Our mandate is to support member states to effectively manage their natural resources for the benefit of present and future generations.
Our work, delivered through the Secretariat’s Natural Resources programme, is demand-driven and has evolved to reflect the changing needs and priorities of member countries over time.
To date, the Secretariat has provided support on natural resources to at least 40 Commonwealth countries (over 70 per cent of membership), most of them small states or least developed countries (LDCs).
Our approach to supporting member countries
The Commonwealth Secretariat’s request-driven Natural Resources programme contributes to inclusive growth and sustainable development by focussing on good governance and enhancing institutional capacity in the energy and natural resource sectors.
We assist countries to optimise the socioeconomic benefits of, and effectively manage risks from, the development of natural resources, including managing the impacts of the energy transition.
We provide tailored support in mining, deep sea minerals, petroleum and energy, including:
- policy and strategy: mining, petroleum, local content, renewable energy, energy transition and net-zero strategies
- legal and regulatory frameworks including social, environmental and decarbonisation issues
- taxation and revenue management, including sovereign wealth funds
- legal drafting – laws and regulations, including agreements
- capacity-enhancing programmes for government officials
- convening, advocacy and partnerships, aligned with international frameworks
- knowledge products and toolkits that capture best practices, share expertise and thought leadership, and provide guidance to member states.
The Commonwealth natural resource landscape
Commonwealth countries rank as major producers of natural resources including gas and oil, minerals and precious metals such as gold, platinum and copper.
Natural resources, climate and just energy transition
Natural resources have multifaceted and oversized impacts on climate, energy, environment, ecosystems and socioeconomic development.
