Foreign ministers agree on draft Commonwealth Charter and EPG recommendations

29 September 2012

Commonwealth foreign ministers met in New York on 29 September on the margins of the 67th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.

Ministers agreed on a draft charter of the Commonwealth, that embraces its fundamental values, principles and aspirations. This draft charter will now be submitted to Commonwealth Heads of Government for approval.

The ministers agreed to all the remaining recommendations of the Eminent Persons Group, aimed at sharpening impact, strengthening networks and raising the Commonwealth's profile. These recommendations will now also go to Commonwealth leaders for approval.

Ministers concluded on previously discussed options for enhancing Commonwealth political values. The Group agreed on a range of measures to support the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group in its enhanced mandate and the Secretary-General's 'Good Offices for Peace' work.

The meeting produced traction on developments for a new Strategic Plan for the Commonwealth Secretariat. This is a plan that will see the Secretariat focus on its areas of comparative advantage, as a modern, dynamic organisation addressing contemporary challenges.

Ministers were briefed by the Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka on preparations for the next Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Colombo, Sri Lanka, in November 2013.

For media enquiries, contact:

Richard Uku
Spokesperson/Director of Communications and Public Affairs
Commonwealth Secretariat
Tel: +44 (0)7711 187784
Email: r.uku@commonwealth.int