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  • Commonwealth Secretary-General accelerates work to empower women

    The Commonwealth Secretary-General has pledged to be a champion for women and girls, stating that the fight for gender equality is central to delivering global goals on development, governance and climate change. 

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Social Development

Our approach to social development focuses on giving people a voice in their lives and communities. We empower people by helping create unified, strong, inclusive and accountable institutions. 

We work to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for all and to promote lifelong learning opportunities.

We advance gender equality and women’s empowerment in Commonwealth countries and work with National Women’s Machineries to support the social, political and economic empowerment of women and the advancement of women’s rights.

Partnering with member governments, private businesses and civil society organisations helps us support and strengthen health institutions in Commonwealth countries. We focus on issues of growing international concern, such as the threat of non-communicable diseases, maternal and child health and achieving universal health coverage.

We help unlock the potential of small states to withstand natural disasters and economic challenges through powerful partnerships and meaningful assistance. We develop, support and convene partnerships and initiatives to help people change consumption patterns so the environmental impact on small states is minimised.

We support and empower young people to realise and reach their full potential. Our Youth Programme has been supporting member countries for over 40 years: engaging and recognising young people, supporting governments and professionalising youth work.

‘Funding universal health coverage benefits go beyond well-being,’ Southern African ministers told SADC Ministers of Health meeting in Tanzania

Health ministers from Southern African countries are being urged to secure the political will to prioritise funds which will fast-track the delivery of universal health coverage in the region.

Sport policy boosts countries’ fitness in more ways than one People sparring in stadium in Tonga

Well-designed sport and physical activity strategies can make valuable contributions to national development and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. That was the message from experts and policy makers who gathered for the three-day annual meeting of the Commonwealth Advisory Body on Sport (CABOS).

Sport reforms in Mauritius attract Commonwealth experts People playing volleyball near sea

Commonwealth sport policy experts will meet in Mauritius today to draw inspiration from the pioneering sport reforms the country has undertaken with the Secretariat’s support.

‘Reform and uphold media freedom by law’ officials tell leaders Panel of delegates at media freedom event

Commonwealth countries have been told to reform laws restricting press freedom and to encourage media to work freely on all issues of public importance.

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