Commonwealth Secretariat

Published purpose

This annual assessed contribution represents Canada’s long-term support to the Commonwealth Foundation. The Commonwealth Foundation uses these funds, along with other donors’ funding, to achieve its mandate. The mandate of the Secretariat includes supporting the Commonwealth as a corporate secretariat, undertaking policy and advocacy work (notably in support of small and vulnerable states), and providing assistance to member countries in the form of technical and advisory services. The current Strategic Plan (2017-2021) orients the work of the Secretariat around three goals: 1) Strong democracy, rule of law, promotion and protection of human rights and respect for diversity; 2) Inclusive growth and sustainable development; 3) A well-connected and networked Commonwealth. These in turn inform five strategic outcomes (priorities), namely: 1) Democracy (Greater adherence to Commonwealth political values and principles); 2) Public Institutions (More effective, efficient and equitable public governance); 3) Youth and Social Development (People of the Commonwealth fulfil their potential with dignity and equality in a healthy environment); 4) Economic Development (More inclusive economic growth and sustainable development); and 5) Small and Other Vulnerable States (Strengthened resilience of small and other vulnerable states, including adaptation and mitigation against climate change).