resources to advocate the principles of democracy through equality and human rights. This means that, besides our
traditional Commonwealth-wide programmes for Parliamentarians and parliamentary staff, before and after elections, we need more engagement in the fields of equality
and human rights to involve all citizens, young and old. This will mean that several of our
civic and educational institutions need to be involved and participate. On this aspect, I immensely appreciated that the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Norfolk Branch recently invited me to speak
to young citizens at a school on democracy and the Commonwealth and at a conference to promote their local language. I wish to end my view for
this year 2012 by inviting every Commonwealth citizen to propound the virtues of equality and human rights by accepting equality in practice
and giving every citizen the right and opportunity to enjoy his or her human existence. This is why I have high hopes
in the Commonwealth Charter as recommended by the Eminent Persons Group report last year and currently being discussed across the Commonwealth.
VIEW FROM THE
Commonwealth gallery
A Member of the National League for Democracy of Burma, Dr Aung Moenyo, MP, (right) and its U.K. representative, Dr Win Naing, (centre) meeting with the Secretary- General in December.
The Chief Minister of Norfolk Island, Hon. David Buffett, AM, MLA (left), accompanied by then Speaker Robin Adams,(centre), shows the Secretary-General (right) around the Norfolk Island Central School.