Advancing Global Citizenship
21 October 2004
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| "As citizens of a globalised world, we cannot ignore abuses of human and democratic rights, no more than we can ignore the poverty, hopelessness and despair that affects our fellow human beings." |
The Commonwealth is a global family that comes alive by the efforts of millions of individuals who, through their knowledge and expertise, help each other grow, says Secretary-General Don McKinnon.
Mr McKinnon stated: "These networks and partnerships contribute to a global dialogue in which citizens from every part of the Commonwealth benefit from each other's knowledge and experience of the world."
The Secretary-General was speaking on 'Advancing Global Citizenship: The Role of the Commonwealth' at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, Scotland, on 14 October 2004. Some 160 people attended the lecture organised by the University and the Royal Society of Arts (RSA).
Mr McKinnon emphasised that the Commonwealth is not merely an organisation of governments: "It is a community of people who share the same values and aspirations and come together to form partnerships and build alliances. It is a community of equals, based on a common sense of identity and belonging. It is, in this sense, an international organisation 'with a soul'."
He said the Commonwealth has a special role to play in promoting a sense of global solidarity. It also has the capacity to bring about consensus among a diversity of nations and this strengthens the commitment of Commonwealth member states to common values.
The Secretary-General advocated solidarity for the poor. He stated: "As citizens of a globalised world, we cannot ignore abuses of human and democratic rights, no more than we can ignore the poverty, hopelessness and despair that affects our fellow human beings. It is in all our best interests to tackle poverty as it is one of the biggest sources of instability and conflict in the world today.
"Research suggests that lack of economic opportunity lies at the root of most conflicts over the last 30 years -- ahead of ethnic, political or ideological issues."
Mr McKinnon said that one of the most effective ways of tackling poverty is through increased trade. But, he stressed, trade will only work for the poor if it is fair. Advanced states should open their markets to developing countries.
"Living in an interdependent world, we must recognise that tackling global poverty is not only a moral imperative, but also a political one. We can't make the world more stable and more secure if we don't start by making it more just."
The lecture was the first in a series of 'Town and Gown' events being held to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the RSA.
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