Building ownership and culture of democracy is surest way to achieve stability

At a conference examining the concept of ‘fragile states’ and how they can get stronger, the Commonwealth Secretary-General argued that “building the local ownership and culture of democracy, and the institutions which support it” is the surest way for a country to achieve long-term stability.

“That is why [the Commonwealth Secretariat’s] work in supporting such bodies as election commissions, human rights commissions, ombudsmen, youth councils, media regulatory bodies – and, of course, parliaments – is so very important,” he said.

Kamalesh Sharma acknowledged that each Commonwealth country carries elements of fragility, adding that “all are journeying on the often rugged and winding paths of democracy, development and diversity; all have known reversal, but look towards advance.”

He continued: “Fragility may be relative; yet tackling fragility is more absolute – it is an exercise that can be best built on values, on institutions, and on the home-grown will of nations and peoples to meet their challenges and walk free.”

Of the 69 countries listed as ‘fragile states’ by the World Bank Country Policy and Institutional Assessment tables, just under half are members of the Commonwealth, and nine of those are at the highest level of risk.

The conference was organised by Chatham House in partnership with the BBC’s The World Tonight.

Key Links:

• Secretary-General
• Democracy and Consensus Building