ Prize,established <strong>in</strong> 1987 to take <strong>the</strong> best of<strong>Commonwealth</strong> writ<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> English to awider audience.Culture also plays an important part <strong>in</strong><strong>the</strong> Foundation’s o<strong>the</strong>r work ongovernance, democracy and humandevelopment, through <strong>the</strong> use of music,drama, and street <strong>the</strong>atre to convey keyideas about political rights or healthconcerns, to both mass and hard-toreachaudiences.Musicians perform<strong>in</strong>g at a <strong>Commonwealth</strong>Day celebration <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Commonwealth</strong>Youth Programme (CYP) Africa RegionalCentre <strong>in</strong> Lusaka, Zambia.Medal W<strong>in</strong>ners at <strong>the</strong> 2002<strong>Commonwealth</strong> Games <strong>in</strong> Manchester, UK.SportThe <strong>Commonwealth</strong> Games arearguably one of <strong>the</strong> most widely-known<strong>Commonwealth</strong> activities. The idea wasfirst raised <strong>in</strong> 1891 by <strong>the</strong> Rev AstlyCooper, who suggested <strong>the</strong> competition“as a means of <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> goodwilland good understand<strong>in</strong>g of <strong>the</strong> Empire.”The first Games, however, were no<strong>the</strong>ld until 1930, after a proposal byCanadian, Bobby Rob<strong>in</strong>son. Known<strong>in</strong>itially as <strong>the</strong> British Empire Games,<strong>the</strong> first competition took place <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>Canadian city of Hamilton, with$30,000 be<strong>in</strong>g provided by <strong>the</strong> city tohelp cover <strong>the</strong> travel costs of <strong>the</strong>participat<strong>in</strong>g nations.S<strong>in</strong>ce <strong>the</strong>n, <strong>the</strong> Games have beenheld every four years, except <strong>in</strong> 1942and 1946 as a result of <strong>the</strong> SecondWorld War, and today <strong>the</strong>y are knownsimply as <strong>the</strong> <strong>Commonwealth</strong> Games.For many years, <strong>the</strong> programmeconsisted of only s<strong>in</strong>gle sportscompetitions, such as athletics, box<strong>in</strong>gand swimm<strong>in</strong>g. The 1998 Games <strong>in</strong>Kuala Lumpur were <strong>the</strong> first to <strong>in</strong>cludeteam sports.A fur<strong>the</strong>r development took place <strong>in</strong>2000, with <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>troduction of <strong>the</strong><strong>Commonwealth</strong> Youth Games, open toathletes aged 18 and under. The firstcompetition was held <strong>in</strong> Ed<strong>in</strong>burgh and<strong>the</strong> next, <strong>in</strong> 2011, will be on <strong>the</strong> Isle ofMan.In 2002, Manchester hosted <strong>the</strong> Gamesand, for <strong>the</strong> first time, at any multi-sportworld event, a number of events wereheld for athletes with a disability.New Delhi won <strong>the</strong> right to hold <strong>the</strong>Games <strong>in</strong> 2010 and Glasgow <strong>in</strong> 2014.In <strong>the</strong> first <strong>Commonwealth</strong> Games,400 competitors took part <strong>in</strong> 59 events<strong>in</strong> six sports. Today <strong>the</strong>re are 17 sports;and <strong>the</strong> Games village <strong>in</strong> Delhi has <strong>the</strong>capacity to welcome 8,500 competitorsand officials.The ties of sport ● Although <strong>the</strong><strong>Commonwealth</strong> Games is <strong>the</strong> sport<strong>in</strong>gevent that unites all <strong>Commonwealth</strong>countries, o<strong>the</strong>r sports, such as cricket,football, rugby, hockey, and badm<strong>in</strong>ton,are also played widely throughout <strong>the</strong><strong>Commonwealth</strong>, serv<strong>in</strong>g to br<strong>in</strong>gpeople and nations toge<strong>the</strong>r.International Test cricket is playedprimarily between <strong>Commonwealth</strong>member states.30A practical guide to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Commonwealth</strong> ➤ Co-operation31Vanuatu Zambia The <strong>Commonwealth</strong> Flag
Co-operationOpportunitiesAlthough <strong>the</strong> <strong>Commonwealth</strong> is rightlyperceived as a major <strong>in</strong>ternationalorganisation, its structure is built arounda wide array of civil society groups,which play a vital part <strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong>form<strong>in</strong>g andshap<strong>in</strong>g <strong>Commonwealth</strong> policy.However, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Commonwealth</strong> alsoencourages <strong>in</strong>volvement from<strong>in</strong>dividuals through consultation,competitions and exchanges. A numberof <strong>the</strong>se opportunities are listed below.The <strong>Commonwealth</strong>People’s ForumFor more than ten years, <strong>the</strong><strong>Commonwealth</strong> Foundation hasprovided an opportunity, at eachCHOGM venue, for <strong>in</strong>dividuals as wellas civil society groups, to meet anddiscuss issues of current concern. Aparallel event for 15-29 year-olds is alsoheld alongside <strong>the</strong> ma<strong>in</strong> Forum. Detailsof <strong>the</strong> most recent meet<strong>in</strong>gs <strong>in</strong> Tr<strong>in</strong>idadand Tobago are available from <strong>the</strong>Foundation’s website,www.commonwealthfoundation.com.Youth programmesA great deal of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Commonwealth</strong>’swork relates to <strong>the</strong> present and futureneeds of younger people. The Royal<strong>Commonwealth</strong> Society organises anumber of activities specifically foryoung people, and some of <strong>the</strong>se arelisted below. More details can found on<strong>the</strong> Society’s website, www.<strong>the</strong>rcs.orgDelegates at <strong>the</strong> sixth<strong>Commonwealth</strong> YouthForum, Entebbe, Uganda,November 2007.32Youth Summits ● An opportunity foryoung people to come toge<strong>the</strong>r anddebate important issues of <strong>the</strong> day.Youth leadership ● Nkabom,mean<strong>in</strong>g ‘com<strong>in</strong>g toge<strong>the</strong>r’, is a ten-dayprogramme open to about thirty 18-26year-olds, from all parts of <strong>the</strong><strong>Commonwealth</strong>. Held every two years,<strong>in</strong> a different <strong>Commonwealth</strong> location,<strong>the</strong> Programme aims to help youngpeople engage more effectively with<strong>the</strong>ir own and <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>ternationalcommunity, and to give <strong>the</strong>m skills andconfidence to act as effective agents ofchange.Competitions and awards ● Eachyear <strong>the</strong> Royal <strong>Commonwealth</strong> Societyholds competitions and awards foressay writ<strong>in</strong>g, photography and filmmak<strong>in</strong>g.They are open to anyone under<strong>the</strong> age of 30, with prizes that <strong>in</strong>cludecash, equipment and fur<strong>the</strong>r guidance.Exchange Schemes ● The<strong>Commonwealth</strong> Youth ExchangeCouncil can provide support, guidanceand fund<strong>in</strong>g for youth exchangesbetween <strong>the</strong> UK and o<strong>the</strong>r<strong>Commonwealth</strong> countries. Details ofplann<strong>in</strong>g and organis<strong>in</strong>g this areavailable from <strong>the</strong> Council’s website,www.cyec.org.uk.ContactsListed below are some of <strong>the</strong> many organisations associated with <strong>the</strong> <strong>Commonwealth</strong>.ABCDEFGHJLAssociation of <strong>Commonwealth</strong> Archivistsand Records Managers www.acarm.org<strong>Commonwealth</strong> Association of Architectswww.comarchitect.orgRoyal Agricultural Society of <strong>the</strong><strong>Commonwealth</strong> www.commagshow.org<strong>Commonwealth</strong> Broadcast<strong>in</strong>g Associationwww.cba.org.uk/<strong>in</strong>dex.php<strong>Commonwealth</strong> Bus<strong>in</strong>ess Councilwww.cbcglobal.org<strong>Commonwealth</strong> Countries Leaguewww.ccl-<strong>in</strong>t.orgRoyal <strong>Commonwealth</strong> Societywww.<strong>the</strong>rcs.orgThe <strong>Commonwealth</strong> Associationwww.comassoc.org<strong>Commonwealth</strong> Dental Associationwww.cdauk.com<strong>Commonwealth</strong> Consortium for Educationwww.commonweal<strong>the</strong>ducation.org<strong>Commonwealth</strong> Council for EducationalAdm<strong>in</strong>istration and Managementwww.cceam.org<strong>Commonwealth</strong> Education Trustwww.cet1886.org<strong>Commonwealth</strong> Eng<strong>in</strong>eers Councilwww.ice.org.ukCouncil for Education <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><strong>Commonwealth</strong> www.cecomm.org.uk/home<strong>Commonwealth</strong> Forestry Associationwww.cfa-<strong>in</strong>ternational.org<strong>Commonwealth</strong> Foundationwww.commonwealthfoundation.comFriends of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Commonwealth</strong>www.commonwealthfriends.org<strong>Commonwealth</strong> Games Federationwww.<strong>the</strong>cgf.com<strong>Commonwealth</strong> Geographical Bureauwww.commonwealthgeography.org<strong>Commonwealth</strong> Association for Health andDisabilities supramaniam@l<strong>in</strong>eone.net<strong>Commonwealth</strong> HIV and AIDs Action Group(Para55) www.para55.org<strong>Commonwealth</strong> Human Ecology Councilwww.chec-hq.org<strong>Commonwealth</strong> Human Rights Initiativewww.humanrights<strong>in</strong>itiative.org<strong>Commonwealth</strong> Journalists Associationwww.commonwealthjournalists.com<strong>Commonwealth</strong> Judicial Education Institutewww.cjei.orgAssociation for <strong>Commonwealth</strong> Literatureand Language Studies www.aclals.ulg.ac.be/<strong>Commonwealth</strong> Association of Law ReformAgencies www.calras.org<strong>Commonwealth</strong> Lawyers Associationwww.commonwealthlawyers.com<strong>Commonwealth</strong> of Learn<strong>in</strong>g www.col.org<strong>Commonwealth</strong> Legal EducationNPTUYAssociation www.cleaonl<strong>in</strong>e.org<strong>Commonwealth</strong> Local Government Forumwww.clgf.org.ukM <strong>Commonwealth</strong> Association of Museumswww.maltwood.uvic.ca/cam<strong>Commonwealth</strong> Magistrates and JudgesAssociation www.cmja.org<strong>Commonwealth</strong> Medical Associationwww.commonwealthmedics.orgConference of <strong>Commonwealth</strong>Meteorologists www.commonwealthmet.org<strong>Commonwealth</strong> Nurses Federationwww.commonwealthnurses.org<strong>Commonwealth</strong> Association for PublicAdm<strong>in</strong>istration and Managementwww.capam.org<strong>Commonwealth</strong> Association of PaediatricGastroenterology and Nutritionwww.capgan.org<strong>Commonwealth</strong> Association of Plannerswww.commonwealth-planners.org<strong>Commonwealth</strong> Parliamentary Associationwww.cpahq.org<strong>Commonwealth</strong> Pharmacists Associationwww.commonwealthpharmacy.orgR Royal Overseas League www.rosl.org.ukS <strong>Commonwealth</strong> Secretariatwww.<strong>the</strong>commonwealth.org<strong>Commonwealth</strong> Association of Science,Technology and Ma<strong>the</strong>matics Educatorswww.castme.org<strong>Commonwealth</strong> Organisation for SocialWork www.sasw.org.sg/cosw<strong>Commonwealth</strong> Association of Survey<strong>in</strong>gand Land Economy www.casle.org<strong>Commonwealth</strong> <strong>Scholarship</strong>s <strong>Commission</strong>www.cscuk.org.ukInstitute of <strong>Commonwealth</strong> Studieswww.commonwealth.sas.ac.ukRoyal <strong>Commonwealth</strong> Ex-Services Leaguewww.commonwealthveterans.org.uk<strong>Commonwealth</strong> Association of TaxAdm<strong>in</strong>istrators www.catatax.org<strong>Commonwealth</strong> TelecommunicationsOrganisation www.cto.<strong>in</strong>t<strong>Commonwealth</strong> Trade Union Groupwww.tuc.org.uk/<strong>in</strong>ternational/tuc-17116-f0.cfmLeague for <strong>the</strong> Exchange of <strong>Commonwealth</strong>Teachers www.lect.org.uk/home.aspxAssociation of <strong>Commonwealth</strong> Universitieswww.acu.ac.ukW <strong>Commonwealth</strong> War Graves <strong>Commission</strong>www.cwgc.org<strong>Commonwealth</strong> Women's Networkwww.commonwealthwomen.net<strong>Commonwealth</strong> Youth Exchange Councilwww.cyec.org.uk