Commonwealth Foundation
The Commonwealth Foundation is an intergovernmental organisation established in 1965, resourced by and reporting to Commonwealth governments, and guided by Commonwealth values and priorities. It aims to strengthen civil society in the achievement of Commonwealth priorities - democracy and good governance, respect for human rights and gender equality, poverty eradication and sustainable, people-centred development, and to promote arts and culture.
The Commonwealth Foundation is uniquely positioned at the interface between government and civil society. We are a development organisation dedicated to helping Commonwealth countries build stronger democracies through support to civil society. We create space at the international negotiating table to ensure the voice of civil society is heard. With our support, Commonwealth civil society has come together at the Commonwealth People’s Forum with a view to influencing Heads of Government for the past 20 years.
Western Australian Council of Social Service
Since 1956, WACOSS has been developing and strengthening the non-government community services sector's capacity to assist all Western Australians. At the heart of its activities, lies the belief that the mark of a civilised community is the support and help it gives to those most in need.
WACOSS and its members aim to improve the quality of life of people disadvantaged by the inequities of our society through:
- Improving community services by exchanging ideas, information, skills and resources
- Creating a strong, united and informed voice capable of advocating for the social needs of all Western Australians
A continual consultation process with members, their clients, the general public and other professional organisations enables WACOSS to identify and address social inequities within the community.
For more information visit the WACOSS website
Australian Government
The Australian Government is hosting the next Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) to be held in Perth, Western Australia, from 28-30 October 2011. The CHOGM2011 Taskforce has been established in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and is responsible for the administrative and logistical arrangements. The Taskforce liaises closely with the Western Australian Government. The formal agenda for CHOGM 2011 is organised in consultation by the Australian Government and in collaboration with the Commonwealth Secretariat. The program for CHOGM 2011 will be made available on the website www.CHOGM2011.org prior to the event.
The Australian Government provides financial and in-kind support to the Commonwealth People’s Forum as a parallel event associated with CHOGM.
Western Australian Government
The Western Australian Government is the government of the host state and city in which the Commonwealth People’s Forum and CHOGM 2011 will be held. Western Australia will support the Australian Government through the provision of key services including some aspects of event security, health and emergency services, and traffic management. In addition, the Western Australian Government will support a number of initiatives that promote the State and help the Western Australian community and businesses to participate in CHOGM 2011 activities and opportunities.
The Western Australian Government will also support WACOSS and the Commonwealth Foundation to stage a successful and productive Commonwealth People’s Forum, by providing financial and in-kind support.