An independent study detailing the collective contribution of the 87 non-profit organisations accredited to the Commonwealth was launched last week by the Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC.
This took place during the 15th staging of the annual structured dialogue between the accredited organisations (AOs) and the Secretary-General.
The study outlined how these groups – which span associated organisations, civil society, professional bodies, academic institutions and other networks – are advancing the values and principles of the Commonwealth Charter, touching millions of lives across various sectors in the process.
Addressing the delegates at the Commonwealth headquarters in London, the Commonwealth Secretary-General said:
"The Commonwealth Charter places the greatest importance on the vital role of civil society in our Family of Nations, and I continue to be deeply humbled by – and grateful for – the work that you all do."
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The report, titled ‘The Contribution of Commonwealth-Accredited Organisations to Advancing the Commonwealth Charter’, was authored by Vijay Krishnarayan, a former Director-General of the Commonwealth Foundation.
It found that accredited organisations play a key role in "popularising" the Commonwealth while also reaching important and influential constituencies. Because they are nimbler than governmental institutions, AOs move faster to respond to new and emerging issues, as well as crises, while demonstrating inclusivity.
The research highlighted that many AOs often "punch above their financial weight" and manage to bring additional resources and partners into the Commonwealth's sphere.
The report stated:
"Accredited Organisations are an essential component of the Commonwealth. They have long been seen as central to any renaissance of the institution."
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It also emphasised the importance of regular and deeper engagement between Accredited Organisations and government officials, ministers and heads.
Impact of AOs and disaster response
Last year, the Commonwealth's accredited organisations spent £283 million to support their various causes, more than doubling the previous year's spending.
While the majority of AOs are small, operating on annual budgets of less than £50,000, in addition to in-kind support, some are well-endowed establishments. Members range from large bodies - such as the Commonwealth Games Federation, Rotary International, Transparency International, and the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (founded in 1911, representing over 180 legislatures)- to smaller community-led initiatives.
In particular, the Commonwealth Secretary-General recognised the recent efforts of AOs in responding to the devastation wreaked by record-breaking Cyclone Freddy in Malawi.
She stated:
"When this crisis unfolded, Commonwealth Accredited Organisations stepped forward, assisting with the emergency response through the provision of various services from such as relief and emergence assistance, training, and advocacy."
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In the wake of the disaster, the Commonwealth Organisation for Social Work assisted the Malawi Government and partnered with local NGOs on interventions in camps. In addition, the Royal Commonwealth Ex-Services League rolled out response efforts in the cities of Zomba, Balaka, Mulanje, Thyolo, Phalombe, Chiradzulu, Chiwawa, Nsanje and Blantyre.
Soroptimist International, Women Mediators across the Commonwealth, Commonwealth Lawyers Association, and Rotary International also provided support through their Malawi chapters.
Celebrating the Year of Youth, new members
The Secretary-General also encouraged AOs to join in marking the Commonwealth Year of Youth, which has been extended from 2023 until the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa in October 2024.
Helen Jones, a member of the Advisory Committee for Accredited Organisations, made a presentation highlighting the participation of accredited organisations in support of the Year of Youth, including at the 10th Commonwealth Youth Ministers Meeting last month.
During the dialogue session, the AO representatives discussed a range of issues with the Secretary-General, including how to encourage inter-generational partnerships, with enhanced focus on young people as well as older adults, enhancing advocacy for people with disabilities, as well as the role of AOs in supporting climate action and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
They also welcomed two recently approved Commonwealth Accredited Organisations to the fold: BarefootLaw, based in Uganda, an award-winning social enterprise dedicated to enhancing access to justice, peace, and the law for thousands of Africans by providing tech-enabled support. The other organisation, LifeLine International, based in Australia and operating in 28 countries, works to prevent suicidal deaths, reduce the stigma of suicide and increase support for people in crisis.
Both organisations reiterated their support and commitment to advancing the Commonwealth's shared values and goals.
Download the full publication: The Contribution of Commonwealth-Accredited Organisations to Advancing the Commonwealth Charter
Media Contact
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Josephine Latu-Sanft Senior Communications Officer, Communications Division, Commonwealth Secretariat
