How we meet these challenges

We seek to ensure that our programme activities remain flexible and responsive to changing circumstances in countries of engagement. Where appropriate, they can include collaborative activities with bi-lateral and multi-lateral organisations such as the AU, EU and the UN, as well as regional groups like CARICOM, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the PIF. Our approach can be through direct engagement in Commonwealth countries channelled through the Secretary-General or his Special Envoys, and supported by Secretariat advisers, or more generally through technical assistance and policy advice. Over the long-term, the Commonwealth seeks to encourage a positive environment that can enable democracy and development to flourish.

Our engagements usually comprise a mixture of:

- Visits to progress discussions and bring influence to bear on key people involved to develop or advance agreements made. For example, we may meet with senior government leaders at the highest level, political parties including the opposition parties, civil society organisations, foreign diplomatic missions accredited in member countries, and other inter-governmental organisations.

- Provide specialist experts to promote and support specific activities relating to issues of democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights. This usually focuses on helping to build the capacity of key institutions such as legislative assemblies, government ministries, human rights bodies, oversight and security institutions.