For the future growth, sustainability, and recognition of civil society as a robust, effective and meaningful sector, it must have the skills, knowledge and expertise to deliver social projects, drive change and support democratic process.
To fulfil its fullest potential civil society must have leaders who not only are knowledgeable about the issues, nationally and internationally and who have the ability to enact change but who also have the experience to meet and overcome problems as they arise.
This requires that civil society leaders are knowledgeable about the experiences, both positive and negative of all civil society, are equipped with the right tools to deal with new challenges and have the resources to direct change as appropriate.
Through the coordination and facilitation of learning exchanges around identified priority areas the Commonwealth Foundation supports the sharing of knowledge and thought leadership for the purpose of creating value and supporting change. The individual participants are empowered through a suite of workshops, facilitated discussions, and the sharing of expertise and experience of all participating members who contribute ideas and perspectives around thematic issues and areas of common concern and challenge.
The knowledge, expertise, advice, guidance and case studies provide an invaluable tool which the Commonwealth Foundation captures and publishes, to bolster the work of the wider civil society collective.
Currently we are
• organising the first Commonwealth Leadership Exchange, in the first half of the 2012 to bring together leaders in civil society from across the Commonwealth for a unique learning and sharing experience. The aim is to support capacity development, reflection and peer learning in a drive to empower leaders and make a more effective civil society. Out of this will come a publication of case studies, learning’s and ideas for the future.
For more information on these projects please contact:
Guy Holloway
g.holloway@commonwealth.int
+44 (0) 207 747 6576