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Small States

Small States

The Commonwealth champions the needs of small states, offering critical support and advocacy to help them thrive. Discover our initiatives designed to strengthen economic resilience, enhance environmental sustainability, and ensure a prosperous future for small nations.

Natural Disasters, Trade Policy and Trade Negotiations: Challenges, Solutions and Resilience Building for Small Island Developing States and Others

Event
From December 1-3, 2021, the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) is providing a virtual space 'The IISD’s Trade + Sustainability Hub' for civil society, government, business, and international organizations to discuss trade and sustainable development.

Commonwealth Secretary-General calls on leaders to “dig deeper” in climate talks for the sake of vulnerable nations  

The Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland has appealed to world leaders attending the UN Climate Change Conference COP26 to close the gap in ongoing negotiations this week in Glasgow, with millions of lives and livelihoods on the line in climate-vulnerable countries.
Read press release - Commonwealth Secretary-General calls on leaders to “dig deeper” in climate talks for the sake of vulnerable nations  

Mobilising the ‘Tools’ for renewable energy investment in the Seychelles

Breaking the world’s reliance on fossil fuels and accelerating the global uptake of renewable energy will play a decisive role in diminishing the threat of global warming to the survival of life on earth, according to experts. But turning the vision into reality will demand unwavering political will and, critically, massive investment, which can no longer be shouldered solely by aid and development partners.
Read news - Mobilising the ‘Tools’ for renewable energy investment in the Seychelles

The Bahamas weathers Hurricane and Covid-19 to hold “credible, inclusive and transparent” elections - Commonwealth Observer Group

The Commonwealth Observer Group (COG) deployed to The Bahamas to observe the 2021 General Election has released their statement on its preliminary findings on the election stating the overall process was “credible, inclusive, and transparent.”
Read news - The Bahamas weathers Hurricane and Covid-19 to hold “credible, inclusive and transparent” elections - Commonwealth Observer Group

Commonwealth Small States Prioritise Financial Inclusion and Lead the World on Central Bank Digital Currencies

Commonwealth Central Bank Governors met today to explore ‘Financial Technology for Economic Recovery’ and particularly the use of Central Bank Digital Currencies, a new technology that could give the most vulnerable in societies around the world better access to financial services.
Read press release - Commonwealth Small States Prioritise Financial Inclusion and Lead the World on Central Bank Digital Currencies

Commonwealth Secretary-General to attend UNCTAD15 Conference in Barbados to urge for rapid action against multiple global crises 

This week, Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland QC, will push for bold and swift action in supporting small and vulnerable states to fight the global interlinked crises of climate change, the COVID-19 pandemic and their resulting economic fallout.
Read news - Commonwealth Secretary-General to attend UNCTAD15 Conference in Barbados to urge for rapid action against multiple global crises 

How satellite technologies can aid Fiji and the Pacific to build climate resilience

Sepesa Curuki and his community are coming to terms with the prospect of relocation from Cogea village on Fiji’s second-largest island of Vanua Levu. Their village, which lies between two rivers that flow into the Pacific Ocean only 2km away, has been battered by intense and frequent cyclones, flooding and erosion, threatening their very existence.
Read news - How satellite technologies can aid Fiji and the Pacific to build climate resilience

In a Watershed Year for Climate Change, the Commonwealth Secretary-General calls for Urgent, Decisive and Sustained Climate Action

IPS spoke to Commonwealth Secretary-General the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland QC about the Association’s climate initiatives, the unique challenges faced by small states, its focus on gender mainstreaming and access to financing for critical adaptation and mitigation projects.
Read news - In a Watershed Year for Climate Change, the Commonwealth Secretary-General calls for Urgent, Decisive and Sustained Climate Action

Commonwealth Secretariat at COP26

31 October 2021 to 12 November 2021
Event
The United Nations Climate Change Conference COP26 was held in Glasgow from 31 October to 12 November. At COP26, the Commonwealth Secretariat hosted its first ever Commonwealth Pavilion, to serve as an inclusive and collaborative space for member countries and accredited organisations. Watch highlights and events recordings on our COP26 hub. You can also see what the Commonwealth Secretariat achieved at COP26 on social media by following the hashtag #CommonwealthForClimate.