Tuvalu, Tuvalu –
Our home and friend
Our birth place – And end
We love you
There comes a time when we need to call
When the world must come together one and all.
To save people dying
It’s time to lend a hand
And everyone should take a stand
We can’t go on pretending day by day
That all the problems will just go away
We are all a part of God’s creation
So we need the hand of love from every nation
We are the world and we are all one
So lets start doing what needs to be done
There’s a choice we need to make
To protect our beloved Tuvalu at stake
It’s true we’ll make the best choice
To help Tuvalu and listen to their Voice
Send them the resources so they know that you care
So their lives will be saved and free from despair
It is a Mayday call to COP26
Tuvalu cannot be ignored
And the climate devastation must be fixed
We must take heed before it is too late
And all our hearts will be filled with grief
If Tuvalu sinks to the bottom of the coral reef.
Tuvalu, Tuvalu –
Our home and friend
Our birth place – and end
We love you.
Sir Iftikar A. Ayaz KBE is the Honorary Consul of Tuvalu. He recited this poem at the Commonwealth Foundation’s Festive Poetry Event.
Has time ever tempted you
to run away,
as far as your feet would go;
to grab hold of the soft hand of a dream and follow wherever it leads.
Has life ever tried to seduce you,
urged you to pack light,
and hit that open road to anywhere;
where brisk, soft winds gently kiss your face and affection powers your mind’s sails;
as tomorrow pulls you forward.
Was there ever a time
you craved that hushed tranquillity off the beaten track,
alone with your thoughts
letting you look deep into
the dreamy eyes of a cherished dream
and fall madly in love with the impossible until boundaries expire?
When was the last time
your heart grazed wild in open fields skipped rope with whistling birds;
flirted with precocious flowers,
danced with nosy trees in damp grass
and dodged fireflies
on the eyelids of love.
Was there ever a moment
when you wanted to sit very still…
Perhaps on a parked bench
along the river’s edge,
tease your thoughts
and disappear into a world
that made you feel safe, fulfilled,
as life’s rewards bowed at your feet
letting you drift away briefly
Or maybe,
you remember a time
when you longed to partner
with your soul’s partner;
share thoughts by symbiosis,
exchange raw emotions
and feel full –
knowing you were understood fully.
H.E. Dr Kevin M. Isaac is St. Kitts and Nevis’ High Commissioner to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. He recited this poem at the Commonwealth Foundation’s Festive Poetry Event.
I don’t want a dead hero
However noble it may sound
Yes, you can write stories about him
and tell it to your grandchildren,
I don’t care,
I want him safe and not
Buried. Out. there.
I don’t want a dead hero
with his name on headlines news
Yes, you can clap all night, then what?
Tweet RIPs the next day?
I don’t care
I want him doing his work
In. Protective. Wear.
I don’t want a dead hero
and be a COVID widow to read
poetry by a modern-day Owen
of the horrors on the frontline.
I won’t wear
some flower on my breast
years from now. I want him
Safe. And. Alive.
I don’t want a dead hero
I want him home from work everyday
having saved others to save me,
I want to see tomorrow.
walk together on the sandy shores
of our island home,
I want to grow old with
My. Own. Hero.
H.E. Dr Farah Faizal High Commissioner of Maldives to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. She recited this poem at the Commonwealth Foundation’s Festive Poetry Event.
Read two other poems from the event: ‘Time travel‘ by H.E. Dr Kevin M. Isaac ‘Tuvalu, Tuvalu’ by Sir Iftikar A. Ayaz KBE
On behalf of the Commonwealth Foundation, I offer my warmest wishes to the People of our Commonwealth and our valued Member States for a happy and safe holiday season.
Life continues to be challenging for so many of the Commonwealth’s 2.4 billion citizens. The Covid-19 pandemic is still with us and its effects—on our loved ones, our economies, our way of life—will continue to be felt for years. The climate crisis is deepening across the Commonwealth: presenting an existential threat to some of our smallest and most vulnerable Member States. And the perennial problems of inequality, poor governance and inadequate protection of rights and freedoms remain unresolved.
No single person, no single organisation or government, can turn the tide on this catalogue of troubles. But change is possible if we care enough to try. And change is inevitable if enough of us come together under a broad umbrella of shared understanding and shared values. The Commonwealth offers that umbrella. It is our collective task to nurture its potential and support its growth.
‘No single person, no single organisation or government, can turn the tide. But change is possible if we care enough to try.’
At the Commonwealth Foundation our focus is firmly on solidarity with the people of the Commonwealth. We are committed to using our resources, expertise, platforms and partnerships to amplify their voices and advance their interests. We do this in three ways. First, by supporting the active and constructive participation of Commonwealth citizens in all aspects of their governance. Second, by nurturing the growth of vibrant and free civil societies. And third, by advancing the principles and ideals of the Commonwealth.
Throughout 2021 we have strived to deliver on this mission: reaching an ever-wider audience with our programmes; and starting conversations that we hope will play a role in reinvigorating the Commonwealth, so it is fit to rise to the challenges of the day and spur collective action.
‘The Foundation belongs to the People of the Commonwealth. [Their] involvement in matters that affect their lives is sowing the seeds of change. We need committed citizens to speak their truth loudly and clearly.’
Much has happened this year, with records broken in relation to the number of grants applications received and entries submitted into our Commonwealth Short Story Competition. I am especially proud of our online events series –A Commonwealth of the People?– which so bravely and firmly grasped the nettle of Commonwealth reform. The unprecedented level of interest (to date well over 300,000 views) confirmed to us that vital questions about the Commonwealth’s future are of deep interest to many people. I encourage all those who have not yet watched the series to view it now via our website—and to think of ways we can continue these important conversations at next year’s Commonwealth People’s Forum in Kigali.
Perhaps most significant for me has been the expansion of our community. The Foundation belongs to the People of the Commonwealth, and it is heartening to watch the rapid rise in the level and depth of engagement with our work. The involvement of Commonwealth citizens in matters that affect their lives is sowing the seeds of change. We need committed citizens and civil society organisations to speak their truth loudly and clearly. We need them to work with and alongside government to help shape just and equal societies.
The Commonwealth is bound by a web of connections that cut across history, language and law. But it is the core values of this organisation –democracy, human rights, human dignity and equality– that deserve to be celebrated above all else.
Dr Anne T. Gallagher AO is Director-General of the Commonwealth Foundation.
They want the same thing they have been asking for in the years since the Paris Agreement was made at the 21st Conference of the Parties (COP) six years ago.
However, with increasing adverse weather events and the latest science confirming unequivocally what they have known for years—that human activity in the larger economies has affected their way of life, possibly irreversibly—young Pacific climate activists are demanding action.
Lavetanalagi Seru is a young climate justice activist based in Suva, Fiji and, as the founder of the Alliance for Future Generations which he established several years ago, he wants world governments to effectively engage youth in the COP26 negotiations in Glasgow.
A boy stares into the devastation caused by Super Storm Yasa in Fiji in January 2020. Photo credit: Justin Naisua
Along with fellow climate activists across the Pacific, Mr Seru wants COP26 to chart better climate financing pathways that ensure the communities at the very front line of climate change benefit from more accessible funding.
‘The burden right now is on Pacific Islanders.’
‘We know, we have seen from science, the increasing threat posed by climate change and humanity’s role in causing it, we’ve seen the IPCC latest assessment report. In order for our communities to adapt to some of the worst climate impacts in our region, we actually need technical and financial support, because we do not have the kind of capacity to continuously be rebuilding after every cyclone,’ he said.
‘Right now, the burden is on taxpayers. The burden is on individuals themselves who have had to source their recovery funding from pensioner’s funds. The burden right now is on Pacific Islanders.’
He says there is a gap around climate finance that needs to be closed, and that world leaders at COP26 must ensure developed countries deliver the promised 100 billion dollars per year, a goal that was supposed to be reached in 2020.
Anything less, Mr Seru insists, will mean Pacific communities will not be able to mitigate or effectively adapt to the changes global warming imposes on them. He said Pacific people face losing ancestral lands, and asks that leaders remember the displacement and relocation of whole communities in the Oceania region.
Storm surges have become increasingly frequent in the Pacific and are posing a serious threat to islanders’ way of life. Photo credit: Justin Naisua
Another key message is better operationalisation of agreements on loss and damage so ‘it is not only just about putting up a website […] but that it is also about financial resources and technical support because we can’t deny the fact that loss and damage is already at our doorstep.’
These are the key messages he is taking to COP26, which he is attending alongside other members of the Pacific Climate Action Network (PICAN).
Another activist attending COP26 as part of the PICAN delegation is Willy Missack, from the Vanuatu Climate Action Network.
Mr Missack is one of a handful of climate activists attending from Vanuatu who may be among his country’s only representatives at COP26 because his government has decided not to send a delegation.
This will be his fourth COP, but unlike previous times when he attended as part of his government’s negotiation team, he will be advocating instead as a civil society representative.
‘Ms Talemaimaleya hopes to build the capacity of other young Fijians to become agents of change’
‘This is the COP where we need to see actual achievement. We have to be real, we have to make stronger calls to action because this one is a benchmark, where there are specific things we must see.’
One of the ways Mr Missack hopes COP heads will choose to address climate change is by acknowledging traditional knowledge when it designs support programmes for climate-adaptive infrastructure in the Pacific.
While he acknowledges the need to develop new ideas and harness modern technology, he recommends that development policies also consider indigenous approaches to mitigating climate change including, for example, through the conservation and restoration of forests, mangroves and coral reefs.
‘When these bodies of traditional knowledge are supported and when the perspective of indigenous people are taken into account, to some extent, it holds more value to the communities.’
Unlike Mr Missack and Mr Seru, Adi Davila Talemaimaleya is attending a COP for the very first time as the Pacific representative of the Sustainable Oceans Alliance, an organisation that trains young leaders to advocate for ocean conservation.
A recent graduate of the University of the South Pacific’s Postgraduate Diploma in Climate Change, Ms Talemaimaleya hopes to build the capacity of other young Fijians to become agents of change. She hopes that one day the health of the world’s oceans will be a priority for the international community.
As a Pacific youth representative at COP26, she’s acutely aware of the lack of young Pacific Islanders who will be attending.
‘There’s not a lot of Pacific youth represented at this COP, so it’s an honour and a privilege to attend and engage. It won’t only be in the [civil society] space that I’ll be looking to engage [….] I hope to engage with high level [government] delegates.’
Ms Talemaimaleya has volunteered to moderate and facilitate panel discussions and speaking events that COP negotiators may be present at so she can appeal for more bold action.
‘The main thing that I will tell people is how important urgent and bold climate action is for our Pacific Island countries because, in the Pacific, our islands are already sinking’, she said.
‘It’s already here and we can already see it with our own eyes. In Fiji, it’s about more intense frequent tropical cyclones. In other places, its sea level rises and frequent storm surges. We have some people who still don’t believe that climate change is real.’
‘I think being in that space and that platform to be able to share our realities and to share our experiences, that’s something that is needed for people to really believe what is happening here.’
The 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference is taking place in Glasgow, Scotland until 12 November 2021.
Reporting by Lice Movono and photography by Justin Naisua.
Some argue that studying the Commonwealth is no longer worthwhile, a viewpoint that is emblematic of a larger discussion surrounding the Commonwealth and its purpose in the 21st century.
This debate came to a head in October 2020 when a proposal was put forward to close the Institute of Commonwealth Studies at the University of London. After considerable public reaction, a committee was assembled, led by former UK Foreign Secretary Sir Malcom Rifkind, to discuss the future of Commonwealth studies and of the Institute. I joined a public discussion on the issue organised by three members of the of the Committee representing the Commonwealth Foundation, the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, and the Association of Commonwealth Universities.
The Committee’s report was released in early August. In receiving the report, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of London affirmed that the main recommendation would be accepted: the Institute of Commonwealth Studies will survive. This is good news for those of us that believe that the Commonwealth has an important role to play in global affairs.
The Committee’s report alights upon many of the reasons why studying the world through a Commonwealth lens is important. For example, the report emphasizes the role that Commonwealth Studies can play in the climate change discussion and in facilitating the next generation of thought leaders. It also recommends that Commonwealth Studies can be expanded from its traditional base and be a ‘think-tank type generator of new ideas for the modern Commonwealth.’ This approach best facilitates robust discussion and partnership among fellow Commonwealth institutions, member states and the wider societies that they benefit.
‘The Institute has a role to play in finding common solutions to questions of sustainable development, climate change and good governance.’
I would like to offer some additional points of emphasis. In particular, I believe the Institute has a role to play in providing what I term ‘intellectual reparations’ (exploring historical injustices and ways to address them) as well as in finding common solutions to questions of sustainable development, climate change and good governance.
Intellectual reparations
The Institute of Commonwealth Studies at the University of London has facilitated conversations and research on a range of present-day and historical injustices not spoken about enough by the international community. This process of self-reflection has focussed on tackling the British Empire’s legacy of exploitation and brutality, acknowledging that the Commonwealth has a special role to play in this work.
To further this work, citizens of developing countries in the Commonwealth should be permitted greater access to the Institute’s expansive libraries and special collections—so they can also analyse the past and present in order to build a better future.
Facilitating opportunities for academics from the Global South
Providing educational opportunities through research fellowships is another avenue to increase knowledge acquisition between Commonwealth Member States and peoples. International journals such as The Round Table also have a role to play and can be used to encourage the growth of Commonwealth scholars by providing a global platform for their research. More schemes of this kind will ensure that citizens from diverse backgrounds can contribute to research and the advancement of Commonwealth values.
Promoting multilingualism
Currently, concerns exist surrounding the dominance of the English language in the Commonwealth. The organisation’s diverse membership allows for greater promotion of multilingualism and research in indigenous languages and cultures. Even though there are some notable qualities that unite the Commonwealth family—similar institutions of governance, shared values and history—it is through the celebration of our diversity that we can derive strength and better ideas.
‘It is through the celebration of our diversity that we can derive strength and better ideas.’
Academic collaboration to support nation building
Possibilities for collaboration between academic institutions throughout the Commonwealth exist in many subject areas including economics, governance, and cultural studies. There is a practical advantage to Commonwealth collaboration in these areas, arising from similar governance, legal, and financial systems.
Trade is one such area that deserves further research due to the possibilities that exist for economic development. For instance, it has been noted that inter-Commonwealth trade is 19% cheaper than trade outside of the Commonwealth. Given the plethora of large and emerging markets in the Commonwealth, such as India, Pakistan and Nigeria, there are significant opportunities for development and growth which must be better understood.
Developing a common agenda on the international stage
Examining how inter-governmental relationships can be strengthened and equalised is vital, especially when developed and developing nations are brought together under a common banner.
There are also unexploited opportunities for developing a Commonwealth consensus on major issues in international fora, whether it be the United Nations General Assembly or the Conference of the Parties (COP).
‘There are also unexploited opportunities for developing a Commonwealth consensus on major issues in international fora’
At present, Small Island States make up almost half of total Commonwealth Membership. The Commonwealth represents one of the longest standing groupings of these nations and is well positioned to further their common agenda, most notably on climate change but also on rules governing the tourism and agricultural sectors that tend to dominate small island economies.
Any research institute focussed on the Commonwealth should explore how this unique network of countries can leverage its collective strength more effectively.
David Salmon is a journalist and a member of the Youth Advisory Council to the Jamaican government.
We want to include as many of you as possible in making video recordings of the spoken word poem Global Line Up, by renowned Pacific poet Karlo Mila. We are particularly keen to receive videos from people under the age of 26.
The poem will be presented as a part of the Commonwealth Foundation’s forthcoming Critical Conversation: Small Island States and Climate Justice: Looking ahead to COP26.
All you have to do is record yourself reading the poem, or a section of the poem, and send the video to us. We will pay a fee to all those whose videos feature in the event.
This Critical Conversation is a call to arms. It will bring together activists, thought leaders, and policymakers to confront the challenges and opportunities ahead, most especially in relation to small islands states. It will interrogate the role that the Commonwealth could play — should play — in placing the needs of this group of States front and centre in international negotiations.
As the world enters a critical decade for our climate, Commonwealth Member States and institutions must come together: demonstrating a united front and decisive leadership at the forthcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference in Glasgow in November — COP26.
Global Line Up will be shared online and is the opportunity for many voices around the Commonwealth to become one in solidarity, to demand that not only words are spoken at COP26 but that actions are taken.
On behalf of the Commonwealth Foundation, I express my sincere condolences to Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II and members of the Royal family, on the death of His Royal Highness Prince Philip.
‘Prince Philip leaves behind a strong legacy of service that is an inspiration to us all.’
The Duke of Edinburgh was a stalwart supporter of the Commonwealth. He understood very well that its strength lies in the 2.4 billion citizens of the Commonwealth who, together with Member States, constitute the Commonwealth as a real family and as a powerful international actor. Prince Philip leaves behind a strong legacy of service that is an inspiration to us all. He will be greatly missed.
Ambassador Sudha Devi Vasudevan is Chair of the Commonwealth Foundation.
The University of London has confirmed the membership of a Committee to conduct an inquiry into the future of Commonwealth Studies at the University.
The creation of the Committee, to be chaired by Sir Malcolm Rifkind, the former UK Foreign Secretary, was announced late last year following a consultation about the future of the Institute of Commonwealth Studies at the University’s School of Advanced Study. The Committee includes among its members the Foundation’s Director-General Dr Anne T Gallagher AO.
Dr Gallagher said:
‘The Commonwealth brings together almost a third of humanity and, in our present uncertain, fractured world, it deserves nurturing and support.
‘It is an honour to join Sir Malcolm and colleagues on this committee as we consider how the University of London can best continue to support the cultivation of a critical understanding of the Commonwealth; its complicated legacy; and its potential to contribute to a future based on justice and equality.’
‘I am delighted that we have a Committee that could not be more experienced and committed to the welfare of the Commonwealth. We look forward to providing the University of London with our conclusions and recommendations on the future of Commonwealth Studies at the University.’
Committee Membership
Sir Malcolm Rifkind (Chair) – Former United Kingdom Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs
Lord Boateng – Former British High Commissioner to South Africa
Dr Anne Therese Gallagher, AO – Director-General: Commonwealth Foundation
Dr Nabeel Goheer – Assistant Secretary-General, The Commonwealth Secretariat
Professor Asha Kanwar- President and CEO: Commonwealth of Learning
Mr Michael Kirby AC CMG – Former Justice of the High Court of Australia
Lord Luce – Former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Buckingham
Dr Joanna Newman – Chief Executive and Secretary-General: The Association of Commonwealth Universities
Sir Ronald Sanders – Ambassador of Antigua and Barbuda to the United States
Mr Stephen Twigg – Secretary-General: Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA)
Committee Objectives
The Committee will have three key objectives:
To consider future provision at the University of London for Commonwealth Studies in terms of focus, purpose, structure and functions
To recommend partnerships to support scholarship in this area and ensure its relevance and impact;
To identify potentially viable sources of sustainable funding beyond the University and short-term research grants.
Announcing the establishment of a Committee in December, Professor Wendy Thomson, Vice-Chancellor of the University of London said:
‘Over the last two months, we’ve met with a range of stakeholders with Commonwealth affiliations who have shown a renewed interest in the future of the Institute and a commitment to supporting the study of the modern Commonwealth at the University. Sir Malcolm and the Committee will be able to explore a range of new and exciting partnerships.’
The Committee will invite submissions from interested organisations and individuals. These can be submitted directly to the Committee via its secretary, Dr Conor Wyer: conor.wyer@sas.ac.uk. The Committee hopes to conclude its work by the end of June of this year.
The festive season is upon us—and as this extraordinary year draws to a close—I extend my warmest wishes to the Member States and the People of our Commonwealth. This is a time for family, for celebration. It is a time for us to stop and reflect on the many blessings of life and living.
But for many, this time will be tinged with sadness. Too many of our human family are experiencing hardship and loss; too many of us are grieving separation from loved ones. Too many of us know that the road ahead is hard and lonely.
We will get through this, of course. But in the meantime, let us resolve to keep our eyes and our hearts open: to be watchful for the times where a kind deed, a helping hand, a gentle word, can make someone else’s suffering a little less. Perhaps that is the best way we can celebrate the festive season this year.
‘It is the values which lie at the heart of our beloved organisation—human rights, democracy, justice and equality—that must stay front and centre.’
Here at the Commonwealth Foundation, we have strived to adapt our work to this changing world. A special grants call was launched in September, focussed on supporting civil society efforts to recover and rebuild from the pandemic. Funding was approved for sixteen projects across the Commonwealth and implementation will begin within weeks.
Creativity has flourished during this difficult year and the Commonwealth Short Story Prize is no exception. Entries for the 2021 prize closed a few months ago and our team of readers is now well into the process of reviewing almost 6500 stories—a record number of entries!
Another innovation of 2020 was the launch of a series of online events: People of the Commonwealth: Critical Conversations. This year has made clear to us all that the people of our Commonwealth have something to say and deserve to be heard. We are thrilled that over 15,000 people signed up the attend the three events held so far. I encourage you to join this growing community of fellow Commonwealth citizens by signing up the Critical Conversationsmailing list, where we will keep you updated on the exciting conversations due to be held in 2021 in the lead-up to the Commonwealth People’s Forum in June.
‘Across our Commonwealth, it is civil society groups that are fighting for accountability and transparency’
2020 will soon be a memory. But the threats to our common future that have come to the fore this year: from pandemic disease to climate change, from inequality to injustice, are not going away. As we move forward it is essential to acknowledge that governments and business cannot even begin to address these challenges without the direct and substantive involvement of civil society. Across our Commonwealth, it is civil society groups that are fighting for accountability and transparency; that are on the front lines of service delivery; that are ensuring the people are helping to shape the policies and decisions that affect their lives. The Foundation exists to support this vital work – to nurture the growth of vibrant and free civil societies across our Commonwealth.
The Commonwealth stands tall as a symbol of shared humanity. But it can be much more. As we stand at this crossroads, it is the values which lie at the heart of our beloved organisation—human rights, democracy, justice and equality—that must stay front and centre. It is those values that must guide us into a brighter future.
Dr Anne T. Gallagher AO is Director-General of the Commonwealth Foundation.
Keep in touch
Discover grant and job opportunities, stories from civil society and updates on our work
