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Diversity of Dialogue is the Commonwealth's Strength

24 June 2005

Secretary-General Don McKinnon with Professor Guido de Marco (left), Chairperson of the Commonwealth Foundation and Emmanuel Cotter (right), St Lucia High Commissioner to the UK, cutting a cake in celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Commonwealth Secretariat and Commonwealth Foundation.

A 40th anniversary reception was held at the Commonwealth Secretariat in London, UK, on 23 June 2005 to commemorate the establishment of the Secretariat and the Commonwealth Foundation. It began with the screening of news footage from 1965 of the Secretariat's earliest days, which included an interview with the then British Prime Minister Harold Wilson at the end of the Prime Ministers Meeting, the precursor to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. 

Emmanuel Cotter, St Lucia's High Commissioner to the UK, who spoke on behalf of the Commonwealth High Commissioners, said: "We, who represent Commonwealth governments, owe a debt of gratitude to the Commonwealth Secretariat and Foundation for the contributions they have made, without which the Commonwealth would not be what it is today."

Mr Cotter was speaking on behalf of Commonwealth High Commissioners to commemorate the establishment of the Secretariat and Foundation at Marlborough House 40 years ago on 25 June 1965, following a decision by Commonwealth leaders. The Secretariat serves the governments of the Commonwealth while the Foundation supports civil society and culture.

The High Commissioner stated: "The far-reaching decisions of the Commonwealth leaders have served the Commonwealth well for four decades and promise to do so for many decades to come. The creation of a neutral and impartial Secretariat, collectively loyal and responsible to all member governments, was a major development in promoting the Commonwealth's values and objectives effectively."

Mr Cotter said four Secretaries-General have since "served the Commonwealth with great distinction, as well as several generations of deeply committed and hard-working Commonwealth civil servants." He noted that the Foundation has also made a significant impact in promoting co-operation among Commonwealth professional and civil society organisations.

"Despite static resources, the Commonwealth's membership has been growing steadily and enthusiastically. A growing organisation is the most certain sign of a relevant and dynamic one," he stated.

Commonwealth Secretary-General Don McKinnon stressed that it was the aim of every Commonwealth leader and secretary-general to ensure that the Commonwealth remained relevant to its people. "There was always that desire to reach out and recognise the role of the Commonwealth in the international community. The Commonwealth's achievements have been many over quite a long period of time and certainly we can all be proud of them. I salute all my three predecessors -- Arnold Smith, Sonny Ramphal and Chief Emeka Anyaoku -- for what they had all achieved, putting in a lot of effort and energy and being very dedicated to the cause. Thanks also to all staff present here for what you have achieved."

Professor Guido de Marco, Chairperson of the Commonwealth Foundation and former President of Malta, said both the Foundation and the Secretariat have worked together for four decades to help give a voice to the people of the Commonwealth through civil society. "The real niche the Commonwealth Foundation has created is by including civil society in the governance of countries. We have to try to ensure the continued symbiosis between civil society and governance, as well as the involvement of non-governmental organisations and the media."

Professor de Marco also said the Foundation and the Secretariat will continue to play key roles in promoting dialogue among civilisations.

"We have to fight the battles of tomorrow through logical persuasion -- herein lies the secret of the Commonwealth's success -- the logic of persuasion. It is through this endeavour that we are moving forward."