The Commonwealth Local Government Forum (CLGF) is calling on Commonwealth Heads of Government to ensure a joined up Commonwealth approach to policy making and financing and ensure a greater level of cooperation between Commonwealth intergovernmental and Commonwealth Associated Organisations.

It will also ask them, when addressing the growing threat of terrorism, to encourage concerned Commonwealth organisations, including CLGF as representative of elected local leaders, to take collective action to share know-how and expertise in mitigating and preventing attacks, as well as ensuring social cohesion and integration.

In a statement agreed by the CLGF Executive Committee at its meeting in London on 19 November, CLGF is asking Commonwealth Heads of Government, who are meeting in Malta on 27 November,  for greater support for the work of CLGF and other Commonwealth Associated Organisations, and in particular around adding value in terms of member states implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, in combatting climate change and in working together against threats of terrorism by sharing good practice and providing support through capacity-building and technology.

CLGF Chairperson Lawrence Yule who chaired the meeting said, "The Commonwealth Associated Organisations such as CLGF have a wealth of knowledge and experience they can tap in to through their Boards, members and staff who could add great value to  Commonwealth policy-making and practice, including promoting Commonwealth values. At our recent conference in Gaborone, Botswana, CLGF members asked for support over the next 15 years in helping deliver the Sustainable Development Goals at local level as part of a multi-level government approach. We would like to see a more joined-up Commonwealth approach on this, with relevant Commonwealth organisations working together to bring added value.

“Terrorism will also be high on the agenda in view of the recent attacks in Paris. It is another area where local government is at the forefront of the response and needs to be involved in national and Commonwealth strategies to mitigate and prevent attacks, as well as ensuring social cohesion and integration.

Other Executive Board members present at the meeting were: Vice-chairperson Cllr Philip McPhee, President of the Bahamas Association of Local Government Authorities, Cllr Rev Mpho Moruakgomo, President of the Botswana Association of Local Authorities, Cllr Moulana, Federation of Sri-Lankan Local Government Authorities and CLGF Secretary-General Carl Wright.