Since its creation 30 years ago, CLGF has evolved and seen many successes, not least in relation to the partnerships it has forged and developed. This has certainly been the case with the Commonwealth Secretariat, with which it has collaborated on a number of projects, yielding many benefits for local government across the Commonwealth. CLGF was therefore delighted to join the first meeting of the newly appointed Commonwealth Secretary-General Hon Shirley Botchwey with the accredited and associated organisations (AOs) of the Commonwealth Secretariat in July.

As part of the Secretary-General’s aim to recognise the many global challenges and do more for member countries, representatives of accredited organisations gathered at Marlborough House in London to discuss the key issues.   

Tackling challenges together

Her message was very clear and unambiguous, as she shared her vision and told the gathering: “We cannot address the challenges faced by our member countries and their desire for shared prosperity by continuing with the business-as-usual model. And I want to be clear: this vision can only be achieved if we all are part of it.”    

CLGF Secretary-General Lucy Slack was one of 60 of the 97 accredited organisations attending in person. Hon Shirley Botchwey noted that the international development space is changing, as are the needs of our member countries. The Commonwealth and its secretariat must also adapt to these new norms. 

A new vision

The Commonwealth Secretary-General set out the following five actions to elevate the Commonwealth and its 56 member countries: 

• democracies and social development must be responsive to the expectations of people across the Commonwealth;
• trade must become a win-win for businesses, economies and the people of the Commonwealth;
• distance learning will ensure that every Commonwealth child interested in digital skills receives training;
• a renewable energy revolution across the Commonwealth will take advantage of and benefit from Commonwealth industry and finance; and 
• our voice must count in global resilience building. 

Associated Organisations

In addition to local government, the existing group of AOs includes associations and alliances in health, education, law, climate and business networks, and those who advocate for the rights of LGBTQ+ communities, people living with disabilities and media freedoms. In welcoming new partners, the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Hon Shirley Botchwey, said: “The Commonwealth is a network of 56 countries bound by history, values, and a commitment to each other’s progress. This is our moment to be defined by purpose – and that purpose is only realised through partnership.” She explained that additions to the AO group signal not only growth, but renewal, and a deepening of our collective capacity to serve.    

A Strategic Plan for 2025–2030

The meeting continued with a briefing on the strategic plan process for the organisation. The current strategic planning cycle ends in 2025, and a new five-year plan is in development.  The plan, which will cover the five-year period until 2030, will refine the organisation’s strategic direction and provide a framework for how the Secretariat partners with countries, partners and donors, as well as the people of the Commonwealth, to accelerate sustainable development. There will be additional consultations with the Board of Governors and other stakeholders before the final version of the strategic plan is approved later this year.

Growth and empowerment

Commonwealth Secretary-General, Hon Shirley Botchwey outlined her plans targeting inclusive growth and an empowering environment as central to her vision. She said:

“We need to make our democracies and social development more responsive to the expectations of our people. We need to make trade a win-win for our businesses and economies by changing the business model that caters to our proportionally small middle class and makes the 2.7 billion people a consumer market, powering profits and investments.

“We need to use distance education to ensure every Commonwealth child interested in digital skills receives training and preparation to become entrepreneurs, with access to financing. We need a renewable energy revolution across the Commonwealth, taking advantage of, and benefiting, Commonwealth industry and finance.”

Anchoring change in three pillars of resilience

To do this, the Secretary-General noted, the Commonwealth needs to strengthen its advocacy in global forums to drive these changes. She set out the pillars for success and the enabling environment around these pillars:

• Democratic resilience – support human rights, the rule of law, good governance and strong electoral systems;
• Economic resilience – advocating for equitable access to finance, inclusive trade and debt sustainability; and
• Environmental resilience - encompassing work to benefit a healthy climate and ocean, as well as the sustainable use of energy and natural resources.

These three pillars will be underpinned by social inclusion, which will include all of the initiatives to enhance the contributions of young people and women and address barriers to their effective engagement at all levels.

CLGF’s Lucy Slack welcomed the Commonwealth Secretary-General’s vision, in particular the renewed focus on democracy and the rule of law, the cross-cutting importance of gender and youth in all Commonwealth work, and her vocal support for human rights for all people of the Commonwealth. She said: “So many of these actions have a direct impact on local government and affect the lives of the communities they serve. They are already priorities for CLGF and the focus of much of our work. We look forward to continuing our close assocation with the Commonwealth Secretariat."

Read the Secretary-General's Statement at the first dialogue with the accredited and associated Organisations.