Economic policy is one of the root drivers for growth and prosperity. Well crafted, economic rules, regulations and agreements create the environment for jobs, security, and bread on the table for ordinary families. But when poorly designed, they can reap dire social and economic repercussions, especially for developing countries.

In Monterrey, Mexico, in 2002, world leaders resolved to address the challenge of financing for development. The Monterrey Consensus encompassed debt relief and financial crises, foreign direct investment and issues of trade, all areas of concern to Commonwealth civil society.

The Commonwealth Foundation advocates for new research and innovative approaches to promote partnerships, networks and exchanges. We mobilise support for vulnerable communities and ensure that policies are equitable, sustainable and reflect the interests of all.

Our handbooks, guides, briefs and other resources help civil society groups to decode complex economic laws and agreements. We also encourage practical skills development, entrepreneurship and social enterprise to increase income generation.
 

Projects

• Financing for Development, 2008
The Breaking the Taboo (2008) report was compiled to share experiences and highlight learning’s from the civil society consultation on innovative development financing mechanisms held in Dakar, Senegal, 19–20 April 2008. Funded and convened by the Commonwealth Foundation the consultation aimed to deepen understanding and build support among African civil society organisations for initiatives on global taxation and innovative financing mechanisms.

• Food and Energy, 2008
The Commonwealth Foundation funded an in depth piece of research and report, to assess the impact of rising food and energy prices on the successful realisation of the MDGs. The report, The Implications of High Food and Energy Prices for Economic Management (2008), analyses the impact of the current financial and food crisis in achieving MDG 1 (reducing poverty and hunger); identifies the countries and vulnerable groups most affected by it; and recommends policy actions to overcome the challenges derived from the crisis.

• Climate Change, 2007
At the Head of Government Meeting in Malta 2005 there was a call from members of the Commonwealth for ‘co-operation and continued international efforts to address the specific challenges posed by climate change’. The foundation continued this mandate by coordinating, convening and funding a pan-Commonwealth civil society consultation to identify strategies for poverty reduction in the context of climate change. Climate Change and its Implications: Which Way Now? (2007), is a policybrief on the outcomes of this process.

• Millennium Development Goals, 2005
Breaking with Business as Usual (2005): Providing a valuable counterpoise to official rhetoric, this report provides a glimpse at the global realities, as seen through the multifaceted lens of the Commonwealth civil society, and offers some pointers for the future successful completion of the MDGs. The Commonwealth Foundation worked across 14 countries with local civil society organisations, individuals and researchers to develop specific country reports, which highlighted progress towards the MDGs targets at the time.