Communications and Public Affairs

The Communications and Public Affairs Division (CPAD) promotes global awareness of the Commonwealth and Secretariat's work.

We work with the media and through direct advocacy, targeting governments, individuals, business, educational institutions and non-governmental organisations. CPAD emphasises reaching young people, as their perspective and energy is key to the association's future.

Press and media relations

CPAD maintains links with the media through press briefings, press conferences, interviews and informal contacts. We issue press releases, audio tapes, videos and produces radio, television programmes and films about the Secretariat's work.

Publicity and public affairs

We send a free weekly email news bulletin 'Commonwealth News' , produce publicity materials, information brochures and leaflets. We also produce the Commonwealth Day poster, supplied each year to thousands of schools.  The poster is designed to stimulate lively educational projects on the Commonwealth.

CPAD publishes a range of booklets and leaflets, including the biennial Report of the Commonwealth Secretary-General and The Commonwealth Fund for Technical Co-operation.

We respond to general enquiries from the public and set up displays and exhibitions at public events.

Website

We maintain the Secretariat’s main website and offer web management services for all divisions and units.

Publications

CPAD’s Publications Section publishes a wide range of books and provides publishing services for the Secretariat. It collaborates with other organisations to publish books about the Commonwealth, notably The Commonwealth Yearbook.

Library and Archives

Library and Archives provide information for Secretariat staff and the public who may use it by prior arrangement with the librarian.

It houses a wide range of material relating to Commonwealth issues, including politics, economics, education, health, administration, science and technology. The gender collection is particularly strong, reflecting the Secretariat’s pivotal role in this area. It also includes an extensive collection of Secretariat publications.

The library releases 30-year-old Secretariat archives into the public domain on an annual basis and details of files released to date are on the Secretariat website.