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The Commonwealth Foundation (CWF): The Commonwealth Writers' Prize
(CWP): Commonwealth Foundation Initiates Briefings For Action On Climate Change
Kampala Civil Society Statement Published
Civil Society Push for More Interaction in CHOGM Process
Canadian Environmentalist to Deliver Commonwealth Lecture
ACLALS receives official accreditation to The Commonwealth (2005) Accreditation to The Commonwealth gives ACLALS a
"special Commonwealth status" in that it is now eligible to appy for
continued funding from the Commonwealth Foundation, and is invited
to participate in civil society consultations and The People's Forum
of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meetings (CHOGM). ACLALS at The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2005 (CHOGM) ACLALS organized a book display at the Peoples' Forum
at CHOGM entitled "Literature From The Commonwealth". Click here to view the
ACLALS Message to Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Malta,
2005 in, PDF format. Press Release 14 November
2006 Today the Chairman and Executive Committee of the Commonwealth Foundation welcomed South Africa as their 46th member. Professor Guido de Marco, Chairman of the Commonwealth Foundation, said: “It is a great pleasure for me to announce that the Republic of South Africa has decided to join the Foundation. South Africa plays a key role in African and global affairs, not only politically, but also through its cultural achievements and in the work of its civil society organisations. Our membership will benefit enormously from South Africa’s guidance, experience and support.” He added: “This is the second Commonwealth country to join the Foundation in less than six months, reflecting the growing appreciation that civil society has a key role to play in Commonwealth affairs. I hope this will encourage those few remaining countries who are not yet members of the Foundation to join us in our work.” The South African Minister for Arts and Culture, Zweledinga Pallo Jordan said: “We in South Africa attach great importance to listening to our people and responding to their needs. The Commonwealth Foundation exists to strengthen the voice of civil society across the Commonwealth, and I am delighted that we are now able to help in this valuable work.” The Commonwealth Foundation is currently reviewing opportunities to support those working in film and music. Both these areas are of huge cultural importance to South Africans and the Foundation hopes to draw on their experience to help shape these new initiatives. Deputy Director General for Cultural and International Affairs Mr Victor Julius in South Africa said: “We look forward to a fruitful collaboration with the Foundation, not only in our cultural work, but also in building the broader connections between culture, democracy and development across the Commonwealth.” Dr Mark Collins, Director of the Commonwealth
Foundation said: “The membership of South Africa is further
endorsement for the “People’s Commonwealth”, a growing and vibrant
aspect of Commonwealth affairs. This is exciting news for the
Foundation and brings new opportunity to strengthen our work in the
region. The Foundation is now able to support influential
forthcoming events in South Africa, such as the 4th Diversity
Matters Forum – a pan-Commonwealth conference on “Media and
Diversity in the Commonwealth” that will take place in Johannesburg
in February 2007.” Notes to Editors The Commonwealth Foundation is an intergovernmental organisation resourced by and reporting to Commonwealth Governments. It works to enhance the role of civil society organizations in governance, democracy, sustainable development and culture and diversity by strengthening their institutional and human capacity and creating opportunities and space for partnership, participation, advice and leadership. The Foundation was established by Commonwealth Governments in 1965 and is guided by the principles, values and priorities of the Commonwealth. Membership of the Commonwealth Foundation is open to all Commonwealth member countries on agreement of a Memorandum of Understanding. Member countries pay an annual subscription on a sliding scale. Becoming a member of the Commonwealth Foundation brings increased opportunities for interchanges between civil society and governments. The Foundation helps civil society to participate at Commonwealth ministerial meetings and other Commonwealth conferences. It also gives grants to help NGOs and members of professional associations to take part in advisory, exchange, training and study visits with the overall aim of building networks and capacity for dialogue. Cultural awards and prizes, such as the Arts and Crafts Awards, are an important part of the Foundation’s work. South African citizens will now be eligible to take part in these and many other schemes and projects. The Commonwealth is rich in professional networks, with more than 80 such organisations covering professions as varied as parliamentarians, veterinarians and human rights activists. For a full list visit http://www.thecommonwealth.org/Internal/151814/commonwealth_directory/ For further information please contact Marcie Shaoul,
Communications Officer m.shaoul@commonwealth.int
+44 (0) 207 747 6582 or visit http://www.commonwealthfoundation.com/ Marcie Shaoul Commonwealth Foundation
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The
first briefing in response to the call made by Commonwealth Heads of
Governments and civil society, for action on climate change, has
been held by the Commonwealth Foundation. The Foundation, in
partnership with the Commonwealth Secretariat, several Commonwealth
Associations and a range of other governmental and non-governmental
organisations are hosting the series of briefings for governments,
policy-makers, opinion formers and others who are in a position to
influence the Commonwealth response to climate change. 
The civil society statement from the 2007 Commonwealth
People's Forum has been published. 
Commonwealth civil society organisations (CSOs) have been
urged by Secretary-General Don McKinnon to work towards promoting
democracy, while remaining true to their identity, standards and
values. 
This year's Commonwealth Lecture will be delivered by Dr
David Suzuki, the award winning scientist, environmentalist and
broadcaster on Wednesday 12 March.