Commonwealth networks can help transform societies: Sharma

The partnership the Commonwealth embodies -- among governments, the corporate sector and civil society - provides a valuable set of networks to improve the lives of its citizens and help bring about socio-economic transformation.

Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma told Indian corporate leaders that the Commonwealth brings people together by enhancing cohesion in diverse societies through respect and understanding, and improves the quality of people's lives through its emphasis on gender equality, education, entrepreneurship and skills development. Building the capacity of institutions to support democracy and good governance is another key aspect of the Commonwealth's work. He said that no society could achieve real development without substantial investment in the fields of education and health, and without focusing on the welfare of women and young people in particular.

He was addressing some 100 guests at an event organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in New Delhi on 20 October 2008 during his first official visit to India since taking office in April this year.

The Secretary-General said that the Commonwealth believes in using technology as an instrument for development to provide access to knowledge and solutions. He said that bridging the digital divide and achieving maximum information and communication technology (ICT) penetration in developing countries was key to socio-economic transformation, as was being attempted through the Commonwealth Connects programme. He also said that a special 'partnership platform portal' (P3) for the Commonwealth is being developed that will offer an interactive network in cyberspace for sharing data, ideas and best practice, and provide a cost-effective instrument for development and good governance.

The Secretary-General noted with satisfaction the existing collaboration between CII and the Commonwealth Business Council, especially in promoting entrepreneurship among youth and women. He called on CII to use the experience and expertise available in India to share skills and build capacity elsewhere in the Commonwealth.

The Director-General of CII, Chandrajit Banerjee, reaffirmed that his organisation is keen to develop closer ties with the Commonwealth and announced that it would establish a special Commonwealth cell towards that end, a gesture the Secretary-General deeply appreciated.