'The Commonwealth has tremendous potential to make a real difference to global multilateral affairs. By working together, Commonwealth Member States could change the tenor of the international discourse on development issues; such a moment should be seized,'
Commonwealth Civil Society Statement (p3), Perth, 2011
The Commonwealth Foundation’s intergovernmental status enables it to influence decisions at policy making level and provide unparalleled access to members of government at the highest levels.
This access not only allows the Commonwealth Foundation to voice the thoughts, desires and needs of civil society at different venues, but it also provides civil society with important information about the thoughts and direction of the Commonwealth and its member states.
The Civil Society Capacity Development programme supports the strengthening of institutional structures of the Commonwealth to allow civil society access to discussions and forums.
The programme works closely with the different Commonwealth bodies and associations, civil society, and citizens to shape their messages and provides through grant making and convening, access to the different ministerial and multilateral meetings so that their voices are heard.
In addition, understanding that the Commonwealth is one of many intergovernmental or multilateral organisations, the programme actively works to coordinate and influence the work that is undertaken at the regional and international level.
Currently we are
• working with civil society to create and strengthen connections with other intergovernmental organisations, like Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (IOF), so that information on trends, issues and activities inside and outside of the Commonwealth are accessed and shared. The aim is also to support concerted efforts by civil society to develop regional and global programmes and actions.
• supporting the coordination, consultation and implementation of the Commonwealth Civil Society Statement prior to the Commonwealth People’s Forum (CPF) and the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).
• Working with the accredited Commonwealth Associations , global, regional and national civil society organisations and leaders to develop briefs and to have representation at high level meetings.
For more information on these projects please contact:
Seth Lartey
s.lartey@commonwealth.int
+44 (0) 207 747 6577
Previous Activities:
• Policy Makers and Civil Society Partnerships, 2010
The programme works with accredited Commonwealth Associations, global, regional and national civil society organisations and leaders to develop briefs and to have representation at high level meetings.
Utilising its unique position as an intergovernmental organisation the Commonwealth Foundation, with the Commonwealth Association for Public Administration and Management (CAPAM) convened a group of civil society practitioners and policy makers to explore issues around effective partnerships. The results of this group were used to inform discussion in the lead up to the Commonwealth People’s Forum 2011.