Scottish Independence and Scotland's Future Scottish Innovation
Party (SIP) The
Commonwealth
The Commonwealth Family
The Commonwealth exists beyond the ties of history, language and
institutions, it is the association's values which unite its members:
democracy, freedom, peace, the rule of law and opportunity for all.
90th Birthday Message to
HM Queen Elizabeth II, Head of the Commonwealth
Commonwealth Secretary-General Rt Hon Patricia Scotland QC, delivers a
heartfelt birthday message to Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II on her
90th birthday
Rt Hon Patricia Scotland
QC welcome address at the Commonwealth Secretariat
Commonwealth Secretary-General, Rt Hon Patricia Scotland QC, speaking
about her vision for the Commonwealth.
The Commonwealth offers a clear route to building a global Britain
Ted Yarbrough is studying law, and blogs as Texan Tory. He has written a
thesis on Thatcherism’s effect on British culture.
Previously, I wrote about the need for the United Kingdom to focus on
the Anglosphere family when crafting its post-Brexit future. And indeed,
Australia and the United States not only have expressed interest in
quick free trade deals, but also in making it easier for our people to
work in each others’ countries. I am confident that the CANZUK nations
and the US will quickly form trading deals with the UK in time to go
into effect when the UK leave the EU. I am also confident that the UK
and Anglosphere nations will sign agreements to make it easier for their
citizens to work in each others’ countries.
However, what of the future? What should be the UK’s ambition in order
to be a truly global nation? For that vision of what Global Britain can
look like, one need not look farther than the Commonwealth.
The Commonwealth of Nations is the natural home of the United Kingdom if
it is to remain an international and vibrant nation. It has a bigger
economy than the EU and unlike the European Union, its economies are
growing exponentially. Of the 12 largest economies in the world,
excluding Great Britain, three are from the Commonwealth- Canada, India
and Australia. And unlike the EU which has some figures in it that wish
to “punish” the UK, Commonwealth friends such as Australia, Canada, New
Zealand, Singapore, India and Gambia have all called for new trade deals
and close ties with Britain. The UK has literally a queue of friends
waiting to have a relationship with it.
Furthermore, besides Canada, Australia, and India, the Commonwealth is
home to one of the world’s biggest financial centres in Singapore, the
biggest emerging Islamic financial hub in Kuala Lumpur, and the two
biggest economies in Africa – Nigeria and South Africa. It also is home
to New Zealand and many of the fastest growing economies in the world.
The British people, in their wisdom, decided it was best not to be
chained to an organisation in one continent that is bent on rule by
plutocrats in part because they are already part of an organisation that
spans the globe and shares in much of Great Britain’s values, history,
and culture that Europe does not – such as Common Law and cricket. With
Commonwealth nations rising, this is the perfect opportunity to make
deals to benefit the UK – and in a unique model built for the twenty
first century rather than the EU’s archaic single market. But, if not an
EU model, how should a Commonwealth Common Market look and function?
I humbly propose that by the time of the Commonwealth Heads of
Government Meeting in 2018, which will be held in London, plans be drawn
up for “C4” and “C9” agreements to prepare Britain for a post-EU global
future. “C9” would be a free trade pact between the nine big powers of
the Commonwealth – the UK, Canada, India, Australia, New Zealand,
Singapore, Malaysia, Nigeria and South Africa. This would be as big or
bigger than the 9 member EEC of the 1970s Britain joined but with a
bigger future upside. Secondly, the UK should push for free movement of
people where it makes sense – not from Eastern Europe in the EU, but
with natural allies who would fit in well in the UK. Like Boris Johnson,
I see strong advantages from freedom of movement with allies such as
Australia, and thus I propose making freedom of movement in a “C4” of
the UK, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand – the CANZUK nations. The C4
and the C9 would be a big step towards establishing the UK as a world
leader, not a nation begging self-important Eurocrats not to impose more
rules. The C4 and C9 agreements would go into effect the moment the UK
leaves the EU.
The world is a big and wonderful place filled with diverse people that
can learn from one another. In their Commonwealth friends, the UK has a
ticket to the world that most nations don’t have. Britain must
strengthen their Commonwealth bonds as soon as possible to create a
truly dynamic and lasting Global Britain.
Business in the Commonwealth
As a
body of countries, the Commonwealth plays a major part in the world
economy on multiple levels. Its members possess shared values — a desire
to be competitive on the world stage, an embracing of their inherent
diversity and contrasts, alongside a shared heritage and resulting
interconnection.
In a business context, the Commonwealth’s diversity makes it extremely
competitive. The Commonwealth is made up of a diverse mix of 11 high, 14
upper middle, 18 lower middle and ten lower income countries*. The
Commonwealth is a major player in many industries throughout the world;
examples include mining where Commonwealth nations rank in the top tier
of producers of gold, diamonds, platinum and other metals; information
technology services and publishing, where dominance is owed in part to
the widespread nature of the English language in Commonwealth member
countries; and tourism, due to the vast geographical and cultural range
of member countries. Tourism is a major contributor to GDP; seven
Commonwealth countries and territories are in the top 10 countries in
the world in terms of the sector’s contribution to GDP, many of which
are small island states.In financial services including banking and
insurance, Commonwealth countries and territories are the biggest
offshore financial centres in the world. Another significant industry is
that of accountancy, where all the largest firms originate and work
within the Commonwealth, and where the most prestigious and ubiquitous
international qualifications were created.
At the above link you will find information
on each country and when you visit the country page you can also find
information on individual sectors within that country so a really
excellent resource.
The
diplomatic foreign relations of the United Kingdom are conducted by the
Foreign and Commonwealth Office, headed by the Secretary of State for
Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs. The Prime Minister and numerous other
agencies play a role in setting policy, and many institutions and
businesses have a voice and a role.
Britain was the world's foremost power during the 18th, 19th and early
20th centuries, most notably during the so-called "Pax Britannica"—a
period of totally unrivaled supremacy and unprecedented international
peace during the mid-to-late 1800s. The country continued to be widely
considered a 'superpower' until the Suez crisis of 1956, and this
embarrassing incident coupled with the loss of the empire left the UK's
dominant role in global affairs to be gradually diminished.
Nevertheless, the United Kingdom remains a great power and a permanent
member of the United Nations Security Council, a founding member of the
G7, G8, G20, NATO, OECD, WTO, Council of Europe, OSCE, and the
Commonwealth of Nations, which is a legacy of the British Empire. The UK
has been a member state of the European Union (and a member of its
predecessors) since 1973, however due to the outcome of a 2016
membership referendum proceedings to withdraw from the EU began in 2017.
Since the vote, policymakers have begun pursuing new trade agreements
with other global partners.
The object of this series is to furnish a survey of the British Empire
and its constituent parts in their geographical and allied aspects,
together with their economic, administrative, and social conditions, at
the present time. History has not been included as an integral part of
the scheme, except for the inclusion of a general historical summary in
the General Volume; for the rest, historical references have been
included only in so far as they were found desirable for the explanation
of existing conditions. The history of the Empire has been brought under
review elsewhere, notably in the Oxford Historical Geography, edited by
Sir Charles Lucas. The series is in six volumes, and the subject matter
is thus distributed:
Volume I
The British Isles and Mediterranean territories (Gibraltar, Malta,
Cyprus). Volume II
Asiatic territories. Volume III
African territories (with adjacent islands, Mauritius, &c., St. Helena,
Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha). Volume IV
American territories (with the Falkland Islands and dependencies). Volume V
Australasian territories (including islands in the Pacific Ocean and the
British sector in Antarctica). Volume VI
General.
Below we
have created a page for each country where we are giving you an overview
and history of each country and links to resources for you to read...
History of the West Indies
Comprising British Guiana, Barbadoes, St. Vincent's, St. Lucia,
Dominica, Montserrat, Antigua, St. Christopher's, Jamaica, Honduras,
Trinidad, Tobago, Grenada, The Bahamas and The Virgin Isles, &c. &c. by
R. Montgomery Martin, F.S.S. (1837) (pdf) in two volumes.
Volume 1 | Volume 2
The British Empire in America
Containing the History of the Discovery, Settlement, Progress and
Present State of all the British Colonies on the Continent and Islands
of America in two volumes being an account of the country, Soil,
Climate, Product and Trade of them by J. Oldmixon (1741) (pdf)
Volume 1 |
Volume 2
You probably won't
have read
much about the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in the press so
thought I'd being you this feature article so you can better understand
what the Commonwealth stands for and it's prospects for the future.
As a lot of our readers are in fact in the Commonwealth this should be
of interest.
Commonwealth Heads of
Government Meeting Leaders’ Statement 2018
The fifty-three member countries of the Commonwealth met at Windsor
Castle today, at the generous invitation of Her Majesty The Queen.
As Her Majesty enters her seventh decade as Head of the Commonwealth, we
put on record our continuing gratitude for the duty and commitment Her
Majesty has shown to all members of the Commonwealth over those decades.
We recognise the role of The Queen in championing the Commonwealth and
its peoples. The next Head of the Commonwealth shall be His Royal
Highness Prince Charles, The Prince of Wales.
The Commonwealth brings a unique perspective to this century’s
challenges. We speak for a diverse range of countries from some of the
smallest to some of the largest nations on earth; for the most
vulnerable, as well as countries at various levels of development. We
can speak for six continents. Our consensus-based approach flows from
our belief in the equality of all nations. Our Communiqué, adopted
today, sets out the specific commitments we have made collectively to
deal with those challenges. These include, strengthening democratic
institutions and building peace; promoting gender equality and
inclusion; action on climate change and oceans; sustainable use of
resources; commitment to the Chemical Weapons Convention; preventing and
countering violent extremism and human trafficking.
We recognise the threat of climate change on the world but in particular
the existential threat to Small Island Developing States (SIDs). We also
recognise the need for a paradigm shift to urgently facilitate pre and
post resilience building.
The Commonwealth is a global network and it is more than any of its
constituent parts. It is the combination of its member countries, the
Commonwealth Secretariat, its associated organisations, and its many
people to people networks, with Her Majesty The Queen as its Head.
We have over the last two days heard from businesses, civil society and
women from across the Commonwealth. We have also listened most
attentively to the young people of the Commonwealth. We were impressed
and persuaded by the confidence and wisdom of our future leaders and we
recognise that for the Commonwealth to remain relevant we as Leaders
need to ensure that our decisions take into account the needs and
aspirations of young people.
We are committed to a stronger Commonwealth Secretariat, including
through sustainable financing.
At Windsor we discussed our vision for the Commonwealth in this century.
We have pledged to work together to foster a fairer, more secure, more
sustainable and more prosperous future to the benefit of all
Commonwealth citizens. And we will work together and support each other
towards a common future.
United Kingdom, 20 April 2018
Commonwealth more
relevant than ever, say leaders
This week, the
Commonwealth came to London. An estimated 5,000 delegates from every
continent arrived for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM),
bringing their cultures, languages, perspectives and range of colourful
flags that represent the vast diversity of our 53 countries.
On Thursday, the Queen officially opened the meeting of leaders. They
came from Africa, the Caribbean, Europe, the Americas, the Pacific and
Asia, and walked along the red carpet for the formal ceremony at
Buckingham Palace. Today, they go back to their countries with a bold
consensus on commitments and strategies to protect our ocean, boost
trade, tackle cybercrime, empower women and youth, and halt the
devastating effects of climate change.
Heads of government had the rare opportunity to have in-depth
discussions about shared concerns during roundtable meetings and at
their retreat at Windsor Castle. The result was consensus on major
global issues and big announcements. The heads decided that Prince
Charles should be the next Head of the Commonwealth and that Rwanda
should host the next CHOGM in 2020. Earlier in the week, the Queen
appointed Prince Harry as Commonwealth Youth Ambassador.
All the heads of government praised Queen Elizabeth, who has been
serving as head of the Commonwealth for 66 years. The British Prime
Minister, Theresa May, paid tribute to her “vision, duty, steadfast
service and nurturing growth of the Commonwealth”.
At the final press conference, Prime Minister May stressed the
importance of the Commonwealth. “This week we have demonstrated that the
Commonwealth is united, not only by a common history, but by a common
future,” she said. “A future in which we work together for the benefit
of all our citizens and the wider world.
“For when many of the greater challenges we face are global in nature,
the breadth of the Commonwealth, spanning six continents and a third of
the world’s population, offers a unique perspective in helping to forge
the global solutions we need.”
At the final press conference, other leaders also reinforced its
relevance. We are very satisfied, Ghana’s president, Nana Akufo-Addo,
declared, that the Commonwealth continues to be a relevant organisation.
Grenada’s prime minister has been attending CHOGMS since 1997. Keith
Mitchell described this year’s meeting as the most productive he’s ever
attended. Samoa’s Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Aiono Sailele Malielegaoi
welcomed the Commonwealth’s focus on its most vulnerable members.
Secretary-General Patricia Scotland spoke about the renewed commitment
of member countries to the organisation, including ensuring its
financial stability.
She announced the adoption of the Commonwealth Blue Charter by all 53
governments, laying the foundation for strong collaboration on action to
protect our ocean from the effects of climate change, pollution and
over-fishing. A range of member countries have pledged to lead on
specific issues such as coral reef regeneration, mangrove restoration
and ridding the ocean of plastic.
“This landmark decision to adopt a Commonwealth Blue Charter,” the
Secretary-General said, “will affect one third of the world’s national
coastal waters, helping to sustain livelihoods and ecosystems globally”.
The Secretary-General also announced a multi-year agreement between the
Commonwealth Secretariat and Bloomberg Philanthropies to explore
mutually supportive initiatives to boost international trade, innovation
and sustainability.
Heads committed to increasing intra-Commonwealth trade to $2 Trillion by
2030, and expanding intra-Commonwealth investment. Their commitment will
be achieved through the Commonwealth Connectivity Agenda for Trade and
Investment declaration, adopted at the meeting.
Leaders also agreed on revised guidelines for Commonwealth election
observations to ensure the on-going integrity, value and impact of
Commonwealth observer groups.
In addition, they adopted the Commonwealth Cyber Declaration, agreeing
to work together to evaluate and strengthen their cybersecurity
frameworks and response mechanisms. The UK government pledged up to £15
million to help Commonwealth countries strengthen their cybersecurity
capabilities and ‘tackle criminal groups and hostile state actors who
pose a global threat to security, including in the UK’.
Many of the CHOGM’s outcomes are a product of three days of deliberation
at forums for women, young people, businesses and civil society.
Protecting the environment dominated the agenda at the youth forum,
while the women’s forum called on governments to abolish laws that allow
discrimination and replace them with legislation that protect women’s
rights. The business forum focused on free trade describing it as ‘the
engine for global prosperity’. On Thursday they submitted
recommendations and issues to foreign ministers to consider during their
sessions.
“The heads asked for action, concrete action on the ground, which will
have the impact which is needed to change the lives of our 2.4 billion
people in our Commonwealth,” said Secretary-General Scotland. She added,
“It was the most extraordinary CHOGM!”
Commonwealth Heads of
Government Meeting Communiqué “Towards a Common Future”
Introduction
1. Commonwealth Heads of Government met in the United Kingdom from 19 to
20 April 2018 and discussed how the Commonwealth can contribute to a
future which is fairer, more sustainable, more secure and more
prosperous. Given that 60 percent of the Commonwealth’s population are
under the age of 30, Heads of Government affirmed that youth
empowerment, as well as gender equality, are critical in realising the
2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (2030 Agenda) and the
aspirations of the Commonwealth Charter. Considering that small states
constitute over 60 percent of the Commonwealth’s membership, Heads
recognised that the Commonwealth has always been a strong advocate for
the causes of small states, and has consistently raised international
awareness of their inherent vulnerabilities. Heads recognised that the
strength of the Commonwealth lay in the collaboration among its member
countries, people-to-people organisations and the Commonwealth
Secretariat. In this context, Heads made the following political
commitments and agreed to these practical actions.
A Fairer Future
Fundamental Political Values
2. Heads affirmed their unwavering commitment to the Commonwealth’s
Fundamental Political Values, reflected in the Commonwealth Charter.
They recalled the Commonwealth’s proud history of acting to strengthen
good governance and the rule of law, to protect and promote democratic
principles and human rights, to promote peace and security and to
strengthen democratic institutions. They emphasised that the full
social, economic and political participation of all, irrespective of
age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or
other status, is essential for democracy and sustainable development to
thrive. Heads also acknowledged the role of civil society organisations,
including women’s rights’ organisations, in this context.
Gender Equality and Inclusion
3. Heads committed to ratifying and implementing the Convention on the
Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW),
through legislation, policies and programmes that mainstream and promote
gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls in social,
economic and political life.
4. Heads are encouraged by continuing action by member countries and
Commonwealth bodies to prevent and eliminate sexual and gender-based
violence; child, early and forced marriage; and female genital
mutilation as barriers to the development and the full realisation of
girls’ and women’s human rights and to sustainable growth and
development. Heads also encouraged support for already married girls,
adolescents and women who have been affected by such practices.
5. Heads agreed to mainstream youth priorities into national development
policies and plans, and to promote the participation of young people at
all levels of decision making as underscored by Commonwealth Youth
Ministers at their Ninth Meeting in Uganda in 2017.
6. Heads agreed to address the stigma around disability in all its forms
and manifestations, as well as around mental health, ensuring that no
one is left behind, and to encourage all member countries to ratify and
implement the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with
Disabilities.
7. Heads highlighted the seminal role of Information and Communication
Technology (ICT), and Science, Technology and Innovation in supporting
good governance, promoting inclusion and sustainable development, and
reducing the digital divide. They encouraged member countries to
prioritise access to ICT for all in their national development plans,
including through a gender and equity lens and agreed to share
innovations in this area, including through the recently launched
Commonwealth Innovation Hub.
Strengthening Democratic Institutions and Promoting Peace
8. Heads acknowledged that as globally agreed under Goal 16 of the 2030
Agenda, promoting peace, providing access to justice for all, and
building effective, accountable, and inclusive national institutions, at
all levels, are essential for development to flourish. Heads welcomed
the recent establishment of the Commonwealth Office of Civil and
Criminal Justice Reform (OCCJR) and its role in providing support to
member countries in the creation of effective national laws.
9. Heads further agreed to adopt the Report of the Commonwealth
Ministerial Action Group (CMAG). They commended CMAG for its
constructive role in advancing the Commonwealth’s fundamental political
values, and its complementarity to the preventative nature of the
Secretary General’s Good Offices. Heads agreed that the following member
governments should serve on CMAG for the next two years Australia,
Barbados, Belize, Ghana, Kenya, Malaysia, Namibia, Samoa and the United
Kingdom.
10. Heads agreed the importance of strengthening the Secretary-General’s
Good Offices and its capacity to support national requests for peace
building to enable sustainable peace and security, through the
establishment and strengthening of national peace and dialogue
processes.
11. Recognising the valuable role of Commonwealth Elections Observation
in supporting member countries to improve democratic processes and
institutions, as highlighted in recommendations by Commonwealth Observer
Groups, Heads agreed a refreshed approach to election observation, by
adopting the Revised Commonwealth Guidelines on Election Observation in
Member Countries.
12. Heads encouraged the strengthening of National Human Rights
Institutions in line with the Paris Principles. They reiterated the
continued importance of sharing human rights best practice and expertise
across the Commonwealth. They agreed to support National Human Rights
Institutions and the Universal Periodic Review process, as well as to
strengthen the Commonwealth Small States Office in Geneva.
13. Heads reaffirmed their commitment to the Commonwealth (Latimer
House) Principles on the Accountability of and Relationship between the
Three Branches of Government (2003) as an integral part of the
Commonwealth’s fundamental political values. Heads requested the
Commonwealth Secretariat work in partnership with other Commonwealth
organisations in promoting dialogue between the three branches of
government, including through the full application of the Latimer House
Principles Toolkit, which provides a practical guide to enhancing the
separation of powers.
14. Heads noted that 2018 marks the centenary of the birth of the former
President of the Republic of South Africa, Nelson Mandela, and affirmed
that the Commonwealth shares and is inspired by the values and
objectives he espoused. They called on the international community to
use this centenary year to address the global challenges of poverty,
inequality, discrimination and underdevelopment and to promote the
peaceful resolution of conflicts globally.
Migration
15. Heads recognised that safe, regular, and responsible migration, with
full respect for international human rights obligations, can deliver
socio-economic benefits and improve the resilience and inclusive growth
of member countries and lead to sustainable development. They welcomed
the adoption of the New York Declaration for Refugees and Migrants. They
called for active involvement in the lead up to the Global Compact for
Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration. They also called for active
involvement in the lead up to the Global Compact on Refugees to
strengthen the international response to the large movement of refugees,
including return to their country of origin in safety and dignity.
A More Prosperous Future
Multilateral Trading System
16. Heads were particularly concerned about the risks of protectionism
to the global economy and underlined the importance of resisting all
forms of protectionism. They reaffirmed their commitment to free trade
in a transparent, inclusive, fair, and open rules-based multilateral
trading system, which takes into account the special requirements of
least developed countries and small and vulnerable economies. They
reiterated their support for finding solutions to the remaining Doha
Development Round issues. All Commonwealth WTO members agreed to ratify
and work towards timely implementation of the WTO Trade Facilitation
Agreement in their own countries; and agreed to consider providing
programmes of capacity building and other targeted interventions in
developing countries. They welcomed initiatives to strengthen the
Commonwealth Small States Office in Geneva through the provision of
additional resources and the sharing of technical expertise that enables
small and developing states to participate in the multilateral trading
system and benefit from trade-related economic growth.
Intra-Commonwealth Trade and Investment
17. With the goal of expanding investment and boosting
intra-Commonwealth trade to US$2 Trillion by 2030, Heads adopted a
Declaration on the Commonwealth Connectivity Agenda for Trade and
Investment and mandated the Secretariat to develop an accompanying
action plan that considers capacity building and hard and soft
connectivity. They further agreed to share best practices and
experiences, and undertake voluntary mutual support to enable member
countries to realise their full economic potential and deliver
prosperity for all their people. Recognising the importance of a
long-term vision on trade and investment, member countries agreed to
work together towards an appropriate framework and to facilitate
business-to-business contacts.
Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Growth
18. To promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, Heads resolved
to address systemic barriers to women’s full and equal participation in
the economy by taking a gender-responsive approach to the development of
trade policy, and to promote women’s economic empowerment. They
encouraged Commonwealth and partner organisations to work towards an
increase in the number and enhancement of the success rate of
women-owned businesses, break down gender barriers in all sectors, and
increase opportunities for women to trade internationally.
19. Heads stressed the importance of creating meaningful employment
opportunities for the Commonwealth's growing youth populations. They
agreed on the need to invest in a systems approach to support young
people, including through skills building, entrepreneurship,
apprenticeships, and the need for better data to target interventions
effectively. Heads recognised the role of industrialisation as a key
driver of economic development, innovation and job creation. Heads
emphasised that improved access to reliable and affordable energy will
create an enabling investment environment for successful
industrialisation. Heads called for large scale public and private
investments and better coordinated strategies by international financial
institutions in sectors that underpin growth and increase employment,
especially for young people.
Small and Vulnerable States
20. Heads recognised that concerted action is required to address the
unique challenges and vulnerabilities of small and vulnerable states to
ensure their full participation in and contribution to a more prosperous
future. They recognised that although some small states, especially
Small Island Developing States, enjoy medium to high per capita GDP,
giving the impression of wealth; they continue to suffer
disproportionately from diseconomies of scale, external economic shocks
and catastrophic climatic events, which significantly and gravely impact
their economies and societies. Heads urged further action in addressing
these challenges, including issues of unsustainable debt, limited access
to development financing and other threats posed to their socioeconomic
development. To this end, they called on the international community to
support measures, including effective debt management and transparency,
which help to alleviate these vulnerabilities and challenges.
21. Heads noted the continued relevance of the Barbados Programme of
Action for Small Island Developing States (SIDS), as also articulated in
the Mauritius Strategy for the further Implementation of the Programme
of Action for the Sustainable Development of SIDS, and the SIDS
Accelerated Modalities of Action (SAMOA) Pathway as an important
opportunity to continue to advocate for greater international
collaboration and enhanced small states cooperation towards the
implementation of the SIDS agenda. They also endorsed the work of the
Commonwealth Ministerial Meeting on Small States and expressed support
for the 2019 Commonwealth Global Biennial Conference on Small States.
22. Heads welcomed member countries’ contributions to the
operationalisation of the Commonwealth Small States Centre of Excellence
and the Commonwealth Small States Trade Financing Facility and
encouraged further support to these initiatives.
23. Heads further noted with concern that the practice of "de-risking"
threatens to exclude small and other vulnerable states from accessing
global financial markets and regulated financial services, and may
constrain their ability to trade internationally. They called for
sustained international, regional and national efforts to identify
effective solutions to combat “de-risking”, and to preserve the
financial inclusion of small and other vulnerable states in the global
economy.
A More Sustainable Future
Vulnerability and Climate Change
24. Heads expressed grave concern that without urgent action to mitigate
climate change, reduce vulnerability and increase resilience, the
impacts of climate change could push an additional 100 million people
into poverty by 2030. Heads recognised that temperature and sea level
rise and other adverse impacts of climate change are a significant
reality and risk to many of the Commonwealth’s most vulnerable member
countries. They renewed their commitment under the Paris Agreement to
keep the increase in global average temperature to well below 2 degrees
Celsius above pre-industrial levels, and pursue efforts to limit the
temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.
Heads welcomed the ratification by all member countries of the Paris
Agreement and encouraged member countries that have not yet done so to
consider ratifying and implementing the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal
Protocol and the Doha Amendment for parties to the Kyoto Protocol. Heads
record the commitments made to the Green Climate Fund and encourage
member countries to fulfil them.
25. Recalling the 2015 Commonwealth Leaders’ Statement on Climate
Action, Heads expressed their resolve to build on this work, and
collectively agreed to engage with the Fiji and Poland-led Talanoa
Dialogue. They expressed their determination that the Paris Agreement
work programme be completed at COP24. They expressed their support for
the global approach led by the International Civil Aviation Organisation
and International Maritime Organisation in addressing greenhouse gas
emissions from international aviation and shipping respectively,
consistent with the goals of the Paris Agreement. They agreed that
mechanisms need to be established to promote enhanced participation,
particularly of young people, in climate policy implementation
frameworks at all levels, including the Paris Agreement.
26. Heads expressed support for a range of innovative financing
solutions, both public and private, and including disaster risk
insurance, to enhance adaptive capacity and boost resilience, noting the
importance of the Commonwealth Climate Finance Access Hub, among others,
in supporting member countries. They called for consensus on the use of
vulnerability measures to target appropriate support to those member
countries most affected by natural disasters, including extreme weather
events, dependent on need.
Natural Disasters
27. Heads expressed deep concern about the increasingly devastating
impact of natural disasters on people and property across the
Commonwealth, especially among the most vulnerable and marginalised in
society. They recognised the importance of disaster preparedness in
reducing the impact of natural disasters and affirmed their commitment
to the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. They encouraged the
Secretariat to collaborate with international organisations, including
disaster response agencies, to better support member countries that
suffer severe impacts from natural disasters. They encouraged other
international organisations, including the Organisation for Economic
Co-operation and Development's Development Assistance Committee, to
consider options for appropriate funding mechanisms to assist small and
other vulnerable states, particularly small islands and developing
states, to mitigate, reduce and recover from natural disasters.
Sustainable Development of Oceans
28. Heads highlighted the close linkages between the ocean, wellbeing
and prosperity of the people of the Commonwealth, and recognised the
opportunities for sustainable economic development from the ocean and
coasts. They expressed alarm at the deteriorating health of the world's
ocean, which impacts every country and poses an existential threat to
many Commonwealth communities. Heads identified climate change,
including sea level rise and acidification, biodiversity loss,
overfishing, and plastic pollution as some of the most significant
pressures on the ocean, and called for ambitious, coordinated global
action. They affirmed the Commonwealth's strength in sharing experience
and expertise, and recognised its vital role in building capacity in
small and other vulnerable states.
29. Heads adopted the Commonwealth Blue Charter, setting out the
principles by which Commonwealth member countries will lead
international efforts by sustainably developing and protecting their
ocean. They committed to take action to safeguard the ocean for future
generations. Heads agreed to establish Action Groups on ocean issues led
by Commonwealth member countries, which will collaborate with partners
at national, regional, and international levels, in addressing
identified priority ocean issues of member countries. Heads mandated the
Secretariat to take forward a Commonwealth Blue Charter plan of action
to support this.
Sustainable Use of Energy and Natural Resources
30. Heads committed to work together for the prudent and sustainable use
of energy and natural resources and recognised the critical importance
of sustainable energy to economic development. They agreed to share best
practice in effectively developing, governing and managing natural
resources on the basis of sustainability, equity, transparency, good
governance and wealth creation, including via the Commonwealth
Secretariat’s ongoing programme of technical assistance on natural
resource management; as well as the Commonwealth’s Blue Charter
initiative in relation to marine resources; and the Commonwealth Office
of Civil and Criminal Justice Reform, in relation to model regulatory
instruments.
31. Recognising the imperative to transition to clean forms of energy in
view of article 4.1 of the Paris Agreement and the untapped potential of
solar, wind, and other renewable energy sources to promote sustainable
economic growth, Heads encouraged cooperation among member countries,
and partnerships with relevant organisations, including the
International Solar Alliance of 121 solar resource rich countries. Heads
highlighted the contribution of the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy to the
conservation of forests for future generations, and encouraged member
countries who have not already done so to participate in this
initiative.
Health
32. Heads emphasised their continued support for the work of the World
Health Organization and international efforts to tackle the wide range
of serious health challenges, the burden of which has a significant
socio-economic impact on individuals and families, and to increase
national health expenditure throughout the Commonwealth. They noted that
these public health challenges include communicable and non-communicable
diseases such as HIV and AIDS, tuberculosis, poliomyelitis, diabetes, as
well as obesity, malnutrition, and mental health conditions. They
reiterated their commitment to achieving the health-related goals of the
2030 Agenda, particularly Goal 3. Heads affirmed the Commonwealth
Charter’s values and principles of promoting access to affordable health
care, removing wide disparities and unequal living standards. In line
with the focus of the upcoming 2018 Commonwealth Health Ministers
Meeting, Heads agreed to achieve compliance with International Health
Regulations, accelerate Universal Health Coverage, including through
sustainable financing, strengthening health systems and integrated
services which promote prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment and
palliative care. Heads also recognised the need to tackle antimicrobial
resistance and noted with concern the proliferation of substandard and
falsified medical products which contribute to antimicrobial resistant
and drug resistant infections. Heads therefore called for coordinated
global action to address the problem, including through the One Health
approach.
33. Heads welcomed global, regional and national efforts to combat
malaria and other mosquito borne diseases, and committed to halve
malaria across the Commonwealth by 2023. They also urged acceleration of
efforts to reduce malaria globally by 90 percent by 2030. They further
committed to take action towards achieving access to quality eye care
for all, including eliminating blinding trachoma by 2020, which
disproportionately affects women and children across the Commonwealth.
Heads acknowledged the work done by the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee
Trust in that regard. Heads agreed that progress on these commitments
should be considered every two years at the Commonwealth Health
Ministers’ Meeting and progress should be reported at CHOGM.
Education
34. Heads encouraged the implementation of specific actions to provide
the opportunity for at least 12 years of quality education and learning
for girls and boys by 2030, by investing in skilled motivated and
supportive teachers, educational facilities, and focusing on education
reforms. Guided by the principle to leave no one behind, they agreed to
support marginalised groups, especially disadvantaged girls, children
with disabilities, and those who have dropped out of school to progress
through secondary education and training through appropriate policies,
advocacy and strategic partnerships.
Sport and Sustainable Development
35. Heads affirmed the valuable contribution sport can make to the 2030
Agenda. They committed to work with Commonwealth sports bodies to
maximise this positive impact and take collective action to promote good
governance, address corruption, protect the integrity of sport, and
promote human rights through sport. Heads commended the impact of the
Commonwealth Games and Commonwealth Youth Games in promoting
Commonwealth values. They highlighted the achievement of the Gold Coast
2018 Commonwealth Games as the first multi-sport event to offer an equal
number of medals for both men and women, and acknowledged the Games
featured the largest integrated sports programme in Commonwealth Games
history, comprising 18 sports and seven para-sports. Heads urged
sporting institutions at all levels to work towards gender equality
across sport.
A More Secure Future
Cyber
36. Recognising the need to work in consultation with each other to
enhance cyber security to protect critical national infrastructure, and
the economic and social value of cyberspace, Heads adopted a
Commonwealth Cyber Declaration that reflects Commonwealth values, and
sets out a common commitment to an open, democratic peaceful and secure
internet, respecting human rights and freedom of expression. They agreed
to increase cooperation across the Commonwealth as outlined in the Cyber
Declaration and to have voluntarily undertaken national cyber risk
assessments by 2020, with a view to developing or strengthening national
cyber security strategies and implementing action plans.
Chemical Weapons
37. Heads opposed the use of chemical weapons under any circumstances
and are committed to strengthening the effective implementation of the
Chemical Weapons Convention. They reiterated their commitment to
strengthening the disarmament and non-proliferation regime against the
spread and use of chemical weapons. They underlined the importance of
timely investigations and stressed that the conduct of all
investigations of any alleged use of chemical weapons must be in
accordance with the provisions of the Convention.
Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (P/CVE)
38. Heads condemned violent extremism in all its forms, expressed their
continued support of the United Nation’s Secretary-General’s Plan of
Action to Prevent Violent Extremism, and welcomed the commemoration of
2019 as the International Year of Moderation. Reaffirming the continued
relevance of Commonwealth solutions, including recommendations in the
Commonwealth report, Civil Paths to Peace, they encouraged member
countries to actively share expertise and best practice, and to work
cooperatively with the Secretariat’s Countering Violent Extremism Unit.
They also welcomed the creation of a “Cadre of Preventing and Countering
Violent Extremism Experts” that will support the implementation of the
Commonwealth’s CVE Strategy and assist member countries interested in
the development of PVE National Action Plans. Recognising the role of
young people and women in preventing and countering violent extremism,
Heads encouraged their active involvement in finding solutions to the
challenges associated with the phenomenon of violent extremism.
Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation
39. As part of member countries’ objective to achieve SDG 8, Heads
called for effective measures to eradicate forced labour, end modern
slavery and human trafficking, and secure the prohibition and
elimination of the worst forms of child labour in all its forms by 2025,
including the unlawful recruitment and use of child soldiers. Member
countries were encouraged to endorse the “Call to Action to End Forced
Labour, Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking” presented at the 72nd
Meeting of the UN General Assembly. They encouraged ratification and
implementation of relevant outstanding international agreements, and to
develop appropriate national strategies in this regard. They further
agreed to take action to end child sexual exploitation online including
through joining relevant international bodies and initiatives.
Serious and Transnational Organised Crime
40. Heads resolved to tackle the enablers of Serious and Transnational
Organised Crime: corruption; illicit financial flows; money laundering;
terrorist financing; poaching and illegal wildlife trade; and illegal,
unregulated and unreported fishing; by cooperating with international
and regional bodies. They further encouraged: enhanced cooperation among
member countries’ law enforcement and prosecution bodies; strengthening
cooperation with the private sector; supporting the Commonwealth Network
of Contact Persons which facilitates cooperation between jurisdictions
in criminal justice matters; and adopting and implementing
recommendations of the Financial Action Taskforce to strengthen
anti-money laundering and counter terrorist financing regulations. Heads
noted that the fight against corruption can succeed if countries
cooperate effectively to tackle it through implementation of
international and regional conventions and standards. Member countries
should therefore scale up international cooperation by working
progressively towards advancing the exchange of information which will
enhance domestic resource mobilisation.
41. Heads denounced the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons
which has devastating consequences in member countries. They
acknowledged that many Commonwealth member countries are parties to the
Arms Trade Treaty, the United Nations Firearms Protocol and participate
in the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention
Against Transnational Organised Crime, and encouraged those countries
that wish to become State Parties to these to do so. They agreed to
strengthen their cooperation in combating the illicit proliferation of
small arms and light weapons, including taking further steps to fully
participate in relevant international initiatives and to continue to
collaborate and exchange information, where agreed, through INTERPOL and
the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.
Urban Crime/Violence and Gun Crime
42. Heads expressed concern about the serious challenges to peace and
security of urban crime, violence and gun crime faced by some member
countries, and the involvement of young people, especially boys and
young men, in this phenomenon. They agreed to enhance cooperation and
share holistic approaches to address the root causes of urban crime.
Youth
43. Heads recognised the role of young people in promoting peace and
endorsed the principles and actions of UN Security Council Resolution
2250 on Youth, Peace and Security. They urged member countries to
consider support for youth-led mechanisms that enable the meaningful
participation of young people in peace building and social cohesion
processes in their communities.
Commonwealth Renewal
44. Heads committed to reforming the Commonwealth for the 21st Century.
They recalled their request at Malta to the Secretary-General to
establish a High Level Group to review the full governance arrangements
of the Commonwealth Secretariat. They noted the delay in the start of
the work. They asked the High Level Group to submit a report a month
before the Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers’ Meeting in New York
in September 2018 and instructed Foreign Ministers as their
representatives to decide what action to take in response to the
conclusion of the Group.
Membership
45. Heads welcomed The Gambia back into the Commonwealth and agreed to
work towards a programme of support to reintegrate the country into the
family.
46. Heads expressed regret at the Government of Maldives’s decision to
withdraw from the Commonwealth on 16 October 2016. Heads looked forward
to welcoming Maldives back into the family when the conditions were
right.
Country Situations
47. Heads expressed their support for the efforts of Belize and
Guatemala to move deliberately to fully implement the Special Agreement
and its Protocol to submit Guatemala’s territorial, insular and maritime
claims to the International Court of Justice for a final determination.
They urged both countries to work toward the design and development of a
cooperation mechanism along the Sarstoon River to prevent tensions and
promote peace. Heads recognised the important role of the Organization
of American States in the efforts of both countries to maintain peace
and stability between them. They reiterated the Commonwealth’s full
support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Belize.
48. Heads expressed their full and enduring support for the sovereignty,
independence, territorial integrity and unity of the Republic of Cyprus.
They reiterated their support for the resumption of negotiations, under
the auspices of the United Nations Secretary General’s Good Offices
Mission, for a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem based on
the United Nations Charter and United Nations Security Council
Resolutions on Cyprus. Heads called for the implementation of relevant
United Nations Security Council resolutions (UNSCRs), especially UNSCRs
365(1974), 541(1983), 550(1984), and 1251(1999). Heads reiterated their
support for full respect of the human rights of all Cypriots including
their right to property, and for the accounting for all missing persons.
Heads extended their solidarity in the exercise of the sovereign rights
of the Republic of Cyprus in its Exclusive Economic Zone under
international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of
the Sea, and called for the avoidance of actions and statements that
threaten stability in the Eastern Mediterranean.
49. Heads expressed their full support for the decision by the Secretary
General of the United Nations issued on 30 January 2018, within the
framework of the Geneva Agreement of 1966, to choose the International
Court of Justice as the means that is now to be used for the settlement
of the controversy between Guyana and Venezuela. Heads noted that the
decision of the Secretary General, which was in accordance with the
principles and purposes of the United Nations Charter, was intended to
bring a peaceful and definitive settlement to a long standing
controversy. Heads reiterated their unequivocal support for the
maintenance and safeguarding of Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial
integrity.
50. Heads expressed full solidarity with the Government and the people
of Bangladesh affected by the influx of more than a million Rohingya
from Rakhine State in Myanmar, and commended Bangladesh for providing
shelter to the distressed community facing an existential threat. Heads
called for a halt to all violence, a restoration of normality, and
accountability of the perpetrators of gross violations of human rights
through an independent process of investigation. They further called for
the sustainable return of all such displaced Rohingya sheltered in
Bangladesh to their rightful homes in Myanmar under UNHCR oversight and
they called for the creation of the necessary conditions for sustainable
return in safety, security and dignity. Heads also called for action to
address the root causes of the current crisis, including through the
immediate implementation of the Rakhine Advisory (Kofi Annan) Commission
recommendation. Heads noted the general agreement and arrangements
reached between the Governments of Bangladesh and Myanmar as a beginning
towards the sustainable return of the Rohingya and their reintegration
into Myanmar society as equal members.
51. Heads expressed solidarity with the people of the Caribbean islands
of Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda, St Kitts and Nevis, The Bahamas, and
the British Overseas Territories, who suffered catastrophic damage as a
result of the recent hurricanes. They praised their resilience and
recovery efforts. Heads conveyed their support for continued
international efforts to mobilise assistance in response to the
expressed needs of these countries and territories. Heads also expressed
solidarity with, and recognised the devastating impact of natural
disasters on Bangladesh, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Sierra Leone, Tonga
and Vanuatu. They encouraged urgent and concrete action and global
support initiatives that will assist Dominica and similarly vulnerable
countries in finding mechanisms for building resilience, adaptation and
mitigation. They noted the supportive role of other Commonwealth member
countries.
Commonwealth Collaboration
52. Heads commended the Secretary-General for the impactful work of the
Commonwealth Secretariat as reflected in her biennial report which they
received with appreciation. Heads thanked the Commonwealth Foundation,
the Commonwealth of Learning and the Accredited Commonwealth
Organisations for their reports, and encouraged their continued
contribution to Commonwealth objectives. Heads further affirmed the
Commonwealth’s convening power as an enabler of experience sharing when
they recalled the Commonwealth Ministerial Meetings that had taken place
since the last CHOGM including Ministers of Education, Finance, Foreign
Affairs, Health, Law, Small States, Sport, Women and Youth, and
expressed appreciation for the outcome statements from all Ministerial
Meetings as annexed. Heads noted that the successful Commonwealth Forums
on Business, People, Women and Youth, whose outcomes statement are
annexed, provided valuable platforms for the Commonwealth’s global
outreach.
CHOGM
53. Heads expressed profound appreciation to the Government and people
of the United Kingdom for the warm hospitality extended to them, and
congratulated Prime Minister Theresa May for her leadership in chairing
the meeting. They expressed their warm appreciation for the attendance
at their meeting of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Head of the
Commonwealth.
54. Heads welcomed and accepted the offer of the President of Rwanda to
host their next meeting in 2020. They also welcomed the offer of Samoa
to host the 2022 CHOGM.
United Kingdom, 20 April 2018
Special Reports on Educational
Subjects - Volume 12
Educational systems of the chief crown colonies and possessions of the
British Empire, including reports on the training of native races by the
Board of Education (1905) (pdf)
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