COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS


Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth speaking at the Common- wealth Secretariat


The Charter marks an important milestone in the Commonwealth modernization process and the future of the organization. We want to ensure that the Commonwealth strengthens its role and relevance in today’s world. It needs to be an organization that has an impact, not just in business and politics but in making people’s lives better. What incentive could be more powerful than that?


Sixteen core values are set


out in the Charter, all of which Commonwealth Leaders have committed their countries to upholding. These values cover, among others: upholding democracy and human rights, international peace and security, freedom of expression, promoting tolerance and respect, protecting the environment, providing access to health, education and food and recognizing the positive role that young people can play in promoting these and other values.


By outlining these values, the Commonwealth is ensuring that these commitments are clearly defined and accessible to everyone in the Commonwealth. If you are wondering why there is a Commonwealth, what it does and where it is going, there is now a place to see all of this laid out. It is part of our commitment to transparency; but it is also a vital part of cutting back on misconceptions and getting to the root of what matters.


The Parliamentarian | 2013: Issue Two | 109


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