Commonwealth pushes for Philanthropy ambassador in every member country

The benefits of every Commonwealth country having its own Ambassador of Philanthropy were discussed on 22 April at a meeting between Dame Stephanie Shirley and Commonwealth Deputy Secretary-General Ransford Smith.

Dame Stephanie, who was appointed the UK’s Ambassador of Philanthropy back in May 2009, will be speaking at the 9th Women’s Affairs Ministerial Meeting (9WAMM), which is being held from 7 to 9 June in Barbados. At one of the sessions of this meeting, delegates will discuss using philanthropic capital for gender-equitable development.

While at 9WAMM, Dame Stephanie will work with the High Commission in Barbados on establishing an ambassador of Philanthropy for the Caribbean country. It is hoped that this will start the ball rolling on other countries creating their own ambassadors, who will act as conduits between governments and philanthropists who want to invest their money in particular causes.

Shortly after being appointed UK ambassador last year, Dame Stephanie pledged: "to inspire the idea that giving is a pleasurable act of desire and compassion to help, change or challenge any aspect of our society by raising the bar on our capacity to be generous."

For more details on Commonwealth Women’s Affairs Ministers Meetings, click here.

Related News:

• Ambassador(s) for Philanthropy website