Evolution and vision: the Commonwealth at 60

In 60 years, the Commonwealth has changed out of all recognition. It now accounts for a quarter of the world’s countries, and a third of its population. It is fully established as a champion of Democracy, Development and Diversity.

In 1949, in the aftermath of global convulsion, the London Declaration witnessed our eight founding countries – with many more in the wings – constituting themselves anew as the first real international community.

In 2009, at a time of further global crisis, came a second London Declaration, when the G20 had a chance to demonstrate whether we are a world coming together, or a world coming apart. The Commonwealth was in the lead in urging that the perspectives of the ‘G172’ must inform the deliberations of the G20. The Commonwealth was true to its unwavering belief in the inclusiveness of the global community. We should be in the vanguard in the creation of the new internationalism as the culture of the 21st century.

The worlds of 1949 and 2009 are different worlds. The globalising world of 2009 might better be described as a compacting world, which is integrating in some parts, but colliding in others. The world of 2009 needs to create a new society of shared interests and values.

For 60 years, this association has journeyed as a community of values. When values are flouted, it has worked hard - and in partnership - to restore them. It has been responsive to the needs of its times. It has been inclusive in tending to the needs of its most vulnerable peoples and countries. It has been wise to the realities and possibilities of partnership. It has recorded remarkable successes in the pursuit of democracy and development.

Yet deep and persistent challenges remain. The Commonwealth is still home to two-thirds of the world’s people living in abject poverty.

With or without our current, existential, crises, we have to be dedicated to the goal of transforming the lives of our people in need. In particular, we have to be friends of our women, and our young people.

This is the Commonwealth at work in 2009: enacting its values; true globalists in a globalised world.

Key Links:

• Secretary-General
• Celebrating the commonwealth@60