CLGF has just concluded a highly successful annual Board meeting and associated events, in Abuja, hosted by our Nigerian Board member, Hon Alhaji Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, federal Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs.

2014 is both the Year of Developmental Local Government and the International Year of Small Island Developing States.

A hot issue of debate at recent Commonwealth meetings, including at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) held in November last year, was about the relative importance the organisation and its member states should place on issues of development, as opposed to issues of democracy: supporting economic and social advancement and poverty alleviation vis a vis safeguarding fundamental political principles and practices such as the rule of law and human rights.

On Monday 10 March, the annual Commonwealth Day celebrations will take place in our 53 member states worldwide.  In London, CLGF will as usual be participating in the multi-faith service held at Westminster Abbey in the presence of HM Queen Elizabeth, Head of the Commonwealth, the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Commonwealth High Commissioners and other dignitaries.