Working together for prosperity, democracy and peace

The Commonwealth Charter expresses the commitment of member countries to the development of free and democratic societies and the promotion of peace and prosperity to improve the lives of all Commonwealth citizens.

COP30 Brasil Amazonia Belem 2025

The Commonwealth at COP30

A Commonwealth Secretariat delegation of international climate policy experts will attend The 2025 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belém, Brazil.

We stand with our 56 member countries to turn ambition into action. From championing small and climate-vulnerable states to unlocking fairer climate finance, we bring together leaders, youth and business to scale solutions for a just transition.

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5th Global Youth Work Conference 2025
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. 17 to 19 November

Youth work is more important than ever as our world rapidly evolves. This global conference brings together youth workers, practitioners, academics and policymakers to explore how local wisdom can shape globally connected, future-ready youth work.

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Commonwealth leaders at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting

2025 Commonwealth Year of Innovative, Resilient and Sustainable Debt

Through high-level dialogues, technical assistance and global advocacy, the Commonwealth will bring together member states, institutions and experts to drive innovation in debt reform — and ensure that debt works for development, not against it.

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Home to 2.7 billion people

The Commonwealth is home to 2.7 billion people, and includes both advanced economies and developing countries. 33 of our members are small states, including many island nations.

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Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey

Secretary-General
Hon. Shirley Botchwey is the 7th Commonwealth Secretary-General.
 

Group photo of Her Majesty The Queen with speakers at an event on ending violence against women and girls at CHOGM 2022 in Rwanda

Events
We host regular events, webinars and conferences on behalf of our member countries.

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Member organisations
We have a network of over 90 civil, cultural, intergovernmental and professional organisations.

Our work

Democracy, law and government

We promote democracy, good governance, peace, human rights and the rule of law.

Trade and economy

We help boost trade between member countries to create prosperity for all.

Environment and climate change

We help countries protect their environments, use natural resources sustainably, and both tackle and adapt to climate change.

Small states

We campaign internationally for special attention to the unique development challenges that small states face.

Society and young people

We support youth empowerment, advance gender equality and use sport to bring people together.

Gender

We work to advance gender equality, women’s rights and women’s empowerment in all social, economic and political spheres.


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Commonwealth Matters is sent monthly and features latest news ranging from democracy and climate change to trade and sustainable development.

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