We receive a large volume of enquiries related to the Commonwealth People's Forum and you may find the answer to your query in the frequently asked questions below.
a. What is the Commonwealth People’s Forum (CPF)?
The Commonwealth People’s Forum 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, the CPF is the single biggest opportunity for civil society to engage with Commonwealth leaders on global development issues.
b. What is the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM)?
This is the biennial meeting of Commonwealth Heads of Government who come together to discuss key issues of concern to Commonwealth countries and their people.
c. What is ‘civil society’?
Civil society is the collective term given to not for profit organisations, charities, faith groups, trade unions, professional bodies and other non-governmental, values-driven organisations.
d. What is the relationship between CHOGM and the CPF?
The CPF is held in the run up to the CHOGM, giving civil society a unique opportunity to present its views on global development issues to up to 54 Heads of Government from around the Commonwealth. These views are contained in the Civil Society Statement, a manifesto produced by civil society and used to guide discussions and identify key priorities and actions in the conversations between ministers, policy makers and civil society representatives at the CPF and CHOGM.
e. Who organises the CPF?
The 2011 CPF is organised by the Commonwealth Foundation and hosted by the Western Australian Council of Social Service with the support of the Australian Government and Western Australian Government.
f. When is the CPF being held?
The CPF will take place from Tuesday 25 October to Thursday 27 October, 2011.
g. Where is the CPF being held?
The CPF will take place at the Parmelia Hilton, Perth, Western Australia. Click here for further details.
h. Who can attend the CPF?
Anyone can register to attend.
i. How many people can attend the CPF?
The number of places is limited to 250. You are advised to register early.
j. How can I attend the CPF?
If you would like to come to the CPF you will first need to register. Registration will be on a ‘first come, first served’ basis.
k. How much does it cost to attend the CPF?
The cost to attend the CPF is $550AUD per person.
l. What does this pay for?
The fee provides:
• Welcome Pack
• Registration
• Accreditation pass
• Attendance at the full CPF 2011 programme of events.
• Participation on a ‘learning journey’ (see 3c below)
m. How do I pay?
An invoice for $550AUD will be sent to you within 7 working days of registering. Payment can be made via bank transfer to a choice of UK or Australian bank accounts. Details will be included on the invoice. Payment is required 14 working days from the date of invoice to confirm your place at the CPF. In the unlikely event that you do not secure a valid visa to travel to Australia, we will issue a full refund.
a. What is the purpose of the consultations that take place before the CPF?
A number of consultations will have taken place before the CPF to give civil society the opportunity to help shape the Civil Society Statement. This statement is the call to action summarising the challenges faced by civil society. It will be presented at the Foreign Ministers Meeting in New York in September 2011, allowing Ministers and their Heads of Government more time to consider its contents and any actions relating to it, at the actual CHOGM.
a. Where can I find out more about the CPF workshops?
The CPF programme consists of a series of plenary meetings and workshops looking at key development issues. Click here for more information.
b. How can my organisation contribute to the CPF programme?
If your organisation would like to help shape the direction of the programme and offer content to workshops and meetings, please contact us via the contact form here.
c. What are Learning Journeys?
Learning Journeys are short field trips to visit best standard, innovative community projects in and around Perth. They are designed to give delegates an opportunity to engage with the local host community.
d. What is the People’s Space?
The People’s Space is an open access area where groups and individuals can enter into a dialogue about shared issues across the Commonwealth and where the host community can participate in the cultural experiences on offer. A variety of cultural and community based events and activities will take place for the duration of the CPF and CHOGM 2011. The People’s Space will be located in the Perth Cultural Centre in Northbridge.
a. Is there any financial assistance available to take part in the CPF?
The Commonwealth Foundation cannot respond to individual requests for funding to attend. It does make a very limited provision for some individuals from developing countries to attend the CPF through the respective civil society organisations they represent. This arrangement is made between the Commonwealth Foundation and the organisation concerned. There are no other funds available.
a. Do I need a Visa to visit Australia?
All visitors coming to Australia must hold a valid visa to travel to and enter Australia (other than Guests of Government, New Zealand passport holders and residents of Norfolk Island). Delegates should refer to the CHOGM website at www.chogm2011.org and refer to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) link for information to identify the relevant and correct visa application process.
b. Is there any support to help me with my travel arrangements?
Delegates must make their own travel arrangements to Perth.
c. Is there local travel available?
Shuttle buses for delegates will be provided between Perth Airport and official CHOGM 2011 venues and hotels, including the Parmelia Hilton. Free bus services operate within the city centre.
a. How do I register for the CPF?
Registration will take place on this website from 19 May and close when capacity has been reached. You are strongly advised to register early.
b. What happens after I register?
When you submit your registration, you will receive a confirmation email that will include details of how to pay the registration fee and how to apply for a visa.
a. What is accreditation?
Once your registration as a CPF delegate has been processed through the accreditation system, you will receive an Accreditation Certificate from the Host Government in order to access the CPF venue. Data provided to the Commonwealth Foundation by delegates at the point of registration, will be shared with the Host Government, who will produce the Certificates. Data will be kept secure and not passed to any other parties in accordance with the UK Data Protection Act.
a. Who do I contact for CPF related media enquiries?
Contact Marcie Shaoul, Head of External Affairs: m.shaoul@commonwealth.int or call +44 (0)20 7747 6582.
b. I am a member of the media. How do I get accredited to attend the CPF?
You will need to apply for media accreditation through the official CHOGM 2011 website