The Eminent Persons Group has released a questionnaire – to be completed by 22 September – which asks how the profile, impact and networks of the 60-year-old Commonwealth can be strengthened.
Public invited to give their views on the future of the Commonwealth
17 August 2010
New expert body keen to hear ideas on how best to sharpen impact, strengthen networks and raise the profile of the association
The Eminent Persons Group, set up to help reform and renew the Commonwealth, is calling on members of the public to give their opinions on the association.
The new body has released a questionnaire – to be completed by 22 September – which asks how the profile, impact and networks of the 60-year-old Commonwealth can be strengthened.
“We are extremely keen to hear from anyone who is interested in making a contribution,” said former Malaysian Prime Minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, Chairperson of the Group, which met for the first time on 19 and 20 July at the Commonwealth Secretariat’s headquarters in London.
As well as hearing the views of the general public, the Group is also seeking the written views of all Commonwealth civil society and professional organisations, as well as from a range of distinguished personalities.
Questionnaire
Click here to complete the general public questionnaire
The Group was established by Commonwealth Heads of Government at their summit in November 2009. At this meeting Commonwealth leaders called for the “creation of an Eminent Persons Group to undertake an examination of options for reform in order to bring the Commonwealth’s many institutions into a stronger and more effective framework of co-operation and partnership.” The Group is also tasked with looking at the format, frequency, and content of Commonwealth ministerial meetings.
The ten-person Group is scheduled to meet again in October 2010 and March 2011 before reporting to leaders at the next Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, taking place in Perth, Australia, in October 2011.
“This distinguished Group will set out decisive recommendations on how to strengthen the Commonwealth and fulfil its potential in the 21st century,” Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma said when he first announced the members in London last month. “The Group’s work will aim to ensure that the Commonwealth remains relevant to its times and makes the best use of its networks and partnerships to do so.”
As a Portuguese citizen born in Mozambique i am proud i studied in a Commonwealth school. Thus Education should be a growing priority through Commonweath scolarship programmes, upgrading and sustainable development in partnership with undeveloped and developing countries to accelerate emerging economies. Congratulations for so many sucessfull years and thank you for the opportunity to let us civil society share with you the views and the hopes we still hold for our children. God Bless you all
Does the Commonwealth have a space development arm? If not, would this be possible? A number of Commonwealth countries are already strong space players and may be keen for this to happen. Such an initiative would also promote education in science and engineering. If this is a good idea, what could I do to pursue the matter? I have a number of objectives to suggest that might be considered. Kim Peart Queensland Australia
NO to EU, A BIG YES TO COMMONWEALTH. Take Britain out of EU
We would like to see more active Commonwealth
Shut it down. Save the money.
As a Brit i feel i have more connection to the Commonwealth, then the European Union. I wish for Britain to return to the Commonwealth fold and as the Head of the Commonwealth, i wish this global famliy of independent nation become stronger again.
The Commonwealth should transform itself into one which allows membership for any democratic nation in the world. It's remit should change to encouraging co-operation, friendship, learning, development, culture and sport amongst democratic nations. There would need to be a level of stability and a certain level of adherence to human rights for membership. In this way The Commonwealth could grow and become more and more relevant for the 21st Century.
The Commonwealth needs to have a better presence in developed countries such as Canada. Very few people know what the Commonwealth is about, especially young people. Need to engage young people more. Also, have networks in place for rich and meaningful exchanges of activity. As a young person, I see a strong future in the Commonwealth Realm which I am proud to be a part of as a Canadian.
The combined resources and skills in the Commonwealth could create a unique mutual and rapid support capability for responses to natural disasters and to address climate change together.
The Commonwealth with India at its heart could be a significant leader both economically and diplomatically on the world stage. It includes leading countries from North America, Europe, Asia, Africa and Oceania, and all sharing values of freedom and good governance. Enormous potential.
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