The Commonwealth Secretariat will host the 40th Commonwealth Diplomats Induction Programme on Tuesday, 7 July 2026.
Background
The Commonwealth Diplomats Induction Session is designed to introduce participants to the Commonwealth Secretariat as an institution, its history, organisations, work and relationship with the rest of the world. It is also an opportunity for Commonwealth Diplomats and Officers to meet in an informal setting to network, exchange views, and build relationships.
Objectives
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To increase participants’ understanding of the Commonwealth: its history, mission, structure – internal and external governance, and functioning.
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To increase participants’ understanding of the role of the Board of Governors and its Committees which translates into the role of the Chair and Members.
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To provide participants with a range of internal and external perspectives on the Commonwealth – including how it operates as an intergovernmental organisation and carries out its work in accordance with the Commonwealth Charter, its Strategic Plan 2025 – 2030, how it engages on issues related to human rights, democracy, economic and environmental resilience, as well as its role within multilateral forums, and how it goes about building consensus through its influence and partnerships to progress its work.
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To provide participants with the space and opportunity to forge new connections with High Commission colleagues as well as with key Commonwealth officials, and to share their expectations and perspectives on how the Commonwealth can better serve its Member States.
Format
The hybrid session is mainly intended for London-based diplomats and those in Capitals assigned to the Commonwealth Desk. It is open to a mix of diplomats of different levels of seniority (including High Commissioners, Deputy High Commissioners, Ministers and Counsellors) from all regions of the Commonwealth.
For more information, reach out to [email protected]
