Vanguards in the 21st Century: Optimising Commonwealth Networks

Global Policy Insights (GPI) and The Ramphal Institute hosted the second event of their Joint E-Series titled ‘The Commonwealth: Optimising Networks & Opportunities for the 21st Century’ on 10 June 2020.

The session titled ''Vanguards in the 21st Century: Optimising Commonwealth Networks' explored the intricate workings of pivotal Commonwealth 'networks' or its affiliated or associated institutions, as they partner with each other, their national counterparts and across all levels to deliver upon the Commonwealth's priorities.

The Commonwealth is a body of 54 equal and independent nations, with over 80 multi-pronged local and international affiliates, and numerous multilateral partners, holding unique influence and capacity. This session featured its four prominent networks, the Commonwealth Foundation, the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), the Commonwealth Local Government Forum (CLGF) and the Independent Forum of Commonwealth Organisations (IFCO).

The Acting Secretary-General of the CPA, Mr Jarvis Matiya delivered the keynote address followed by a discussion which led into an expert panel discussion, locating the ‘Vanguards of the Commonwealth’ by bringing into conversation the leadership of the aforementioned Commonwealth networks. The discussion ranged over key areas of policy making, strategic politics, consensus building, funding and intricate workings of these networks, to look at the efficacy and implementation of decisions. The panel further addressed institutional challenges, ground realities and inter-network relationships, resulting in a very constructive and rich discussion about the future of the Commonwealth and its networks.

Speakers:

Jarvis Matiya (Keynote Speaker)

Acting Secretary-General & Director of Operations, Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA)

Uday Nagaraju

Executive President, Global Policy Insights Project Director, The Commonwealth Project

David Gomez

Director, The Ramphal Institute

Neha Dewan (Panel Discussion Moderator)

Fellow & Political Affairs Officer, Global Policy Insights
Project Lead, The Commonwealth Project

Dr Anne T. Gallagher

Director-General, Commonwealth Foundation

Dr Greg Munro

Secretary-General, Commonwealth Local Government Forum (CLGF)

Dr Nicholas Watts

FRSA Chair, Independent Forum of Commonwealth Organisations (IFCO)
Senior Research Fellow, Institute of Commonwealth Studies, University of London