THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE COMMONWEALTH SMALL STATES CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE


Excellence, as on other similar initiatives, necessitates all the support and backing not only of Commonwealth Governments but also of other institutions including, in particular, the Commonwealth Intergovernmental Institutions, the accredited Commonwealth Civil Society, and especially of Commonwealth Associated Organisations.


The opportunity given to the said Organisations to share their possible contributions and experiences as a Commonwealth family to the benefit of the wider Commonwealth was amply taken up and showed in no small


“The operation of the Small States Centre of Excellence, as on other similar initiatives,


necessitates all the support and backing not only of Commonwealth Governments but also of other institutions including, in particular, the Commonwealth Intergovernmental Institutions, the accredited Commonwealth Civil Society, and especially of Commonwealth Associated Organisations.”


The Parliamentarian | 2016: Issue One | 39


manner the potential which exists in supporting initiatives in favour of Commonwealth Small States. Indeed, on 28 November 2015, the Commonwealth Foreign Ministers Roundtable held during the Malta CHOGM, the Commonwealth Intergovernmental Organisations and Accredited Organisations succeeded to deliver insightful presentations and comments. Moreover, these Organisations, together with the representatives of Civil Society Organisations, were able to raise their profile by highlighting their current priorities for the Commonwealth with the aim of promoting dialogue among Commonwealth citizens.


Therefore, the critical role which these Organisations


can play, including the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association as one of the nine Associated Organisations, cannot but be emphasised. The CPA’s support towards making the Centre a flagship of the Commonwealth, would continue and strengthen the resolve and tradition of the Commonwealth’s people to people approach by contributing in efforts by Small States to overcome their vulnerabilities and challenges which these countries are facing. In this context, it is appropriate to recall the submission made by the Commonwealth Associated Organisations to the 2015 Malta CHOGM. In their submission, these Organisations “look forward to more strategic


engagement, particularly with the Commonwealth Secretariat, over the coming years to improve the global impact of the Commonwealth in achieving better democratic and development outcomes for its 2.2 million citizens.”


In line with the Associated Organisations’ framework of competencies and networks, the Commonwealth Small States Centre of Excellence in Malta could be yet another defining medium which would in turn have a beneficial and significant impact on the critical challenges facing Small States in the implementation of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.


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