THE UK & THE COMMONWEALTH - WHERE ARE WE AT & WHERE CAN WE GO? British Foreign Policy Group
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BFPG.CO.UK | APRIL 2018
THE UK & THE
COMMONWEALTH
WHERE ARE WE AT
& WHERE CAN WE GO?
British Foreign Policy Group
Supporting national engagement on UK Foreign Policy
Introduction 1.
The UK & the Why does the Commonwealth
Commonwealth: matter to the UK?
Where are we at UK public opinion regarding the Common-
Why might support for
& where can we go?
Edward Elliott is Research wealth might at first appear, like Brexit, to
& Operations Manager at the
British Foreign Policy Group.
be a distinctly divisive aspect of UK foreign the Commonwealth be
He has an international
policy. The Commonwealth’s historical and high at the moment?
imperial links make it hard for many in the
background, having worked
in France, Spain, UK, and
UK to see it as an effective and modern Those surveyed were not asked what their
Slovakia before joining helping By Edward Elliott @TheBFPG @Ed1Elliott vehicle for UK foreign policy in the 21st reasons were, but potential reasons include
establish the BFPG in 2016. He century, the most recent evident example the shared values between Commonwealth
is a Durham and Sciences-Po •
With the UK’s imminent departure from the European Union, our foreign policy requires being the understandable criticism towards states and individuals, not least having English
graduate inBritish
politics,Foreign Policy Group fresh and innovative thinking. This should start with an evaluation of the assets we have the use of the term Empire 2.0 for describing as a common language, and the belief in
Supporting national engagement on UK Foreign Policy
international relations, French, and the goals we aim to achieve through our foreign policy. The Commonwealth of future UK-Commonwealth relations and the principles set out in the Commonwealth
and law and is the author of Nations is one of these assets, but it is one that many view as having struggled to emerge opportunities. Charter. Equally, post-Brexit, many in the UK
numerous articles and reports successfully from its 20th century imperial legacy, leaving questions around its relevance have looked beyond Europe for new areas of
on UK foreign policy.
and effectiveness. But, when the BFPG commissioned polling focus for our UK foreign policy, in particular
to determine support for the UK’s presence trade, and the Commonwealth appears a
Graphs and flowcharts by
Alice Campbell, BFPG
• This paper aims to provide a balanced and politically neutral overview of the current role and role in major international organisations natural choice for many.
of the Commonwealth and why it matters to the UK. From this, it should be possible to and institutions, the Commonwealth came
understand future opportunities and limitations and ultimately determine to what extent second only to the UN. Not only was there Support for the Commonwealth might also
British Foreign the Commonwealth should be a priority for post-Brexit Global Britain, and what its role 70% support for the Commonwealth in the UK, stem from its perception as harmless in
Policy Group could be. but this support was equal amongst Remain contrast to the way that an organisation such
and Leave voters. This was not the case for as the EU might be seen to be detrimental to
• The benefits of the Commonwealth to the UK are wide ranging. Factors such as the any of the other international institutions, the UK. Although public opinion has shifted
Sponsored by Commonwealth Trade Advantage (where effectively trade is easier and more successful organisations and agreements where those significantly since 2010, the British public then
between Commonwealth countries when adjusting for other factors) and the growth who voted to leave the EU were more likely to thought the Commonwealth had less value to
potential of some Commonwealth nations make it an appealing group of nations with want to withdraw. This is important because the UK than the UN, NATO, or the EU.
which to develop trading relations. Equally, the shared principles enshrined in the it suggests the Commonwealth provides a
Commonwealth Charter allow for the UK to find a louder voice with which to project some foreign policy focus that is valued by the UK
of the values that the UK represents. public and could also help towards uniting the
Brexit divide.
• But the value of these benefits is often victim to inflation and exaggeration, and realism
There is 70%
can be lacking when future possibilities for the Commonwealth are discussed. This poor One of the problems with assessing the value
quality of discussion does little to help make the case for current achievements, nor does
it help assess or address the obstacles the Commonwealth faces. So this paper does not
support for the of public opinion is that it is only reliable as a
guide for policy if it is grounded in familiarity.
aim to make the case for the Commonwealth as a substitute for other areas of UK foreign Commonwealth Unfortunately, the gap between opinion and
policy, but rather to evaluate the value of the Commonwealth to the UK and then assess knowledge around the Commonwealth is
Sourcing available online how much of a priority the Commonwealth should be for UK foreign policy efforts. in the UK, with stark. Research carried out in 2010 by the RCS
equal support showed that nearly 50% of participants could
not name any activities undertaken by the
The British Foreign Policy Group is an independent not for profit organisation established to improve the quality
from both Remain Commonwealth.
of national engagement on UK foreign policy, and generate new thinking around how the UK can pursue our common
national interests from our international engagements. The group takes no institutional position and all views
and Leave voters So whilst we can be confident of public support
expressed are those of the author. Established in Autumn 2016, the British Foreign Policy Group engages people – this represents a today, the lack of public knowledge means that
we cannot be confident of the same support
across the UK and our Overseas Territories through events, accessible, reliable information and digital outreach.
possibility to focus on tomorrow, as the support does not align with
any particular course of action or reform within
a foreign policy that the Commonwealth framework. This would
If you would like more information please contact could help unite the require additional studies, or indeed, further
education in the UK and afield on the work and
Edward Elliott: Edward.Elliott@BFPG.org.uk
Brexit divide workings of the Commonwealth, something
this report aims to contribute towards.
2 THE B RI TI S H F O REIGN POLICY GROUP | APRIL 2 0 1 8 A PR IL 2018 | T H E BR IT I S H FORE I GN POL I CY GROUP 3
privately by governments such as the
1. Australians and Canadians show a willingness
to make these deals quickly. This optimism Rather than
UK Foreign Policy Priorities and positivity is undeniably helpful for the UK,
but the scale of the task for the UK makes it
unlikely that trade with the Commonwealth
pushing for a broader
multilateral approach,
will be a short or even mid-term success for
the UK. UK could focus on
Trade UK is the largest EU goods export destination developing a few key
for numerous Commonwealth countries First of all, trade deals often take a long time
Re-assessing our trade requirements after we (Australia, Canada, India, New Zealand and to negotiate, even when there is goodwill, bilateral relationships
have left the European Union has arguably others), and second or third largest for many but in addition the UK’s trade negotiation
been the most talked about imperative for our more. This means that post-Brexit the UK is capacity is likely to be stretched post-Brexit. with Commonwealth
post-Brexit foreign policy. As a consequence,
attention has turned to how the UK can
unlikely to stop being a significantly important
market for these exports and there should
These considerations, alongside the fact that
many resources around trade are inevitably
members, particularly
increase trade with Commonwealth countries be scope for trade deals. The third reason for being focused around securing a trade deal around trade.
as part of ‘Global Britain’. Several of these optimism around future Commonwealth trade with the EU, mean that the UK should not get
countries have expressed interest in Free is the Commonwealth Trade Advantage. When carried away in its expectations for short-term
Trade Agreements (FTA’s), Australia being one controlling for other factors that affect trade economic gains from our relationship with the
of the more vocal examples. flows, studies show that “when both bilateral Commonwealth.
partners are Commonwealth members, they It is true that factors such as common
Trade growth with the Commonwealth is highly tend to trade, on average, 20 per cent more language, similar legal systems and
unlikely to replace potential loss in EU trade. and generate 10 per cent more foreign direct Alternatives to Free Trade geographical proximity all feature in our
Commonwealth countries are not currently investment flows than otherwise” as well as Agreements to boost UK- trade choices – but so do people themselves.
major trade partners for the UK; in relative having 19% lower bilateral costs. Similarities Commonwealth trade And it is here that diasporas play such a key
terms they made up only approximately 8.5% between Commonwealth members, ranging role. Different parts of the UK have different
of UK’s total trade in 2015. However, even from the use of English to similar legal Given the huge geographic and economic priorities, influenced significantly in places by
if the Commonwealth is not the single most systems, all contribute to an environment differences between the Commonwealth the different diaspora communities. Polling
important piece to the UK’s post-Brexit trade that facilitates trade between members. there is a case to be made, as indeed was commissioned by the RCS showed that 93%
puzzle, there are several reasons for believing Just as trade between EU member states is made by Chris Bryant MP during a recent of businesses in the Midlands prioritise
it may have much potential to offer. facilitated by geographical proximity, intra- Foreign Affairs Committee Evidence Session, building closer ties with India, 20% more than
Commonwealth trade is facilitated by a to identify priority Commonwealth countries. the number for UK businesses as a whole.
Firstly, some large Commonwealth countries number of factors that together create the These would be countries that “really matter These differences were also present in the
have growth potential, which would indicate Commonwealth Trade Advantage. to our economic growth, where we think polling the BFPG commissioned last year,
that a long-term strategy that looks at we can make significant changes over the for example with people in the South East
increasing trade with this grouping of countries When the UK looks to strike free trade next few years, where our values system being 15% more likely to want to prioritise
could prove fruitful for the UK. Secondly, the agreements, comments made publicly and is more shared”. Rather than pushing for UK relations with Australia than people in the
a broader multilateral approach, UK could North East. Through exploiting this propensity
Image: Hafiz343
focus on developing a few key bilateral trading to trade and develop relationships at a smaller
relationships with Commonwealth members, scale, the UK could increase its international
particularly around trade. Commonwealth trade with the Commonwealth regardless of
countries could also focus on targeted aspects any free trade agreements.
of trade liberalisation that benefit all involved,
while avoiding some of the challenges of all-
encompassing FTA’s. One such way could
be trade facilitation, the “simplification, Values
modernisation and harmonisation of export
and import processes”, or put simply, reducing If many in the UK are now making the case
‘red tape’ for imports and exports. While for the Commonwealth on the basis of trade,
government to government action such as FTAs the concept of ‘shared values’ has feasibly
have their value, there are also other channels been the most prevalent argument of past
worth developing. One of the great strengths years. Why does it matter to the UK that
of the Commonwealth is that it is in large part the Commonwealth has ‘shared values’? Put
about people to people relationships. This is simply, it helps provide a stronger voice to
where the role of UK regions and cities could promote these values, which are aligned
become crucial. As part of a bigger trend that with those of the UK, and which we believe
the BFPG is witnessing through our National make the world a safer and more prosperous
Engagement series, regions and cities are place. By amplifying the international voice for
becoming more internationally active, from these values, the Commonwealth is arguably
Northport, Malaysia international trade to cultural diplomacy. providing the UK with greater influence.
4 THE B RI TI S H F O REIGN POLICY GROUP | APRIL 2 0 1 8 A PR IL 2018 | T H E BR IT I S H FORE I GN POL I CY GROUP 5
Most would agree with the Royal CHOGM 2018 has set ´cyber-security’ as one
Commonwealth Society’s comments that of the 4 key themes for this year’s meeting.
1.
“the UK has worked to establish itself as an Cyber is just one security and defence issue,
Image: Shutterstock
advocate for principles such as Democracy, but the Commonwealth has scope to further
Human Rights, Freedom of Expression, Rule build the necessary resilience and adequate
of Law, Sustainable Development, protecting security for the success and progress of its
the Environment, and Gender Equality”. The economic and diplomatic activities.
fact that all these principles are explicitly
present in the Commonwealth Charter would Given its broad range of interests,
indicate a strong alignment between the alliances, and geographical disparity the
UK’s foreign policy goals and the values the Commonwealth in its current format is
Commonwealth states have agreed to uphold. in many ways not a natural platform for
institutional defence co-operation. Current
However, there is the striking inconsistency defence arrangements exist bilaterally
between the values present in the Charter between Commonwealth nations as
and the reality in many Commonwealth opposed to agreements co-ordinated
states. For example, the majority of people by the Commonwealth Secretariat. One
living in the Commonwealth live in a country such example is the Five Power Defence
where homosexuality is illegal. As of 2015, Arrangements – a regional security institution
40 out of the 53 Commonwealth countries, compromised of the UK, Singapore, Malaysia,
accounting for 95% of the population Australia, and New Zealand. Enhanced
of the Commonwealth, still criminalised bilateral security relationships are a model for
same-sex relations. Whilst the work of the how Commonwealth defence co-operation
Commonwealth in addressing this issue could look in coming years.
and others like it within its member states
is commendable, these and many other There are also other aspects of the
examples present significant challenges to Commonwealth’s current work, whether
any argument suggesting the Commonwealth it be international trade or combating
is consistently a relevant vehicle for indirect climate change, where there are inevitable
promotion of UK values worldwide. security concerns. This could be with the
security of supply chains or the effect of What global issues can
the Commonwealth focus
climate change on critical infrastructure and
resources. It is perhaps through tackling
Defence these more niche areas, ones that “aren’t
on to provide it with real
necessarily at the top of the agenda of
Institutional defence and security capabilities regional organisations but still sufficiently
are unlikely to be a primary feature of the important”, that the Commonwealth can
purpose and impact?
Commonwealth in the years to come, despite successfully start talking about defence. The
the Commonwealth Charter’s assertion possibility of creating something along the
that “ international peace and security are lines of a “Commonwealth Security Forum”,
essential to the progress of all”. This general as suggested in a Commonwealth Exchange
phrase nonetheless hints at the role defence (now part of the RCS) report, to provide a
and security could realistically hold for the platform for developing strategic defence
Commonwealth in the coming years. Indeed, relations is one worth considering. Much of this piece has avoided comparisons, 1. Youth
in particular with the EU, so as not to fuel
If the Commonwealth addresses some of the unrealistic expectations, but also because Youth engagement is already a key part of the
challenges addressed in this report around the organisations are so distinct that Commonwealth fabric today. Of the 4 main
The UK is the trade, values, and influence, and can build comparisons have limited validity. But for the forums taking place around CHOGM, one will
largest EU goods a real credibility for successful impact in
these areas, integrating defence and security
Commonwealth to be truly successful, it must
also have flagship projects and themes where
be the Youth forum. 60% of the population
of the Commonwealth is under 30, making
export destination elements into these forums and discussions it is genuinely a world leader in comparison to it an obvious focal point. Just as importantly
will be a much easier task. Defence and other international organisations. As we have though, if the Commonwealth is to make a
for numerous security are unlikely to be the main priorities seen, despite its strengths and potential, it fully successful transition into a relevant
Commonwealth for the Commonwealth in the coming years,
but the more successful the Commonwealth
is not something that can replace a major
trading bloc or a defence organisation like
21st century organisation, it will need to
take into account the voices of tomorrow.
countries and second is in its economic and diplomatic pursuits, NATO. It is equally unlikely to challenge the By involving and empowering young people
the greater the need for defence to form UN around values. Yet there are multiple from across the Commonwealth, the fresh
or third for many part of the conversation, and the easier that areas where the Commonwealth could hold and innovative thinking the Commonwealth
more. integration of defence into the fabric of the
Commonwealth will be.
a unique international role, three of which
are highlighted here.
needs to revitalise its identity will inevitably
follow.
6 THE B RI TI S H F O REIGN POLICY GROUP | APRIL 2 0 1 8 A PR IL 2018 | T H E BR IT I S H FORE I GN POL I CY GROUP 7
1.
Conclusion: Renovation & Realism
From governance to goals and objectives, This does not mean it is unimportant for the
most would agree that the Commonwealth UK. Indeed, this paper shows the range of
requires some form of shift to become possibilities and areas of potential high impact
a relevant 21st century organisation and and benefit to be gained. But, despite recent
network. This shift will require the UK both welcome boosts, the UK government still has
to overcome the historical challenges it has limited resources for foreign policy, and whilst
always faced when taking a leading role in the UK should continue to work with and for
the Commonwealth and to preserve the role the Commonwealth, it is hard to see it as a UK
of the Commonwealth as a celebration of the priority in the immediate post-Brexit years.
Image: Shutterstock
values that unite its members. It is true that
the UK was going to host and put significant So whilst the UK can contribute hugely to
resources into CHOGM before the decision the success of the Commonwealth, it is also
on Brexit but, as part of determining what going to need major support from elsewhere
Global Britain will look like, and as part of to renovate both image and effectiveness.
2. Sport Indeed, this has been explicitly chosen as re-evaluating the aims and outcomes of UK This leadership could come from other major
one of the 4 priorities for CHOGM 2018. foreign policy, the timing of doing so for the powers such as India or Australia and a boost
Across the Commonwealth, most people who Commonwealth is more important than ever. from outside the UK is likely to be more
are aware of any of the Commonwealth’s The void left by the retreat of the United effective. This leadership renovation could
activities list the Commonwealth Games States from the international effort to tackle We in the UK need to accompany our be symbolic – discussions for the Queen’s
and sport as the only known activity. this issue is a big blow to the overall cause, thinking with realism, and it is clear that successor as Head of the Commonwealth
Unlike climate change and many other key but it is also an opportunity for the UK and the the government is doing just that. The UK are already underway. The Commonwealth
international issues, it is a theme of huge Commonwealth to take a greater leadership is investing time and resources into the is not a solely British responsibility, and if
positivity and public appeal. Most people role. The Commonwealth has been busy on Commonwealth and delivering an excellent the leadership and energy for the needed
across the world are involved in some way as this front in recent years, with the creation CHOGM but, as illustrated in late 2017 renovation were to be widespread across
participants or spectators in sport. Indeed this of the Commonwealth Finance Access Hub, by the Permanent Under Secretary at the the Commonwealth, the significant positive
is something where the Olympics excel, but the work towards the Commonwealth Blue Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the impact it could have, both worldwide and to
the Commonwealth brings a different angle Charter, and most recently the Law and Commonwealth is not a current FCO priority. the UK, is undeniable.
and flavour. Beyond the positivity generated, Climate Change Toolkit, all designed to lead
shared sports such as squash and field from the front in terms of thought process
hockey that are uniquely engrained in the and delivery around tackling climate change
fabric of many Commonwealth states provide and its most disastrous consequences.
a showcase of the traits our nations have in
common. On the spectrum of hard and soft Despite this, most people across the UK and
power, sport lies very far on the soft side the rest of the world have probably not have
and therefore is often derided as being less heard of these initiatives and, ultimately,
effective than other measures and seen as less significant and sustainable change is im-
of priority compared to areas such as trade or possible without real public engagement. The
defence. Yet there is arguably no other arena Commonwealth has the opportunity to take an
that can generate worldwide positivity on even stronger leading role – that is, to create
the same scale as sport, and for that reason and promote its own initiatives outside of the
it could be extremely beneficial for sport to shadow of the UN and to lead by example – in
remain and enhance an integral part of the order to have a truly global impact.
Commonwealth’s strategy and goals.
Youth, sport, and climate change are three
3. Climate Change ambitious yet realistic examples but there are
also others, from illegal wildlife trafficking or
With a large number of island states in the protection of the seas, which could be similarly
Commonwealth, representing some of effective. Fifty-three countries showing the
the countries at greatest risk from climate world its potential achievements to bring them
change, there is a unique opportunity for subsequently on board could well be more
the Commonwealth to be a significant effective than focusing on first enlisting multi-
global champion for tackling climate change. national support beyond the Commonwealth.
8 THE B RI TI S H F O REIGN POLICY GROUP | APRIL 2 0 1 8 A PR IL 2018 | T H E BR IT I S H FORE I GN POL I CY GROUP 9
Commonwealth Structure & Governance
Events
A key aspect of the Commonwealth’s work
involves hosting and convening events.
Head of the Commonwealth accredited organisations
Commonwealth can organise their own programme of events.
Non-governmental Intergovernmental There are, however a number of key events in
the Commonwealth calendar. These are:
Accredited The Commonwealth
Commonwealth Manages accreditation
Commonwealth Foundation
process
Organisations Secretariat
The
Royal Commonwealth Commonwealth Commonwealth
Commonwealth Enterprise and Secretary General of Learning
Society Investment Council
Convened
by Secretary Commonwealth
Commonwealth General
Commonwealth Commonwealth Heads of Government
Foreign and Heads of Government Ministerial Action Games Meeting (CHOGM) Commonwealth Day
Commonwealth Meeting (CHOGM) Group Held every four years Held every two years Celebrated every year
Office
An international multi-sport event The main decision-making summit A celebration of the Commonwealth
involving athletes from Commonwealth of the organisation gathering all heads of Nations held on the second Monday
Nations. The purpose of the event is of government from Commonwealth in March. The occasion is used as
to unite the Commonwealth’s athletes, nations. Each meeting is held in a a platform to promote understanding
citizens and communities through the different member state and is chaired of Commonwealth values globally.
power of sport. by that nation's respective leader who
becomes the Commonwealth Chair-in- The day is observed differently across
The sporting event was first held in
Leadership Intergovernmental Non-governmental 1930 with 400 athletes competing.
Office until the next meeting. the Commonwealth and is a public
holiday for some nations.
The Games have grown significantly The aim of the summit is for
Head of the Commonwealth: The Commonwealth Secretariat Accredited Commonwealth since, with more than 6,600 athletes Commonwealth nations to come
Traditionally the event is marked
Queen Elizabeth II • Main intergovernmental agency of the Organisations and team officials from 70 nations together to reaffirm their common
by an Anglican service in Westminster
Incumbent since 1952 Commonwealth A network of more than 80 independent, and territories participating in the values, address shared global challenges
Abbey, normally attended by
This position is symbolic. There is no set • Facilitates cooperation between accredited organisations and charities 2018 Gold Coast Games. and orchestrate common policies
Queen Elizabeth II as Head of the
term of office and the role is not hereditary. Commonwealth members working in specialist areas designed to on contentious issues to secure a
Commonwealth Games feature a Commonwealth along with the
• Advises on policy development advance the principles and policies of better future for its citizens.
Commonwealth Secretary-
The Commonwealth Secretary • Provides assistance to countries the Commonwealth. unique selection of sports including
CHOGM 2018 is being held in General and Commonwealth High
General: Baroness Patricia Scotland implementing the decisions and policies a number of sports which are
Examples: predominantly played in Commonwealth London with the theme, ‘Towards Commissioners in London.
Incumbent since April 2016 of the Commonwealth
• Promotes and protects Commonwealth Royal Commonwealth Society countries, such as lawn bowls a Common Future’.
• Organises meetings, including CHOGM
values Promotes commonwealth values through and netball.
• Represents the Commonwealth publicly The Secretary General is the Chief Executive its network of individuals and organisations, Forums
and is assisted by deputy secretaries- events, advocacy and research. Unlike other major sporting events,
• Manages the Commonwealth Secretariat In the run up to CHOGM, a number
general. There is a Board of Governors the para-sport programme at the
The Secretary-General is nominated by Commonwealth Enterprise and Commonwealth Games is fully integrated. of forums are hosted bringing
on which all member governments are
Commonwealth leaders and can serve Investment Council The number of para events contested together experts to provide a platform
represented.
a maximum of two four-year terms. An organisation focused on promoting trade, at the games is growing, with a record for wider debate of some key issues and
investment and the role of the private sector 38 para sports featuring in the 2018 challenges facing the Commonwealth.
The Commonwealth Foundation
Chair-in-Office: across member countries. Organises the Gold Coast Games. These are:
• Intergovernmental agency responsible Commonwealth Business Forum.
The Rt Hon Theresa May for civil society Commonwealth Business Forum
Incumbent from start of CHOGM 2018 The Commonwealth Games Federation
• Provides resources, grants and access – an accredited organisation of the Forum to discuss how to increase intra-
• Chair of CHOGM
to platforms to encourage better UK Government engagement Commonwealth – is responsible for Commonwealth trade and promote
• Voices Commonwealth positions sustainable development.
engagement between civil society the Commonwealth Games. They work
at high-level international forums
and institutions of governance Foreign and Commonwealth Office
• Two year role, maintained until next closely with the Commonwealth Commonwealth People’s Forum
• Partners with other Commonwealth
CHOGM. Membership is voluntary. Total membership Secretariat, the Royal Commonwealth A platform for civil society to engage
Governments to drive forward reform
currently stands at 45 countries. Society and the Commonwealth with leaders and influence policy.
of the Commonwealth Secretariat
Commonwealth Ministerial Local Government Forum to organise
The Board of Directors comprises of • Oversees UK Preparations for Commonwealth Youth Forum
Action Group this event.
representatives of Commonwealth CHOGM 2018 An opportunity for the young people
• Deals with serious or persistent violations governments and High Commissioners, • Works with the Royal Household to of the Commonwealth to build
of Commonwealth values civil society representatives, and the support the role of the Queen as Head cross-cultural connections and
• Has authority to suspend or recommend Commonwealth Secretary-General. of the Commonwealth agree youth-lead initiatives to
the expulsion of a member state. The Chair is a distinguished private citizen • Assists the Commonwealth in engaging influence decision makers.
The Group is convened by the Secretary of a Commonwealth country. effectively with other International
Organisations Commonwealth Women’s Forum
General, and is made up of the
Commonwealth’s Chair-in-Office and The Commonwealth of Learning • Educating the UK public on the role Forum to discuss how to
Intergovernmental agency responsible of the Commonwealth accelerate gender equality and
a rotating group of foreign ministers
for the promotion and development • Promoting the Commonwealth as promote women’s rights in the
from eight countries.
of distance learning. a partner for Whitehall departments. Commonwealth and beyond.
10 THE B RI TI S H F O REIGN POLICY GROUP | APRIL 2 0 1 8 A PR IL 2018 | T H E BR IT I S H FORE I GN POL I CY GROUP 11
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