Latest content: Small states

A blog by Reginald Darius, head of economic policy in the Commonwealth Secretariat.

Commonwealth report warns that governments could be hit by huge unexpected pay-outs if steps are not taken to manage hidden liabilities in unfunded pensions, loan guarantees, disaster relief and other contingencies.

Legal experts from key international organisations, including the Commonwealth Secretariat, are meeting to develop a climate change legal toolkit to help countries carry out the Paris Agreement.

Small and vulnerable developing countries participating in global climate talks have expressed optimism that the Commonwealth will help them to access badly needed climate finance.

The Commonwealth reaffirmed its support to small states and vulnerable developing countries which face a daunting task in adapting to climate impacts, from desertification to rising seas.

Governments and partners at global climate talks in Morocco say they are encouraged by action taken by the Commonwealth to support small and vulnerable countries.

The Secretary-General will speak at the high level segment of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change conference, COP22, on 17 November.

The foreign affairs minister for St Kitts and Nevis says he’s convinced of the value of the Commonwealth to small and developing states.

Small Commonwealth states have asked the Secretariat to help them tackle the illegal arms trade and implement the Arms Trade Treaty in a more effective way.

It’s not every day I fall back in love in a car park. But it happened while I was filming a short video with several self-confessed carbonphiliacs — including biomimicry guru Janine Benyus and Baroness Patricia Scotland, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Secretariat.

The Government of Singapore has pledged to support the Commonwealth’s sustainable development programme for small and developing states.

Climate change experts focused on exploring practical and economically viable solutions to combat decades of harm to the environment at a two-day conference

Commonwealth’s Regenerative Development to Reverse Climate Change Workshop: Participants will explore cutting-edge technologies and innovations that can reduce carbon and roll back the effects of climate change, while supporting economic development.

Business leaders, trade policymakers and leading global experts gathered at the World Export Development Forum in Sri Lanka’s capital Colombo today to share ideas on how to best to navigate the new trading landscape.

The signing of the memorandum of understanding demonstrates real intent to help those with limited access to international trade finance.

One of the world’s leading experts on climate change tells Commonwealth finance ministers that much more money needs to be pumped into tackling the problem.

New research published today by the Commonwealth Secretariat calls for “fundamental changes” to the way the world’s oceans, seas and coastal areas are managed.

Hurricane Matthew threatens to inflict further severe damage on island nations of the Caribbean as it continues its path of destruction, and there is now significant risk that it will cause widespread damage to property and severe disruption in The Bahamas.

The Commonwealth Secretary-General, Patricia Scotland, spoke to the Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation to express her concern and call for stronger climate action to help build resilience in all Commonwealth regions in the face of growing risk.

Commonwealth members have welcomed the launch of a flagship centre dedicated to boosting support to small states.

Vulnerable small island states and developing countries stand to gain access to billions of dollars of climate finance with the aid of a new Commonwealth initiative.

The Secretary-General has told BBC News that Commonwealth ministers and parliamentarians have asked her to help them respond to the crisis of irregular mass movement of people across the world by coming up with a plan.

Small states need to unite on getting their priorities on the global agenda, members of a Commonwealth working group agreed this week.