The Commonwealth Conversation

In a joint article for the Commonwealth Conversation, Meg Munn MP, leader of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (UK) study visit summer 2009, and Moana Kalosil Carcasses, Member of the Parliament of Vanuatu, and former Foreign Minister, describe the effects of Climate Change in the Commonwealth countries of the South Pacific.

Danny reflects on our first expert survey.

Danny says sorry for his silence, and compares our interviews with the Australian and British Foreign Ministers.

UK Foreign Secretary, David Miliband, discusses the connection between the Commonwealth and climate change.

With member countries like Bangladesh, Tuvalu and the Maldives on the front-line against rising sea-levels, the Commonwealth should be a loud and respected activist on environmental issues.

This year’s speaker at the Commonwealth Foundation Commonwealth Lecture, Terry Waite, humanitarian and former hostage, talks to the RCS about climate change, education and the Commonwealth’s relevance.

President Nasheed of the Maldives thinks the Commonwealth should be procatively encouraging democracy and redefining international relations in respect to climate change.

Sir Paul Reeves, the Commonwealth Secretary-General’s Special Representative on Fiji, says that the suspension of Fiji from the Commonwealth does not mean the expulsion of her people. In an interview just prior to his visit to Fiji on 8-9 September 2009, Sir Paul, who is the former Governor-General of New Zealand, said that he hopes the Commonwealth can continue to offer assistance in restoring democratic governance in Fiji.

The Commonwealth should take a more active role in supporting and promoting local government. As an organisation it should return to what it does best: fostering partnerships and positive links.