The Commonwealth Family

Context:

The Commonwealth Day celebration on March 11 highlights the significance of the Commonwealth family in addressing global challenges, particularly for small island members facing the impacts of climate change.

Celebrating Commonwealth Day:

• Unity: The Commonwealth family commemorating 75 years since the London Declaration emphasises the unity among its diverse nations, faiths, and communities.
• Collaboration: The Commonwealth Charter, which outlined core values and shared goals for the first time, promotes collaboration on various issues from the rule of law to environmental protection.
• Multiple benefits: The Commonwealth membership provides benefits such as reduced trade costs, empowerment of women, and joint efforts in promoting democratic values and providing support during crises like in Guyana.

Addressing Climate Change Challenges:

• Commonwealth solidarity is of huge importance, particularly for small island members facing disproportionate impacts of climate change, as recognized in the Commonwealth Charter.
• Calling support: The upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa and the UN Small Island Developing States conference in Antigua and Barbuda, stressing the need for enhanced support for climate resilience and mitigation efforts.
• Solution: Despite commitments to climate finance, there persist challenges for small-island states in accessing funding. It needs greater support through the Commonwealth network to address this issue effectively.