The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of fifty six independent and equal countries, home to 2.5 billion people and encompassing both advanced economies and developing nations. Thirty of these members are small states, including many island nations (SIDS). The member governments have committed to shared goals such as development, democracy, and peace, with their values and principles articulated in the Commonwealth Charter. While the Commonwealth has historical ties to the British Empire, today, any country can join. Gabon and Togo were the latest to join in 2022.
The Commonwealth Secretariat plays a vital role in helping member countries achieve their shared goals. They act as a voice for small and vulnerable states, advocating for their interests on the global stage. They are committed to championing young people, promoting justice and human rights, and tackling major threats like climate change, debt, and inequality. By supporting economic growth and boosting trade, they help nations develop stronger economies. They assist decision-makers in crafting effective laws and policies, strengthening governance, and building inclusive public institutions. The Secretariat provides technical assistance and training, sending experts and observers to offer impartial advice and address national challenges. They also supply systems, software, and research for better resource management, ensuring that member countries have the tools they need to succeed.
The team at the Centre for Resilience and Sustainable Development is proud to partner with the Commonwealth Secretariat on the joint project "Their Future, Our Action," a successful three-year collaboration. Our award-winning action research has shown how to co-create research design with decision-makers and generate actionable evidence, leading to the creation of and 10,000 training places through Simplilearn which will lead to new opportunities for young people across the region. It has garnered over USD 10 million for investments in preventive digital health across the Caribbean.
We are delighted to collaborate with a wide range of the Commonwealth Secretariat’s team, including Secretary General Baroness Patricia Scotland, KC, Assistant Secretary-General Professor Luis Franceschi, and Deborah Jamieson (OBE), Chief of Staff and Senior Director. We look forward to continuing our collaborations with the Commonwealth Secretariat.