Latest content: Small states

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Small States

‘No Man Is an Island’: Ghanaian legal expert’s lifetime of Commonwealth service celebrated

As Antigua and Barbuda prepares to host the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) this November, the Commonwealth is celebrating the extraordinary story of Ghanaian legal expert, Lebrecht Hesse, whose lifetime of service across three Commonwealth countries demonstrates the enduring power of partnership and knowledge sharing.
Read news - ‘No Man Is an Island’: Ghanaian legal expert’s lifetime of Commonwealth service celebrated

Webinar: State of the Commonwealth small states – building resilience and strategic relevance

8 October 2026 to 8 October 2026
(BST)
Webinar
This webinar will provide a timely platform to assess the current state of Commonwealth small states, examine evolving thinking on their strategic relevance and sustainable development, and explore new development pathways that may be required in a rapidly changing global environment.

Keynote Address by Commonwealth Secretary-General at the Deutsche Bank ‘Deep Currents’ Conference

Keynote Address by Commonwealth Secretary-General, Hon. Shirley Botchwey, at the Deutsche Bank ‘Deep Currents’ Conference in partnership with Ocean Risk and Resilience Action Alliance (ORRAA) Blue Horizons; Investing in the Ocean, the Next Frontier during London Climate Action Week on 23 June 2026 at Deutsche Bank London Headquarters.
Read speech - Keynote Address by Commonwealth Secretary-General at the Deutsche Bank ‘Deep Currents’ Conference

Commonwealth and COP29 Presidency open funding call for climate action proposals from Commonwealth small island states

The Commonwealth Secretariat and Azerbaijan’s COP29 Presidency have opened a call for proposals to provide the 25 Commonwealth Small Island Developing States (SIDS) with funding for in-country projects that respond to the growing impacts of climate change. This announcement comes at the start of London Climate Action Week (LCAW) and follows on the launch of two joint flagship projects launched in April 2026.
Read news - Commonwealth and COP29 Presidency open funding call for climate action proposals from Commonwealth small island states

Commonwealth Secretariat and Government of Azerbaijan launch funding for environmental resilience projects in SIDS, disbursing US$2 million

The Commonwealth Secretariat in collaboration with the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan has launched two flagship projects under the COP29 Presidency - Commonwealth Fund for Small Island Developing States (SIDS), following the disbursement of an initial US$2 million from a US$10 million grant.
Read press release - Commonwealth Secretariat and Government of Azerbaijan launch funding for environmental resilience projects in SIDS, disbursing US$2 million

Commonwealth and global partners ramp up support for SIDS on the climate frontline

Small Island Developing States (SIDS) stand on the frontline of the global climate crisis, facing a convergence of environmental, economic and institutional challenges that disproportionately threaten their sustainable development pathways. Despite contributing minimally to global greenhouse gas emissions, SIDS have demonstrated strong climate ambition through their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
Read news - Commonwealth and global partners ramp up support for SIDS on the climate frontline

Blog: Building economic resilience in Commonwealth Small States through collective action

Blog by Dr Thomas Munthali, Commonwealth Secretariat’s Head of Economic Policy and Small States.

The year 2025 marked a defining moment for the global economy — and an especially consequential one for small and vulnerable states. As the world grappled with geopolitical tensions, trade fragmentation, energy transitions and tightening fiscal and financial conditions, uncertainty became the new normal. For small states, already navigating narrow economic bases and heightened exposure to external shocks, the stakes could not have been higher.

Yet 2025 was not defined by pressure alone. It was also a year that underscored the enduring strength of the Commonwealth family and the tangible value of working together.
Read news - Blog: Building economic resilience in Commonwealth Small States through collective action

Growth opportunity for climate-positive businesses or projects in the Commonwealth

Commonwealth Investment Network (CIN)

The Commonwealth Investment Network (CIN) fosters collaboration across a diverse ecosystem of local, regional, and international partners to identify, develop, and support investment opportunities in Commonwealth Small Island Developing States (SIDS). By engaging international financiers, facilitating knowledge exchange, strengthening local capacity, and delivering tailored technical assistance, the CIN works to enhance project bankability and unlock viable, climate-positive growth opportunities. The Network’s overarching objective is to mobilise private finance and technical expertise to help build resilient, inclusive, and sustainable island economies.

The Commonwealth Investment Network (CIN) is piloting a three-month accelerator programme for Commonwealth Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in the Caribbean and the Pacific.

Blog: From Brain Drain to Brain Gain: Unlocking diaspora finance in small states

This blog is authored by three experts from the Commonwealth Secretariat: Dr. Thomas Munthali (Adviser and Head, Economic Policy and Small States Economic Development, Trade and Investment Directorate), Tamara Mughogho (Economic Adviser, Economic Policy and Small States, Trade and Investment Directorate), and Dr. Ruth Kattumuri (Senior Director, Economic, Development, Trade and Investment Directorate).
Read news - Blog: From Brain Drain to Brain Gain: Unlocking diaspora finance in small states

From Brain Drain to Brain Gain

With the recent wave of socio-economic shocks that have impacted the economies of small states, scaling up access to finance remains crucial. Exploring untapped sources of financing is therefore imperative to help member states achieve their development targets, including the Sustainable Development Goals, and build resilient economies.
Read publication - From Brain Drain to Brain Gain