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Statement from the Chair of the Board on the occasion of the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III, Head of the Commonwealth

Posted on by Sudha Devi K.R. Vasudevan

On behalf of the Commonwealth Foundation, I extend our sincerest congratulations and warmest wishes to His Majesty King Charles III on the occasion of his coronation.

Through a life of service, His Majesty King Charles has consistently demonstrated his steadfast commitment to the core values enshrined in the Commonwealth Charter. Under his leadership as Head of the Commonwealth, we are confident that the Organisation will continue to flourish, championing democracy, human rights, and the rule of law for the benefit of our 56 Member States and their 2.6 billion citizens.

‘In His Majesty King Charles, we have a leader who understands the importance of unity in diversity, a leader who appreciates the rich tapestry of cultures, traditions, and histories that form the backbone of our precious Organisation’

This is a historic moment for our beloved Commonwealth. The challenges we face as a global community are numerous and complex. At the Commonwealth Foundation, we are committed to harnessing the collective wisdom, experience, and resilience of the People of the Commonwealth to address these challenges head-on. In His Majesty King Charles, we have a leader who understands the importance of unity in diversity, a leader who appreciates the rich tapestry of cultures, traditions, and histories that form the backbone of our precious Organisation.

We move forward in the assurance that His Majesty King Charles will not flinch from acknowledging the past, and in doing so, will help us forge a brighter and more inclusive future. It is our hope that, under his guidance, the Commonwealth will continue to evolve, coming together to embrace our shared history while striving towards full realisation of the ideals we cherish.

In this time of change, we must also take a moment to express our profound gratitude to Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for the steadfast leadership she provided the Commonwealth during her remarkable reign. Her Majesty’s deep sense of duty and enduring commitment to the Commonwealth have left an indelible mark, and her legacy shall continue to inspire and guide us in the years to come.

‘Together, we shall strive to create a more just, equitable and sustainable future’

As we embark on this new chapter in our rich history, the Commonwealth Foundation remains committed to working in close partnership with our Member States and Commonwealth civil society to advance the goals and aspirations we all share.

We are confident that, under the guidance of His Majesty King Charles, the Commonwealth will continue to be a beacon of hope and a powerful force for good in the world. Together, we shall strive to create a more just, equitable and sustainable future. The people of the Commonwealth deserve nothing less.

Dato’ Sudha Devi K.R. Vasudevan is Chair of the Board of the Commonwealth Foundation.

Photo: Commonwealth Secretariat

Wild Speculations on the Nature of Festivity and the Practice of Friendship

Posted on by Ntsika Kota

The morning I left home for an island off the west coast of the Malaysian Peninsula, the sky was crystal clear. I remember the light of the rising sun shining off the bitumen of the empty airport parking lot. Shortly after that, I watched as the red and green tapestry of rural Eswatini sank below clouds.

About two dozen hours later, I arrived in Penang—sweaty, tired and profoundly excited. The door of Arrivals slid open, and I got to say hello to a whole new place. The first thing the island said to me was, “HUMID!” From above came the clarion chorus of thousands of birds nestled in the giant, four-lanes-wide awning over the pick-up zone. After a shuttle ride up the island’s flank, we entered the UNESCO World Heritage area and the stage was set for the George Town Literary Festival (GTLF).

The next morning was the first of four days that felt like four hours filled with four weeks of living. Imagine transplanting hundreds of conversations from dozens of dinner parties—the kind attended by the most fascinating, illustrious and passionate of people. What ideas would be shared? That, essentially, is the objective of a festival like the GTLF: conversations. Illuminating, difficult, important, funny conversations.

‘[It was] four days that felt like four hours filled with four weeks of living.’

Conversations; about the original, indigenous name for orangutans (maias). The nature of mythology—part of an entire society’s sense of self. The single right way to navigate the publishing industry as a young writer (doesn’t exist). One way to process your feelings about a great injustice (write a funny, gory, beautiful story about it). How to decide, when translating, whether to focus on the author’s intention or on exactitude of meaning (do neither and both. Transcribe the feel of the text).

Discussions; concerning the role, beyond entertainment, of written fiction—as activism. On the nature of dreams and nightmares—sources of inspiration or idle curiosity? The state of publishing in Southeast Asia (diverse—the generic ‘Southeast Asian reader’ does not exist—and disperse—the experience of diasporans is not inferior or inauthentic, just different). About how faith, ethnicity and politics shape modern Malaysia.

Dialogues; exploring the oft lonely path that writers walk in the months and years spent breathing life into text (perhaps unpublished, or, being published, unread, or, being published and read, unacclaimed). Describing an oppressive society in which a woman with a pen—a poet—is, merely by expressing herself, in rebellion. Unpacking more subtle forms of resistance, like surrealism—confrontation veiled in metaphor.

‘The objective of a festival like the George Town Literary Festival is connecting diverse people from all over the globe.’

The other objective of a festival like the GTLF is connecting diverse people from all over the globe. Allowing those transplanted conversations to multiply and evolve in trendy restaurants and on shaded benches. That’s when the real joy of a festival like that is realised.

When I left home that sunny morning, I expected to be challenged, I expected to be surprised and to learn brilliant new things. What I didn’t expect was to meet a group of brilliant new people and connect with them so profoundly. Brief though our time was, that brevity does not, in my opinion, detract even slightly from the immense value of that connection.

So, if you ever get the chance to attend a literary festival on an island off the west coast of the Malaysian peninsula, you should take it. Also, if anyone asks whether you’d like to join them for some herbal tea, perhaps a couple of Tigers? Say yes. It could well be the highlight of your year—even if that year was already the most extraordinary of your life.

Nstika Kota won the 2022 Commonwealth Short Story Prize with ‘and the earth drank deep‘. He was attending the George Town Literary Festival with support from the Commonwealth Foundation.

Recovering and rebuilding after Covid-19

Posted on by Commonwealth Foundation

The world is emerging—slowly but surely—from the Covid-19 pandemic.

In November 2020, the Commonwealth Foundation launched a Special Grants Call to support those worst affected by Covid-19. The programme, which received extra funding from the Government of Canada, provided financial assistance to civil society organisations in Commonwealth countries. The grants targeted organisations that sought to work constructively and closely with governments in recovery and rebuilding efforts.

Partners were tasked with delivering projects in a unique and challenging context. As governments adopted large-scale – and sometimes draconian – emergency pandemic measures, the space for civil society to operate shrank. For example, restrictions on movement often limited access to those most in need of help. The situation also took its toll on the physical and mental well-being of the dedicated staff and volunteers running the projects and organisations.

‘Partners were tasked with delivering projects in a unique and challenging context… as governments adopted large-scale emergency pandemic measures.’

All 10 projects funded by the extra contribution from the Government of Canada overcame these and many other obstacles to be able to document real impact. Partners reported increased awareness of key issues relating to Covid-19 within their beneficiary communities. The projects also helped marginalised communities to better advocate for their rights surrounding Covid-19. Most notably, some projects actually contributed to a significant change in government Covid-19 policy and pandemic response.

Below is a snapshot of just a few of the funded projects. The three featured organisations successfully engaged with governments to assist marginalised communities and influence pandemic response.

Some of our Covid-19 grantees reflect on their achievements.

In Bangladesh, Turning Point Foundation’s project worked to change national Covid-19 policies to better account for people with disabilities. Their collaborative efforts—which brought disabled peoples’ organisations together with the Ministry of Health—helped Government reach out to people with disabilities and factor their needs into Bangladesh’s Covid-19 Preparedness and Response Plan. This led to 2,000 people with disabilities, their parents and caregivers being registered for the Covid-19 vaccine and accessing the government support they were entitled to in the form of cash, food parcels, soaps, masks and jabs.

‘All 10 projects overcame many other obstacles to document real impact.’

The South African Government’s Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant was a lifeline for thousands of South African citizens deprived of work during the pandemic—yet the initial income threshold meant as many as 10.5 million poorer citizens couldn’t access the funds they needed. The Black Sash Trust spearheaded a campaign to persuade the government to change course: using a combination of advocacy and strategic litigation. On 16 August 2022, the Department of Social Development announced amendments to the SRD grant regulation that addressed two of the key issues raised in Black Sash’s campaign, dramatically widening access to the government’s life-saving programme. The R350 monthly income threshold was raised and the reliance on bank account verification checks, which had prevented many families with shared bank accounts from accessing the SRD, was overturned. 

In Ghana, electricity shortages prevented rural communities from receiving television and radio updates on Covid-19 relief programmes. Women Integrated Development Organisation gathered feedback from 20 rural communities in the Upper West and Bono East regions of Ghana on Covid-19 relief programmes, which was shared with regional authorities. The Ghana Enterprise Agency organised community awareness sessions to learn about accessing government support. This allowed over 564 women and 213 persons with disabilities in rural communities to submit applications for government support. 

Constructive engagement—where civil society and government work hand in hand towards a common end —lies at the heart of what the Commonwealth Foundation believes in and helps to support. Three years after it all began, we are still to fully understand the social and economic costs of the pandemic. However, some things are already abundantly clear. We understand very well that the pandemic – and responses to the pandemic – affected people and countries very differently. Across the Commonwealth, it was the poor and the marginalised who were most at risk. These projects made a difference. But perhaps their most valuable contribution was the clear confirmation that cooperation and collaboration between civil society and government can work to transform lives.  

These are just a few notable achievements of our Covid-19 grants partners. Information on all 10 projects supported under this call can be found here. 

For updates on our grants programme please sign up here.

Introducing Commonwealth Foundation Creatives

Posted on by Commonwealth Foundation

Commonwealth Writers was founded more than a decade ago with the explicit goal of inspiring, connecting, and helping to develop writers. Since then, our community has grown to include creatives working in many other areas: from filmmaking and performance poetry; from painting to photography.

This global and close-knit network of creative practitioners from all disciplines and backgrounds is now being recognised through a new name: Commonwealth Writers has become Commonwealth Foundation Creatives.

Commonwealth Foundation Creatives will continue to be a platform where artists can support each other and develop their craft, no matter where in the Commonwealth they hail from.

Our distinguished Commonwealth Short Story Prize, our online literary magazine adda, and our creative opportunities are all still available.

Visit the short story prize pageVisit Adda storiesVisit the creative opportunities page

Thank you for your interest in our creative programming and for continuing to share your stories, creative aspirations, and the secrets of your craft with our wider community.

Commonwealth Foundation

Seasonal message from the Director-General

Posted on by Commonwealth Foundation

Excellencies, colleagues, partners, and friends of the Commonwealth Foundation,

The festive season is a time to pause and reflect on our changing world. One event that loomed large for the Foundation in 2022 was the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who, as head of the Commonwealth, dedicated her life to serving its people. We pay tribute to her steadfast and devoted service.

‘COP27 in Egypt presented a valuable opportunity to advance our strategic agenda on climate change and the interests of the Commonwealth’s small and vulnerable states.’

In terms of our own work, the past year has been an exciting one, with a major highlight being our hosting of the Commonwealth People’s Forum in partnership with the Government of Rwanda. We were thrilled with the level and quality of engagement: over 250 delegates from across the Commonwealth were involved, including civil society leaders, government officials, lawyers, journalists, academics, and activists. The Foundation team developed a short outcome video that was shown to Foreign Ministers in Kigali. You can watch it here. We are already planning for the next People’s Forum that will be held in Samoa in 2024: looking at ways that the Foundation can bring the people of the Commonwealth together (in person and online) to discuss and debate the issues that matter most to them.

The Commonwealth Short Story Prize has continued to grow this year, attracting new writers from more Commonwealth Member States. The 2022 prize was won by Ntsika Kota for his story ‘and the earth drank deep’. Ntsika is the first writer from Eswatini to be shortlisted for the prize, and the second overall winner from Africa. In a record year for entries, he saw off competition from 6,729 entrants worldwide to take the £5,000 prize. A hitherto unpublished author with extraordinary talent, Ntsika’s success reminds us of the power of the prize to unearth world-beating literary talent in all corners of our Commonwealth.

Finally, COP27 in Egypt presented a valuable opportunity to advance our strategic agenda on climate change and the interests of the Commonwealth’s small and vulnerable states. The Foundation hosted three online events as part of our Critical Conversations series in the lead-up to—and immediately after—COP27. These events—which brought together a wide range of activists and decision-makers—considered how to advance the needs and interests of those most affected by climate change. We were delighted that over 7000 people registered to attend online.

‘The issues that are at the heart of our work: climate, health and freedom of expression, continue to require urgent attention.’

The Foundation also hosted two in-person events at COP27: bringing together the President of Vanuatu, the Prime Minister of the Bahamas, the Commonwealth Secretary-General, and leading figures in international law and climate advocacy to consider how the tools of international law can be used to secure climate justice for some of the Commonwealth’s smallest and most climate-vulnerable countries. Attendance at both events was at full capacity and drew widespread media attention ahead of the historic agreement to establish a funding mechanism for loss and damage.

The issues that are at the heart of our work: climate, health and freedom of expression, continue to require urgent attention and the Foundation has begun planning in earnest for the year ahead. We were delighted to receive a record number of applications to our open grants call. Much work has gone into simplifying our grant-making to improve access and we are confident that these changes will help ensure that smaller civil society organisations in smaller Commonwealth countries benefit from this funding stream. We are also in no doubt that, among the thousands of submissions made to the 2023 Commonwealth Short Story Prize, a new cohort of world-beating writers will emerge to claim the regional and overall prizes that will be announced mid-year.

‘Member-State commitment to the Charter is critical if the Commonwealth is to survive and thrive.’

The Foundation is also gearing up to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the Commonwealth Charter: a bold and forward-looking statement of Commonwealth values and principles. Member-State commitment to the Charter is critical if the Commonwealth is to survive and thrive. The Foundation will be doing its bit to bring the voice of Commonwealth civil society into anniversary celebrations for the Charter. Please sign up to our mailing list to receive updates on these plans.

Once again, thank you to all those who have contributed to our work, most especially our governors and the Foundation’s expanding network of partners. I look forward to working with you in the coming year as we join forces to advance the principles and values of our Commonwealth.

Dr Anne T. Gallagher AO is Director-General of the Commonwealth Foundation. 

Climate Reparations: What Must COP27 Deliver?

Posted on by Commonwealth Foundation

The Commonwealth’s small and climate vulnerable states are being lost to the world’s oceans at alarming speed. Extreme weather events are destroying small island infrastructure, upending local livelihoods, and overwhelming public finances.

Despite the urgency of the situation, commitments to help small island and vulnerable states stand largely unfulfilled. The next major global climate conference in Egypt (COP27) presents an important opportunity to refocus the global conversation on the needs of small island states, and our three part-series: The Case for Climate Justice: Commonwealth Small Island States is doing just that.

The loss and damage negotiations under the UNFCCC have so far failed to deliver the climate finance that small and climate-vulnerable states so desperately need. Combating climate change on the ‘front lines’ requires vast sums of money and advanced technology—something that the wider international community has promised yet hasn’t delivered.

The Loss and Damage Collaboration (LDC) highlights key issues that need to be addressed at COP27 based on previous discussions at UN climate conferences.

One such issue is the failure of ‘The Santiago Network’ to get off the ground. The network is intended to help small and vulnerable states ‘avert, minimise, and address loss and damage’ through the provision of technical assistance yet, to this day, no decision has been taken on which international body should oversee its operations, and thus no secretariat has been established to carry out this vital work. The LDC emphasises that COP27 must advance discussions on the structure of the Santiago Network so it can start to act. The LDC also asks that Loss and Damage Finance Facility is operationalised so it can finally dispense funds to countries contending with the worst effects of climate change.

If the central UN processes at COP27 fail to deliver the necessary support for small and vulnerable states, there are alternatives paths to change that speakers at our next Critical Conversation will consider. In October last year, the Commission of Small Island States on Climate Change and International Law (COSIS) was established by the Governments of Antigua and Barbuda, and Tuvalu and with the determined support of a group of leading international lawyers.

COSIS’s main task is to seek Advisory Opinions from the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS), which could in turn support their legal claims to climate compensation. Such a task won’t be easy: the ITLOS has only ever produced two advisory opinions in its history. But if greater numbers of small island states join COSIS, their combined resources will make a favourable outcome more likely.

There is another important pathway to change being discussed in our Critical Conversation. Within the next month, the UN General Assembly will vote on whether the International Court of Justice can consider a landmark climate change case. This vote, which is being brought to the General Assembly by Vanuatu, marks a new frontier in the struggle to protect the planet and its people. Whatever way it goes, the vote will have far-reaching implications for climate change litigation and international disputes on climate harm.

These developments could shape the terms of the climate debate at COP27 and beyond. No path forward will be viable without the multitude of civil society actors—whether Lawyers, negotiators or policy experts—coming together in dialogue to chart a path forward. And that’s exactly what next Tuesday’s Critical Conversation is all about.

Message on the passing of former Commonwealth Foundation Director, Dr Humayun Khan

Posted on by Commonwealth Foundation

The Commonwealth Foundation was saddened to learn of the death of Dr Humayun Khan on 22 September 2022. Dr Khan—who was a former Foreign Secretary of Pakistan and Pakistani High Commissioner to India and the United Kingdom—served the Commonwealth Foundation as its Director from 1993 to 2000.

During his seven years as Director, Dr Khan was known for the strong and enduring relationships he maintained with organisations and colleagues right across the Commonwealth system. In many ways, Dr Khan laid the foundations for the organisation we are today: not least by pioneering the Foundation’s use of grant-making to help non-governmental organisations advance the global development agenda. In 1999, Dr Khan oversaw the delivery of a major piece of research on the relationship between participatory governance and good development outcomes. This study, which was presented to Commonwealth Heads of Government in Durban, heralded a new era of facilitating dialogue between civil society and governments through Commonwealth processes, work that we continue to advance to this day by ensuring the people of the Commonwealth are heard loudly and clearly at Heads of Government and Ministerial meetings.

Dr Khan had an illustrious career in international diplomacy and was held in the highest esteem by many across the world. We offer our heartfelt condolences to his family, as well as the people of Pakistan and the people of the Commonwealth whom he served so well.

Dr Anne T. Gallagher AO is Director-General of the Commonwealth Foundation. 

Tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

Posted on by Commonwealth Foundation

Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, lived a life of steadfast and devoted service to the People of the Commonwealth.

Her Majesty was a fervent believer in the unifying power of her beloved Commonwealth:

‘Such a blend of traditions serves to make us stronger, individually and collectively, by providing the ingredients needed for social, political and economic resilience.’

Her Majesty’s image, her voice and her deeds have permeated and influenced all our lives profoundly and distinctly. She will be remembered in different ways: ensuring that a greater, and more complete depiction of her legacy to her country, the Commonwealth, and the world, will endure.

At the Commonwealth Foundation, we remind ourselves of the values and principles that Her Majesty cemented so firmly within the identity and mission of this organisation. We honour her life by reaffirming our steadfast commitment to a Commonwealth that is unswerving in its commitment to human rights, to equality, to justice and the rule of law; a Commonwealth that helps shape global policy on issues that matter most to its people; a Commonwealth that is united in solidarity, most especially with its smallest and most vulnerable Member States.

Our sincere condolences to The Royal Family and to the People of the Commonwealth on the passing of Her Majesty.

Ambassador Sudha Devi K. R. Vasudevan, Chair of the Commonwealth Foundation

Dr Anne T. Gallagher AO, Director-General

Photography Open Call: Climate Change

Posted on by Commonwealth Foundation

To coincide with the Commonwealth People’s Forum in Rwanda and the run-up to COP27 in Egypt, the Commonwealth Foundation is bringing together photographs from the African Commonwealth countries to show the direct effects of climate change on their communities.

We are looking for original photographs that depict the impact of climate change on your communities. We are especially seeking personal perspectives that illustrate how daily life is affected by climate change.

The call is open to all, amateur and professional, African photographers who live and work in one of the Commonwealth countries in Africa. We are thankful to all who have submitted photography so far. We are particularly interested to receive submissions from the following countries:

  • Botswana
  • Cameroon
  • e-Swatini
  • Lesotho
  • Mauritius
  • Namibia
  • Rwanda
  • Seychelles
  • The Gambia
  • Zambia

One photographer from each of the African Commonwealth countries will be selected to have their work displayed at the People’s Forum and on our social media platforms. Each selected photographer will receive a £50 fee for featuring their work.

Complete this form to submit your photos to the call. The deadline for submissions is midnight (BST, London) on Monday 16 May.

Threats to democracy are all around us

Posted on by Anne Therese Gallagher

So many of us are feeling powerless in the face of heartbreaking images and stories of human suffering emerging from Ukraine. And the sense of impotence is not just individual. While our global community of nations has come together in a way that is unprecedented in my lifetime, most of us understand that even this remarkable demonstration of solidarity with the people of Ukraine is unlikely to stop the upending of their nation.

‘The evidence that we are in the middle of a deep democratic recession is bleak and abundant’

We are not Russia. But perhaps we can use this moment to take stock of the state of democracy in our own countries and across the world. Perhaps this is the time to be asking some difficult questions of ourselves and our leaders. Why does a free press matter? How do dishonesty and cronyism work to corrode democracy and is it in our power to stop it? Why is an independent judiciary so critical to the rule of law? What happens to democratic principles when monied interests capture politicians? Why is it that the most effective defence against the enemies of democracy is a free and flourishing civil society, one capable of standing up to state and corporate abuses of power?

We are not Russia yet most of our own countries, if not all of them, have been complicit in a steady, devastating erosion of the central ideals of liberal democracy.

The evidence that we are in the middle of a deep democratic recession is bleak and abundant. The 2021 Freedom in the World report and the Economist’s annual index both confirm that the number of countries moving in an authoritarian direction is outnumbering those going the other way. And while authoritarianism is worsening in non-democratic regimes, established democracies are backsliding, often with substantial popular support.

‘Putin and his fellow autocrats have been emboldened by our collective failure to uphold the international rules-based order.’

Unhappily, the Commonwealth marches in lockstep with this trend. Over 80% of the Commonwealth’s 2.4 billion citizens are living in what Civicus classifies as ‘repressed’ societies: countries where public protest is banned or severely curtailed; where human rights defenders and journalists are intimidated and detained; where laws censor vital information and restrict media freedom; where the institutions of governance protect those who abuse their power and fail to defend those who challenge such abuses. The Covid-19 pandemic has been disastrous for civil liberties across the Commonwealth, with governments using the cover of the pandemic to entrench state power and restrict freedoms, most commonly by criminalising protest and enacting ‘disinformation’ laws that criminalise speech.

We are not Russia. But we would do well to acknowledge that what is happening today in Ukraine is part of a broader and deeper geopolitical shift: one that is normalising state capture; creeping authoritarianism; and widespread disrespect for fundamental rights and freedoms at home and abroad. Putin and his fellow autocrats have been emboldened by our collective failure to uphold the international rules-based order. They have been enriched and enabled by our craven deference to economic interests at the expense of basic principles of justice. They have observed our uneven attachment to democratic ideals and the moral inconsistency of our outrage—the ruthless, carefully calculated expediency that determines whose sins will be punished and whose will be ignored.

We are not Russia and should take heart that change is in the air. Across the world, not just in Ukraine, ordinary people are taking to the streets to fight for their freedoms. Ordinary people are speaking out against corruption, misrule and abuse of power. Press freedom might be curtailed in many countries, but journalists and media outlets are continuing to expose injustices, even in the face of intimidation and harassment. Across the world, and across the Commonwealth, questions are being asked about why the institutions of government in our democratic states are failing to keep state power in check; why they are failing, often miserably, to deliver on everything from health and climate goals to physical security and education.

Now is the time to demand more of our governments and leaders who are the custodians of our democracies. Now is the time for civil society to stand up for the principles and ideals the Commonwealth was founded on. The people of the Commonwealth deserve nothing less.

Anne T. Gallagher AO is Director-General of the Commonwealth Foundation.