Renewed commitment to Commonwealth collaboration

The Commonwealth Foundation and Commonwealth of Learning (COL) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding, signalling their renewed commitment to project collaboration and organisational learning. 

As two of the three intergovernmental bodies of the Commonwealth, the Foundation and COL will consider common areas of work so as to develop mutually relevant projects and learn from each other. 

Given the joint commitment to knowledge sharing and promotion, the partnership will focus on sharing resources, research and case studies on relevant aspects of education, public policy and development outcomes.

The two organisations are ambitious in their respective fields. COL has pioneered Open and Distance Learning across the Commonwealth, while the Foundation continues to promote the engagement of people in democratic processes. Both recognise that partnership and collaboration are essential to realise those ambitions, and something their Member States and stakeholders rightfully expect. 

Director of the Commonwealth Foundation, Vijay Krishnarayan said of the agreement:

“Such partnerships don’t just happen, but start with a shared outlook and stem from a realisation of mutual interest and respect between colleagues. They require a degree of institutionalisation – a formality that makes the connection real. We’re building on tangible examples of joint work between our organisations over the past two years. 

“This document therefore represents a statement of intent – a framework for collaboration rooted in our respective strategic plans, and made real through joint work planning to develop projects together and enable organisational learning.” 

President of COL, Professor Asha Kanwar declared, “We have to move from idea to action; from intent to real concrete results.

“With the Commonwealth Foundation we have a good solid basis of trust. We are both small organisations, and this kind of joint programme helps us leverage our resources and work to each other’s strengths.” 

The Foundation and COL look forward to two more years of productive collaboration in support of Commonwealth principles and values.