Citizenship and participation

With the encouragement of member governments, we work with civil society to bring about a more participatory democratic culture across the Commonwealth.

Using our unique position as an interlocutor between governments and civil society, we help individuals and non-governmental organisations to have their say in policy making and legislative processes.

Guided by values set out in the Commonwealth Trinidad and Tobago Affirmation, we work to strengthen participatory democracy and governance in our member countries.

We provide training workshops and give our backing to forums where individual and community experiences can be shared. Harnessing the power of technology, we enable civil society groups to participate in online communities of practice.

Encouraging rigorous research to inform debate on issues of citizenship and participation, we also produce and disseminate reports and policy documents among key thinkers.

Workshops and resources

A Citizens Education Action Learning guide was developed in partnership with the Asia South Pacific Bureau of Adult Education. Drawing on previous resources and ASPBAE’s expertise in modules development, the guide introduces basic concepts such as governance and citizenship and examines ways to build inclusive governance and effective partnerships.