New Publication: 'Commonwealth Heads of Government Reference Report 2005'

Democracy must promote liberty, not deny it, just as development must promote and not deny economic freedom, said Commonwealth Secretary-General Don McKinnon.

The Secretary-General shared this point in a commemorative publication for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2005, held in Malta from 25 to 27 November.

Under the theme 'Strengthening Development and Democracy through Partnership and Prosperity', Mr McKinnon stated development could no longer be thought of simply in terms of Gross Domestic Product, as development is about possibilities first and production second.

Mirroring the view of development, he noted that democracy is about expanding opportunities and strengthening human capabilities.

"There has to be a core commitment to the central institutions of democracy as those institutions are there to provide for the political freedom of the people. Development does not work if it is top-down and excludes people. It thrives on participation. Democracy, too, needs to be participatory -- at national and local levels and at all intermediate stages," said the Secretary-General.

According to Mr McKinnon, this year's CHOGM, themed 'Networking the Commonwealth for Development', focused on enhancing the partnerships that exist and could exist in the Commonwealth, and can be put to best use in strengthening democracy and promoting pro-poor development.

"To do this effectively requires a clear and shared vision and commitment by all concerned. Development has been at the heart of the Commonwealth thinking as we work to end poverty, improve access to primary education, promote gender equality and combat HIV/AIDS. Such are the elements which underpin and sustain our shared vision."

The Secretary-General emphasised that partnerships can bring gains on an international and regional level.

"The success of any partnership, though, is measured by the positive changes it brings to people on the ground. If they can experience a better standard of living, better employment, better health care -- if those suffering from HIV/AIDS can get the medicines needed to bring a better quality of life -- it will be worth it," said Mr McKinnon.

Other articles in this CHOGM publication include those from John McCallum, Minister of National Revenue and Minister of Natural Resources, Canada, Commonwealth Deputy Secretary-General Winston Cox, Professor Bishnodat Persaud, former Director and Head, Economic Affairs Division, Commonwealth Secretariat, Memunatu Pratt, programme co-ordinator, Peace and Conflict Studies, University of Sierra Leone,s and Thoraya Ahmed Obaid, Executive Director, United Nations Population Fund, among others.

The 232-page publication covers 50 essays and papers under six topics: good governance, peace and prosperity; networking the Commonwealth for development; people at the heart of development; sustaining the environment; powering growth and industry; and financing for development.

The collection of writings was published by Henley Media Group Limited in association with the Commonwealth Secretariat.

ISBN: 0-9546572-4-1; 232 pages; price: £35.00

HOW TO ORDER

This title can be bought online at http://www.publications.thecommonwealth.org/.

A full catalogue of Commonwealth Secretariat and Commonwealth Foundation publications can be viewed on the website, which provides a secure online buying facility, and orders can also be made through e-mail or by post. Pre-payment is essential. Payment by sterling cheque, international money order, postal order or bank draft must accompany your order.

Payment should be in sterling, drawn on a UK bank and made out to the Commonwealth Secretariat. If you require the order form as an attachment in Word format please e-mail Guy Bentham of the Publications Section (see address below). Post and packaging charges should be added to every order in the following way: UK orders: 15 per cent of order value (minimum charge £2.00). Non-UK orders: 25 per cent of order value (minimum charge £3.50).

Send orders to: Guy Bentham, Publications Section, Commonwealth Secretariat, Marlborough House, Pall Mall, London SW1Y 5HX, United Kingdom. Tel: +44 (0)20 7747 6342; Fax: +44 (0)20 7839 9081; E-mail: publications@commonwealth.int

CNIS - Commonwealth News and Information Service Issue 265, 14 December 2005

Key Links:

• Commonwealth Secretariat Publications
• CHOGM