The Commonwealth family of accredited organisations grew to 92 when four new members were introduced at a special event with Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC. To raise the bar of becoming an accredited organisation, a new badge was introduced at the event, awarded to each organisation, unique in number with a clear mark of verification.
The four new organisations are the Commonwealth Chemistry Association, the Commonwealth Security and Resilience Group, the Institute for Economics and Peace, and The Links, Incorporated. They have all been in existence for several years – decades in some instances – but all have “peace” as an ambition in common.
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In her opening remarks, the Secretary-General acknowledged that all accredited organisations have played a significant role in helping the Commonwealth Secretariat deliver on mandates, reflecting on how they stepped up in a remarkable way during the COVID-19 pandemic. She noted:
“You have dedicated your time, energy, and expertise to advancing democracy, governance, and the rule of law. Your work has helped foster a society where the youth are empowered; gender equality is championed; and education, health, and sports are developed.
“Additionally, you have supported our small and other vulnerable states by helping them address their unique challenges. For all of this, I extend my deepest gratitude and appreciation. Your hard work and commitment have made a profound impact in striving towards a world where prosperity, democracy, and peace are not rare, but a common reality for all citizens of the Commonwealth.”
Dr Andrew Shore, Secretary to the Executive Board of the Commonwealth Chemistry Association, shared that their organisation works across 27 regions and countries, representing 95% of all chemistry and chemical sciences associations across the world, including 87,000 chemistry professionals.
“We see our role as one of finding solutions to the challenges of the world, including those that are climate related. We are very excited to be part of the Accredited Organisations and look forward to working with you in coming years,” he said to a packed conference room at Marlborough House in London.
Freddie Woolland, Executive Director of the Commonwealth Security and Resilience Group, spoke about their work in a world that is constantly shifting – sentiments the Secretary-General echoed in her closing remarks. The group works across many security areas, including maritime security. He said:
“We were happy to see the Apia Commonwealth Ocean Declaration acknowledging this issue. Currently, our biggest priority is AI risk and we have established an AI Risk Network so that we can better address the security and resilience issues relating to AI.”
Serge Stroobants, Europe Director at the Institute for Economics & Peace, shared that in 2024 the world saw the highest level of conflict since World War II. Interestingly, he spoke about measuring the effects of conflict or peace and used the concepts of negative and positive peace as examples. “Negative peace” is where there is the absence of violence.
“We want to promote peace, and create a paradigm shift in the way the world thinks about peace,” he shared.
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Ethel Isaacs Williams, President J.D. of The Links Incorporated, spoke to her new network remotely from the United States. The Links is a volunteer organisation of 17,500 women of African descent from 41 states in the United States, and chapters in The Bahamas and the United Kingdom.
“We have collectively raised US$27 million from our own purses, committing one million hours every year. As one example, we have 59 Links Education Across the Miles programmes in 20 countries. We are proud to be become part of the Commonwealth network. The Secretary-General has been an extraordinary servant-leader.”
The new accreditation badge awarded to all accredited associations can be displayed on websites, letterheads and such, and as a second layer of verification, accreditation confirmation letters can be downloaded.
About Commonwealth Accredited Organisations
Media contact
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Suné Kitshoff Senior Communications Officer, Communications Division, Commonwealth Secretariat
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