UNICC is pleased to announce that the Commonwealth Secretariat has been accepted as a UNICC User Organization. UNICC’s Business Relationship Manager for the Commonwealth Secretariat is Portia Machancoses.
The Commonwealth Secretariat is an intergovernmental organisation that supports member countries to achieve the Commonwealth’s aims of development, democracy and peace.
The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 54 independent and equal countries. Its roots go back to the British Empire, but membership of the modern Commonwealth does not depend on formerly being part of the British Empire. Members work together to promote prosperity, democracy and peace, amplify the voice of small states and protect the environment.
The Commonwealth Secretariat:
- Is a voice for small and vulnerable states
- Champions young people
- Promotes justice and human rights
- Addresses threats like climate change, debt and inequality
- Helps grow economies and boost trade
- Supports decision-makers to make good laws and deliver policies
- Helps strengthen governance and build inclusive public institutions
- Provides technical help and training
- Sends experts and observers to countries to give impartial advice and help solve national problems
- Provides systems, software and research for managing resources.
The establishment of the Commonwealth Secretariat in 1965 emphasised the equality of all members, and gave final discouragement to the lingering sentiment that one member had a right to some predominance over others. It has enabled the Commonwealth to develop along independent lines in accordance with the interest of all its members.
Julius Nyerere, President of Tanzania (1973)
The Commonwealth Secretariat supports member governments and partners with the broader Commonwealth family and others, to improve the well-being of all Commonwealth citizens and advance their shared interests globally.
