Latest content: Social development

The horror of sexual violence in conflict must be challenged by educating women about their human rights and empowering men and boys as champions against such abuses, says leading women's rights activist Dr Denis Mukwege.

A new Commonwealth report could help put member states on track to ensuring every child has access to good quality education, Commonwealth expert Nasir Kazmi announced today.

Increased recognition of the human rights of older people will enable them to reach their full potential.

The Government of Kiribati has welcomed the Commonwealth’s support as it works to strengthen its health system.

A practical guide aimed at ending violence against women in parts of Asia has been praised by experts.

African states need to commit to investing more in public health if they are to achieve their goal of universal health coverage.

Measures to eradicate child labour, modern slavery and human trafficking across the Commonwealth took a step forward at a major global conference in Argentina.

A coordinated response to tackle the scourge of child marriage has never been more pressing in the Commonwealth, where a child is married every 17 minutes.

The launch of Rwanda’s first ever cricket stadium and its continuing efforts to use sport as part of the reconciliation process have been praised by the Commonwealth Secretary-General.

Improving government data collection and protecting human rights will help maximise the role that sport can play in sustainable development.

Leading sports stakeholders are set to gather in Australia ahead of next year’s Commonwealth Games to address policy issues such as the contribution of sport to the Sustainable Development Goals and the promotion of integrity in sport.

The Commonwealth Secretariat is partnering with a conference opening today in Colombo that showcases advancements in medical technology in Sri Lanka.

The Commonwealth will create a safe space for frank discussions about faith and cohesion between communities and religious and ethnic groups, Secretary-General Patricia Scotland told participants of the Craigmyle Lecture.

Applications are now open to join a course in London that builds the capacity of young people to counter hate speech and violent radicalisation.

An agreement signed today in Apia, Samoa will strengthen cooperation between the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Pacific Community on healthcare.

Education plays a pivotal role in equipping future generations with the tools to tackle some of the most pressing issues, not least filling the skills gap which is a global challenge faced by many member states.

A leading academic says next week’s education conference in Namibia will help tackle the education gap between Africa and the rest of the world.

To maximise the impact of sport at community level, new tactics are needed that mainstream sports policy into national development plans. The newly adopted Kazan Action Plan provides a game plan for governments to do this.

New policy guidance from the Commonwealth Secretariat will help governments to place young people’s needs and aspirations at the heart of national policy-making.

“The young people of the Commonwealth are leading us to a future of ever greater aspiration, and even greater achievement.” These were the words of Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland at the start of one of the world’s most eminent intergovernmental youth conferences.

A new Commonwealth initiative to empower young women leaders has been marked with a regional launch in the Caribbean.

In a matter of hours, 1000 athletes and officials will be at the Thomas A Robinson Stadium, in the Queen Elizabeth Sports Centre in The Bahamian capital Nassau, to witness a once in a life-time event.

A group of 25 people will be attending a workshop on Friday 7 July to discuss the findings of the Commonwealth Secretariat’s studies on women’s political participation in the Commonwealth.

The Bahamas 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games will encourage more young athletes than ever to give back to the global community, by teaching them how to harness sport as a tool for peace and development.