The Commonwealth People’s Forum (CPF) is a significant event in the Commonwealth calendar for civil society. Convened every two years alongside the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), the CPF brings together civil society organisations from across the Commonwealth to debate key issues facing Commonwealth people.
For civil society, the CPF is an opportunity for their voice to be heard and to make an impact on global development issues, such as climate change, gender and human rights. For governments, the CPF is an opportunity to engage with civil society; to hear what they have to say and to respond accordingly.
The CPF provides a valuable arena for civil society to build partnerships with public and private sectors offering opportunities for learning, networking and exchange.
The journey began with a series of national and then regional consultations where civil society had the opportunity to discuss important topics in their own nations and regions. These discussions culminated in a Civil Society Statement addressing issues relating to climate change, urbanisation, trade, human rights and more; providing a framework from which Commonwealth civil society can engage with Government.
Unlike previous years, the Statement was be produced in advance of the CPF, based on the outcomes of the regional civil society consultations. Initially presented at the Foreign Ministers’ meeting in New York on 22 September, this change of emphasis will elevate the Statement to become a much stronger advocacy tool in the CHOGM process, as well as guiding the discussions and actions arising from the CPF.
The Forum itself provides a valuable arena for delegates to take part in workshops, 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 Western Australia.