Secretary-General Visits Scotland For Commonwealth Day
18 March 2004
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| The Scottish Parliament |
He said the values were clearly expressed in this year's Commonwealth Day theme -- 'Building a Commonwealth of Freedom'. "Freedom is a tool that enables us to improve our lives and change the world around us. Commonwealth leaders reiterated their commitment to uphold democratic freedoms at their meeting in Abuja, Nigeria, in December 2003.
"To this end they agreed on principles -- known as the 'Latimer House Guidelines' -- for implementing the Commonwealth's fundamental values by all branches of government: Parliament, the Executive and the Judiciary."
The reception was attended by members of the Scottish Parliament, Commonwealth High Commissioners and Consuls-General, Commonwealth students studying at Scottish universities and representatives from academia, business and civic society with links to the Commonwealth.
Mr McKinnon said the work of the Commonwealth "is often ignored or misunderstood. Although the Commonwealth achieves a lot, not enough is known about what it does."
He cited achievements such as the Young Ambassadors for Positive Living programme (peer counselling and campaigning by HIV-positive youths); the training of journalists from 40 Commonwealth countries; trade advice to Commonwealth and African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries on international trade negotiations; helping young people set up their businesses; and assisting member countries manage debt flows and improve transparency.
Earlier in the day Mr McKinnon was at the Parliament House to observe members debate on the Commonwealth. During the debate Dr Sylvia Jackson MSP said, "Parliament commends the theme of Commonwealth Day this year, 'Building a Commonwealth of Freedom', that raises important issues of governance, democracy, human rights, citizenship, building communities and development, that are relevant to all peoples of the Commonwealth."
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