CLGF was delighted to take part in the recent 70th anniversary celebrations of the Commonwealth that took place in the gardens of the Commonwealth Headquarters at Marlborough House, London in June. 

Hosted by the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Rt Hon Patricia Scotland QC, and with several High Commissions present, the occasion was used to present the Innovation awards, a function that was carried out by the Duke of Sussex. The awards recognised, celebrated and showcased impactful innovations and forward-looking solutions which help Commonwealth countries develop and advance the values of the Commonwealth Charter.

Impactful innovations

The awards highlighted impactful innovations and forward-looking solutions which help Commonwealth countries develop and advance Commonwealth values. Winners included a young woman from Samoa, who overcame personal trauma to support victims of sexual abuse; the co-founder of a medical device company in India, designed to prevent deaths in the field of emergency and critical care; the co-founder of a social enterprise in Rwanda that ensures environmental sustainability through recycling plastic waste into construction materials; a CEO with the idea of simplifying learning for African children and young adults by creating mobile applications and video content in their native languages.

Formal recognition 

CLGF is an associated Commonwealth organisation (AO) which recognises its status as a quasi-governmental organisation working with elected representatives. It also reflects CLGF's commitment to the values and principles outlined in the Commonwealth Charter. Not quite 70, CLGF will next year be celebrating a quarter of a century since its formal establishment in 1995, with formal endorsement by Commonwealth Heads of Government at their meeting in Auckland that year.

Ambitious in aims and outreach

Although ambitious in its aims and political outreach right from its inception, CLGF developed from small beginnings to become an effective organisation in the sphere of local government, providing a strong local government voice at Commonwealth level. Deputy Secretary-General Lucy Slack said: “As a representative of local government throughout the Commonwealth, we are proud to hold AO status. CLGF is unique in including members from all levels of government, and we are proud of our work, with our members and supported by development partners, towards improving local government services and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.”

Image courtesy of Commonwealth Secretariat