A large number of Commonwealth and Francophonie (CF) countries experience economic disadvantages in view of the interaction between small domestic markets in conjunction with unfavourable geographical location related to distance from global hubs of commerce, which result in high trade costs.
Read publication - Delivering Inclusive Global Value ChainsMain page for this area of work
This paper provides an overview of two important aspects of value chain participation of Commonwealth countries: domestic value addition in exports and trade in intermediate goods.
Read publication - Analysis of Value Added Trade and Intermediates Exports of Commonwealth Countries and Comparator GroupsEvent
Commonwealth Sports Ministers to address the contribution sport can make to the Sustainable Development Goals.
8 March 2016 to 8 March 2016
Event
To commemorate IWD the Commonwealth Secretariat will be holding a panel discussion on: 'Sustained education of women and girls for their economic and political empowerment'.
Leading global health policy experts met at the Commonwealth Secretariat this week to discuss challenges facing global health security.
Read news - Podcast: Experts examine threats to global health securityParliamentarians from Commonwealth countries in Asia have adopted a declaration to safeguard and promote human rights, concluding a three-day seminar in Sri Lanka.
Read news - Commonwealth Asia MPs join forces on human rightsThe Government of Sri Lanka will host a Commonwealth seminar next week to improve human rights in Asia by strengthening the role of parliamentarians and establishing a dedicated regional network.
Read news - Sri Lanka hosts Commonwealth regional human rights seminar for parliamentariansThe Commonwealth should seek "equitable and decent work for all” to ensure no-one is left behind in a fast-changing world, states Deodat Maharaj at a joint conference of UNDP and the Commonwealth Secretariat.
Read news - Commonwealth must strive for decent work for all and inclusive developmentA seminar, giving knowledge and skills to more effectively deal with domestic abuse was organised by the Commonwealth Secretariat, in partnership with Guyana’s judiciary and the Commonwealth Magistrates’ and Judges’ Association.
Read news - Combatting domestic violence in Guyana through the justice systemEvent
A presentation of the UNDP 2015 Human Development Report by lead author Mr Selim Jahan, Director of the Human Development Report Office.
Human rights education will make children in Mauritius become responsible citizens, global citizens and consolidate its identity as a rainbow nation
Read news - Teachers in Mauritius trained to educate students on human rightsThe Chair of a new Commonwealth Education Ministerial Group warns that countries are “still falling short” on outcomes for schoolchildren and students.
Read news - Commonwealth ministerial group reaching for quality education New e-discussion launched on Commonwealth Education Hub.
Read news - Education Hub discusses the changing patterns in boys' educational achievement25 January 2016 to 19 February 2016
Event
The Commonwealth Secretariat and United Nations Girls’ Education Initiative (UNGEI) are partnering to launch an online discussion on 'Changing Patterns in Boys' Educational Achievement: What Can We Do To Make Things Better?'.
2 February 2016 to 2 February 2016
Event
The Commonwealth Secretariat is hosting a panel discussion on Global Health Security Challenges and Policy Responses on Tuesday 2 February.
21 January 2016 to 22 January 2016
Event
The first Commonwealth Education Ministers Action Group (EMAG) meeting will take place between 21-22 January 2016.
Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs announces the suspension of anti-homosexuality laws in Malawi.
Read news - Commonwealth commends Malawi as it moves toward freedom of sexual orientationDeveloping countries, including as small states and least developed countries (LDCs), continue to face significant challenges within the global trading system. Action is required to allow them to overcome disadvantages and achieve sustainable levels of income from trade.
Read publication - Small States and the Multilateral Trading SystemThe Commonwealth Secretariat marked International Human Rights Day with discussions on engaging young men and boys in the fight against child marriage
Read news - Marking Human Rights Day with focus on engaging young men to end child marriageInternational Day of Rural Women on 15 October is a time to celebrate and applaud the role of women in rural development, food production and poverty eradication.
Read news - International Day of Rural Women: statement by Secretary-GeneralOctober 5 2015 is World Teachers Day: “Empowering teachers, building sustainable societies”.
Read news - World Teachers' Day: statement by Commonwealth Secretary-GeneralThe mismanagement of ocean resources is placing the oceans under enormous pressure, with implications for humanity that we are only now beginning to fully appreciate.
Read news - Commentary: Trade policy negotiations should contribute to sustainable fisheriesOver five days, between 5-11 September, more than 900 young people aged 14-18 competed in the Youth Games
Read news - Sporting stars of Youth Games praised for creating new bonds and greater understandingThe Commonwealth Short Story Prize has been awarded to Jonathan Tel from the United Kingdom, for his entry The Human Phonograph.
Read news - Jonathan Tel wins 2015 Short Story PrizeInternational Literacy Day 2015, ‘Literacy and Sustainable Societies’ - 8 September 2015
Read news - International Literacy Day: statement by Secretary-General