The Commonwealth People’s Forum, now more than a decade old, is the most significant consultative policy making event in the Commonwealth calendar for civil society.
The CPF brings together civil society representatives from around the world, to discuss and debate key issues facing Commonwealth people. Held every two years in the run up to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), the CPF is the single biggest opportunity for civil society to engage with Commonwealth leaders on global development issues.
Civil society organisations are those that serve and give a voice to Commonwealth people, including charities, non-governmental organisations, professional associations, trade unions, faith groups and cultural practitioners.
The journey begins with a series of consultations where civil society has the opportunity to discuss important topics in their own nations and regions. These discussions culminate in a Civil Society Statement which is presented to Commonwealth leaders in the run up to the CHOGM. The Statement addresses issues relating to climate change, urbanisation, trade, human rights and more; providing a framework from which Commonwealth civil society can engage with Government.
The Forum itself provides a valuable arena for delegates to take part in workshops and assemblies, debating the issues raised in the Statement in preparation for a dialogue with Foreign Ministers as part of the CHOGM programme. Delegates will also have the opportunity to take part in a series of learning journeys, visiting community projects and organisations in the host country.
Accompanied by a series of exhibitions and cultural performances, the People’s Forum is hosted each year by a different Commonwealth member government in co-operation with the Commonwealth Foundation.
Previous Commonwealth People’s Forums have taken place in Scotland (1997), South Africa (1999), Australia (2001), Nigeria (2003), Malta (2005), Uganda (2007), Trinidad and Tobago (2009) and Australia (2011)