Commonwealth Secretariat
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    1. Climate Change
    2. Human Settlements
    3. Sustainable Development
    4. Iwokrama
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    6. Protecting and Managing Natural Resources
  4. Meetings
    1. Commonwealth Consultative Group on Environment
    2. Commonwealth Consultative Group on Human Settlements
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Sustainable Development

The Secretariat promotes integrated approaches to development in which economic, environmental and social policies work together to improve living standards and quality of life in the Commonwealth.

Children RunningIt does this by:

  • Promoting consensus and co-operation, primarily through Ministerial meetings such as the Commonwealth Consultative Group on Environment; and
  • Promoting holistic policy approaches to development (mainstreaming sustainable development).

Work focuses on two challenges facing member states: the unprecedented growth in human settlements, urbanisation and slums; and the increasing impact of climate change on development. Both are rapidly evolving fields where governments are struggling to understand the changes and design effective policies that fit with the circumstances of a particular country or community. The exchange of ideas, networking, and building skills in these areas will help to secure sustainable development.

The Secretariat also helps governments protect and manage natural resources since these are the basis for economic and social development. Its work on environmental law helps governments to implement multilateral environmental agreements, and the Commonwealth Fund for Technical Co-operation delivers experts and training in response to the priority needs of member states.

Commonwealth Foundation

We also work with key partners such as the Commonwealth Foundation to ensure we develop a coordinated and multifaceted approach.

Commonwealth Fund for Technical Cooperation (CFTC)

Established in 1971, the Commonwealth Fund for Technical Co-operation (CFTC) is the principal means for providing technical assistance to Commonwealth countries. It is a mutual and voluntary fund and members contribute resources according to their ability and draw on them according to their needs.

In response to direct requests from governments and regional institutions we have undertaken a number of initiatives relating to sustainable development. We have undertaken a detailed needs assessment to determine where we can add value to international efforts to address climate change in our most vulnerable states.

Another initiative has been to collaborate with the Commonwealth of Learning to help Commonwealth Universities to share and develop curricula to develop a cadre of climate professionals and to mainstream climate change in professional training.

We are currently assisting Iwokrama with CFTC funds to develop as a demonstration project of carbon services in standing forests.