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Report of the Committee of the Whole - 4 March 2002

COMMONWEALTH FUNCTIONAL CO-OPERATION
Report of the Committee of the Whole


The Committee of the Whole met on 15 February 2002 in London to consider Commonwealth functional co-operation.

Commonwealth Fund for Technical Co-operation

2. The Committee reaffirmed its strong support for the Commonwealth Fund for Technical Co-operation (CFTC) and noted the progress in implementing the reforms recommended in CFTC: A Rethink to help the CFTC meet the diverse needs of Commonwealth members in an efficient, focused and outcomes-oriented way.

3. The Committee recalled with satisfaction the 1999 Fancourt Declaration, the UN Millennium Summit and the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD). Since the Durban CHOGM, programmes of assistance valued at £39 million have contributed to enhancing the capacity of members to respond to globalisation, to strengthen and deepen their democratic traditions and governance structures, and to meet human resource needs strategic to their development programmes. Some 8,627 Commonwealth nationals have also been trained, particularly in areas such as public sector reform, trade facilitation and public sector informatics, with over 620 experts fielded to strengthen national capacities in critical sectors, and increased emphasis has been given to programmes aimed at people-centred development. The Committee recognised the valuable support to Commonwealth small states extended by the Secretariat.

4. The Committee welcomed the development of the Commonwealth Service Abroad Programme (CSAP), focused on people-centred mass impact projects which contribute to the achievement of international development targets, and noted the demand for CSAP's services.

5. The Committee noted with satisfaction that more than one-third of Governments have increased the level of their contributions since the Durban CHOGM, resulting in increased resources at the disposal of the CFTC. The Committee, however, registered its strong concern that available resources are still considerably short of the commitments made at Millbrook in 1995 to restore the CFTC resources to their 1991/92 level in real terms. The Committee urged member countries to honour their pledges to the CFTC and requested the Secretariat to achieve closer co-operation between CFTC and the technical assistance schemes of member countries.

Debt

6. The Committee took note of the programme of the Commonwealth Secretariat in its efforts to assist countries in reducing the debt burden and improving debt management practices. It commended the Secretariat's contribution to a special international Task Force, chaired by the IMF, for developing new external debt recording and reporting standards that would serve as early warning indicators of an emerging crisis. The Committee recommended to Heads of Government that the programme of assistance to Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) must be widened, with strong emphasis on domestic debt management, monitoring of private short-term debt and management of contingent liabilities.

Strengthening Financial Systems

7. The Committee noted calls for an inclusive multilateral process, which respects fiscal sovereignty, to improve and strengthen financial and banking standards in financial centres; and emphasised the need to safeguard the international banking and financial system through the prevention of financial crime, including money laundering and underlined the key role of such standards and safeguards in international efforts to combat terrorism. It requested the Secretariat to support efforts to strengthen capacity and promote development in this area.

Financing for Development

8. Heads of Government are invited to support a successful outcome of the UN Conference on Financing for Development, which offers a unique opportunity to mobilise adequate resources including ODA to reduce poverty, fulfil the Millennium Development Goals and advance the development of all countries. They may also wish to request the Secretariat to assist in advancing the outcomes of the Monterrey Summit consistent with the Commonwealth's mandate.

Corporate Governance

9. The Committee expressed support for the comprehensive approach of the Commonwealth Programme of Corporate Governance and welcomed its implementation in co-ordination with other international agencies. The Committee called for advances in corporate governance and reforms in public governance, economic policy, and in the legal infrastructure within which companies operate.

Combating Corruption

10. The Committee reaffirmed support for the implementation of the Framework of Commonwealth Principles on Good Governance and Combating Corruption, and encouraged the continuation of work in this area by the Secretariat. The Committee recognised the necessity to provide additional financial resources, training and expertise to help promote institutional capacity-building to secure these goals. The Committee supported the United Nations initiative to conclude a comprehensive Convention against corruption. The Committee called for urgent international co-operation which will facilitate the lawful repatriation of assets derived from illicit activities.

Combating Money Laundering

11. The Committee welcomed the assistance being provided by the Secretariat to regional bodies and countries in implementing the recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and commended the establishment of the Eastern and Southern Africa Anti-Money Laundering Group (ESAAMLG). The Committee urged regions that have not yet done so to establish anti-money laundering mechanisms.

Commonwealth Private Investment Initiative

12. The Committee welcomed the progress being made by the Commonwealth Private Investment Initiative (CPII) in terms of the first generation of funds. The Committee regrets the operational difficulties of the Tiona Fund with respect to the Commonwealth Caribbean and advocates the revamping of this Fund. It called for continued support for the development of CPII and in particular the early establishment of second generation funds for Africa and the Pacific Islands.

Multilateral Trade Issues/Trade Capacity Building

13. The Committee welcomed the continued progress made since the launch of the Trade & Investment Access Facility (TIAF) at the 1997 Edinburgh CHOGM. It was noted that 47 projects valued at £2.97 million had been undertaken to assist developing members in addressing multi-lateral trade issues, in building negotiating capacity through trade policy advice, and in strengthening their domestic trade policy institutions. In particular, the Committee welcomed assistance provided to Commonwealth WTO Ambassadors in Geneva through the services of a resident multilateral trade advisor, to the ACP delegations in Brussels in their negotiations with the EU, and at the country and regional level on the legal and technical implications of WTO Agreements. The Committee looked forward to the strengthening of such support, especially for capacity building in national capitals and at the regional level. The Committee welcomed the assistance being given to countries that do not have a resident mission in Geneva and noted the need to continue to facilitate the active participation of such countries in the work of the WTO.

14. The Committee also supported efforts to provide financial and technical assistance for capacity building in related areas. They also urged greater trade liberalisation and market access for products from developing countries which are crucial for growth of exports, which contributes to debt sustainability.

15. The Committee commended the work of the TIAF and noted that developing member states would need more of the type of assistance to enable them to effectively take advantage of globalisation. The TIAF remains open for further contributions from governments and development agencies wishing to extend its beneficial impact.

16. The Committee also welcomed the Secretary-General's efforts to promote engagement on multilateral trade issues and to this end supported interaction of Commonwealth Ministers responsible for multilateral trade.

Gender

17. The Committee invited Heads of Government to reaffirm their commitment to gender equality and the implementation of the 1995 Commonwealth Plan of Action on Gender and Development (PoA) and its Update (2000-2005). It welcomed the progress made by countries since 1999 in the implementation of the PoA. It further welcomed the outcome of the United Nations World Conference Against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance on gender discrimination.

18. The Committee drew the attention of Heads of Government to the message from the Commonwealth Women's Affairs Ministers meeting held in India in April 2000. It called for further efforts by governments and the Secretariat to put gender mainstreaming at the centre of all policy and programme initiatives including addressing the impact of HIV/AIDS and other infectious diseases, globalisation and macroeconomic policies on women as well as men; increasing women's participation in conflict prevention, mediation, resolution and post-conflict reconstruction activities; promoting women's human rights; and achieving the Commonwealth target of at least 30 per cent representation of women in political and public decision-making.

Youth Affairs

19. The Committee invited Heads of Government to express their strong support for the importance of young people in the Commonwealth's development, poverty alleviation and anti-HIV/AIDS strategies.

20. The Committee drew the attention of Heads of Government to the message from the Commonwealth Youth Ministers Meeting in Solomon Islands in May 2000. It called for appropriate entrepreneurial education and the inclusion of a reference to international development targets in the implementation of the Plan of Action for Youth Empowerment (PAYE). The Committee also endorsed the work of the CYP Ministerial Review Group.

Co-operation in the Legal Sector

21. The Committee noted the work of the Secretariat in the modernisation and development of laws and national institutions designed to address the challenges posed by globalisation, human rights issues and changes in technology and encouraged the continuation of work to enhance the efficient administration of justice.

Education

22. The Committee drew the attention of Heads of Government to the message from the Conference of Commonwealth Education Ministers in Halifax in November 2000. It endorsed the statement of principles and guidelines as a basis for continued co-operation on education and human development. The Committee invited Heads of Government to reaffirm their commitment to upholding the right of Commonwealth citizens to education as a foundation for human development.

23. The Committee also noted with satisfaction the Action Plan of the Halifax Statement and the call by Ministers of Education for greater synergy in the work done by the Secretariat and other Commonwealth bodies that are active in education and human resource development to achieve maximum benefit to member countries.

Health

24. The Committee drew the attention of Heads of Government to a message from the thirteenth triennial meeting of Commonwealth Ministers of Health. The Committee invited Heads of Government to take all available measures to enhance the positive effects while mitigating the negative effects of globalisation on health care systems, health and development, the alleviation of poverty, the retention of skilled health workers, and the mounting of an adequate and multi-sectoral response to HIV/AIDS. The Committee invited Heads of Government to contribute to the UNAIDS Fund in order to strengthen the fight against HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria.

Environment and Development

25. The Committee invited Heads of Government to support concerted action to promote sustainable development through a balanced approach and greater integration of social, economic and environmental goals. The Committee welcomed progress made by the Iwokrama International Rain Forest Centre in Guyana in conserving and sustainably utilising tropical rain forest resources. The Committee drew the attention of Heads of Government to the need for funding to be made available to secure the future of the Iwokrama Programme over the long-term.

26. The Committee invited Heads of Government to endorse the Commonwealth Secretariat's involvement in preparations for the World Summit on Sustainable Development, and to examine ways in which the Secretariat could effectively contribute towards the success of the Summit. The Committee encouraged the Commonwealth Secretariat to provide the assistance required to member governments to address the pressing issues covered by the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. It emphasised the need for the Secretariat to continue to provide technical assistance to address the adaptation concerns of small island and other states that are particularly vulnerable to global warming and sea level rise.

Human Settlements

27. The Committee welcomed the agreed work plan of the Commonwealth Consultative Group on Human Settlements as detailed in the document Commonwealth Input to Istanbul+5, and noted the progress made in operationalising and funding the work plan.

Public Sector Reform

28. The Committee reaffirmed its support for the Commonwealth Programme "Towards a New Public Administration", approved in Auckland in 1995. The Committee affirmed the importance of three strategic thrusts: to strengthen leadership in the Public Sector, to advance Public Sector Informatics, and to assist public administrations in afflicted countries to cope with the impact of the AIDS pandemic. The Committee welcomed the work done by the Secretariat in public sector reform in countries undergoing reconstruction and encouraged it to continue its work in this area. The Committee requested Heads of Government to recognise the contribution made by the Commonwealth Association for Public Administration and Management (CAPAM).

Commonwealth Network of IT for Development (COMNET-IT)

29. The Committee requested Heads of Government to recognise the contribution of COMNET-IT in promoting capacity building in Information Technology (IT) and expressed the hope that COMNET-IT will contribute to the implementation of the Commonwealth Strategy for the Digital Divide.

Science and Technology

30. The Committee commended the work of the Commonwealth Science Council (CSC) and its Chairman, Dr B.S Ngubane of South Africa, in providing members with assistance in capacity building and in setting up the Commonwealth Innovation Foundation and establishing a Commonwealth Award for Innovation, to be presented for the first time during the 2003 CHOGM.

Commonwealth Foundation

31. The Committee received with satisfaction the report of the Commonwealth Foundation to Heads of Government, consisting of its 1999-2001 Biennial Report and its four year Strategic Plan for the period 2001-2005. In reviewing its work and impact over the past two years, the Committee commended the Foundation for its ability to undertake or support a wide range and number of programmes in the fields of civil society, professional activities, art and culture and the promotion of Commonwealth understanding. The Committee welcomed the Foundation's new Citizens and Governance Programme as the means by which the recommendations of the Civil Society in the New Millennium report are implemented, as encouraged by the 1999 CHOGM.

32. The Committee noted the Foundation's Mission Statement and Strategic Objectives, Methods and Actions set out in its new Strategic Plan (2001-2005). It noted with satisfaction that the Plan will include continued work by the Foundation in the fields of strengthening civil society-government-private sector partnership; the Citizens and Governance Programme; and the recognition of excellence and achievement in the field of arts and culture. The Committee noted the Foundation's efforts to attract voluntary contributions from governmental and non-governmental sources for such activities and expressed the hope that these efforts will bear fruit in the coming years.

33. The Committee paid tribute to the outstanding contribution made to the work of the Foundation by Ambassador Don Mills, whose period of office as Chairperson ended in January 2001, and welcomed his successor, Ms Graca Machel.

Commonwealth of Learning

34. The Committee also received with satisfaction the report of the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) and noted that Ministers of Education at their 2000 Halifax meeting endorsed COL's Three Year Plan, the outline of which had been approved at the 1999 Durban CHOGM. The Committee also recognised the significant headway that had been made in achieving the goal of Cdn$9 million annual core funding, approved by the Durban CHOGM. In this respect the Committee commended the United Kingdom on its decision to triple its funding and recognised the significant contribution of Nigeria along with the sizeable increase in India's contribution, as well as the proportionally greater contribution of many of the small states in the Commonwealth. The Committee encouraged member states to pledge core support for the work of the COL, whilst recognising that a number of members provide in-kind and project support.

35. The Committee welcomed COL's efforts to respond fully to the instruction of the Ministers of Education to establish a Commonwealth virtual university to serve the interests and needs of small states, and asked COL to report to the next CHOGM on this development. Finally, it encouraged COL to continue to work with bilateral development agencies on discrete initiatives where its expertise is especially suited and required.
36. The Committee agreed that COL should continue to focus on ways to help member governments apply the methodologies and practice of open, distance and technology mediated learning to have maximum positive impact on major international development programmes, such as poverty eradication, and on the achievement of the Dakar Targets for Education for All, as well as bridging the Digital Divide.

Parliamentary and Local Government Good Practice

37. The Committee commended the expansion of the work of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) in the promotion of parliamentary democracy and good governance since 1999. In particular it noted the CPA's work in encouraging the professional development of Parliamentarians and parliamentary staff, its promotion of greater involvement of women in politics and its ongoing programmes to strengthen relations which Parliaments must maintain with the executive, the judiciary and the media. It invited Heads of Government to re-emphasize the importance of parliamentary institutions in lending legitimacy to the broader political system and praised the efforts of the CPA, in conjunction with the Commonwealth Secretariat and others, in becoming more fully and visibly involved in Commonwealth activities and decision-making.

38. The Committee also noted the importance of recognising the role played by local governments in member countries. It welcomed the report of the first Commonwealth Local Government Conference, Partnerships in Governance, held in London in September 2000, and noted the co-operation between the Commonwealth Local Government Forum (CLGF) and the Commonwealth Secretariat in promoting democratic values and good governance, especially in the area of local government elections such as the participation of the CLGF representatives in observing local government elections in Pakistan. The Committee welcomed the support provided by the Governments of Australia and the United Kingdom to the CLGF Good Practice Scheme and called for other members also to contribute to its funding. The Committee noted the value of the Regional Information Centre for Southern Africa and hoped that the CLGF would be provided with the resources to establish similar centres in the Pacific and other regions.

Commonwealth Partnership for Technology Management

39. The Committee received the report of the Commonwealth Partnership for Technology Management (CPTM), and commended its work principally in harnessing technology management for enhancing economic development by developing partnerships between the Public and Private Sector. The Committee noted that the CPTM had completed an ambitious programme of tasks and advisory services and acknowledged the support of contributing governments and private sector organisations which enable CPTM to deliver its programme of activities in support of country requests. It noted that these achievements had been undertaken within a small financial resource base and encouraged continued financial support to the CPTM. It recognised the value of Smart Partnership International Dialogues between the Public and Private Sectors which are planned and implemented by the CPTM. It noted that these dialogues helped to address the challenges arising from rapid technology advances and increased globalisation. The Committee re-affirmed its strong support for the work of the CPTM. It recognised that work on quality management, national innovative systems in the knowledge economy, environmental sustainability and financing for commercialisation of technology are all important in economic development and poverty alleviation.

Commonwealth Sport

40. The Committee warmly endorsed the report of the CHOGM Committee on Co-operation Through Sport (CCCS) and acknowledged the fundamental importance of sport as an instrument for development in Official Development Assistance.

41. The Committee urged Heads of Government to promote increased sport participation, especially amongst youth, as part of a collaborative effort to overcome declining activity levels and concomitant increase in health costs and social dislocation. The Committee recognised the significant role of sport in addressing the economic, health and social well being of communities to address such issues as social exclusion, the role of women, youth development and health, especially in regard to HIV/AIDS awareness. The Committee encouraged Heads of Government to develop policies to harness the potential of sports.

Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation

42. The Committee received a presentation from the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation (CTO) on the occasion of its centenary in 2001-2 and noted its efforts in strengthening Commonwealth co-operation in this field.


Commonwealth Secretariat
Marlborough House
London SW1Y 5HX

15 February 2002

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