The Commonwealth can be described as the epitome of unity in diversity. Its greatest strength is the diversity and pluralism of its member nations. These nations in their colourful variety have been able to forge a lively unity. As a result, the Commonwealth like a rainbow contains many colours. This can be the enduring message that it can transmit to a world torn by divisions leading to seemingly endless conflicts.An inclusive Commonwealth
Dr Mizanur Rahman Shelley
The Commonwealth can be described as the epitome of unity in diversity. Its greatest strength is the diversity and pluralism of its member nations. These nations in their colourful variety have been able to forge a lively unity. As a result, the Commonwealth like a rainbow contains many colours. This can be the enduring message that it can transmit to a world torn by divisions leading to seemingly endless conflicts.
In the context of the Commonwealths composition and character is appropriate that the theme of the Commonwealth Day- 2016 is An Inclusive Commonwealth. Commonwealth Secretariat aptly elaborates: This years theme celebrates the diversity of the Commonwealth, which is made up of more than two billion people. Every one of them is different, and each of them has something unique to offer. The Commonwealth Charter asserts that everyone is equal and deserves to be treated fairly, whether they are rich or poor, without regard to their race, age, gender, belief or other identity. The Commonwealth builds a better world by including and respecting everybody and the richness of their personalities.
Kamalesh Sharma, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, tersely adds, An Inclusive Commonwealth refers to the values of tolerance, respect and understanding, as well as equity and fairness, set out in the Commonwealth Charter, and the richness of the Commonwealth as a family of nations in which each member state is valued equally and has an equal voice.
During the 67 years of its existence, this unique organization has travelled through times, which were at once trying and rewarding. An association of independent nations that formed part of the British Empire, it emerged with a new promise in the wake of the devastations of the Second World War. It started in 1949 with eight members countries. Today it has 53 members. Thus the new phase of its journey has been marked by the remarkable process of inclusiveness. The people of varied and diverse nations of the Commonwealth number more than two billion, representing one-third of the global population.
The organization moved in tandem with changing times and changed itself in the process. The change has been titanic not only in quantitative but also in qualitative terms. In a relatively short period of 67 years since its transformation from the British Commonwealth to the Commonwealth of Nations (or simply the Commonwealth) in 1949, the Commonwealth has acquired many significant dimensions.
It has emerged as a strong advocate for an inclusive political and economic society. It has been strongly supporting the cause of poverty alleviation. It has been playing a significant role in supporting democracy and good governance. The Commonwealth is also an active partner in the global quest for equity and justice not only within nations but also among nations.
It has acquired a special role as an advocate of the interests of small states and the Least Developed Countries (LDCs). It has mounted meaningful efforts for establishing and furthering human rights including womens human rights. The organization also initiated systematic endeavours to cater to the needs and aspirations of the youth. The activities of the Commonwealth in all these dimensions reinforced its core commitment: .... to work together, in an inclusive framework in partnership and as equals, towards a shared future.
Poverty alleviation
The Commonwealth remains steadfast in its resolve for the amelioration of the plight of the citizens of these developing and less developed members. Its endeavours for poverty alleviation make the organization relevant in a world haunted by the specter of poverty. Aptly did Prime Minister Indira Gandhi of India observe that in the world of our times poverty is the greatest pollutant. It is the prime cause of lack of peace and harmony in a non inclusive and divided world where the rich prospers and the poor continues to suffer. Poverty and the inequity an exclusion that spawns and nurtures discontent among the disadvantaged is the dark source of terrorism. Global terrorism has been desperately haunting the world since the beginning of the 21st Century. World peace can be attained only when inequality in international and national systems end. Existing systems create and sustain poverty and exclusion. Such systems need to be replaced by inclusiveness, equity and justice.
The Commonwealth is fully aware of this compelling requirement. This is what helps the organization to retain its relevance in a conflict-riddled and uncertain world. As a former Secretary General of the Commonwealth Don McKinnon aptly observed:
There are many ways in which the Commonwealth can and does make a significant difference in the lives of its citizens.
First, it contributes to creating a safer world;
Second, it helps tackle global povertyand create growth opportunities for itsmembers;
And finally, it helps strengthen humanrights and democratic practices.
Despite its limitations the Commonwealth has been striving to enhance both political and economic capacities of those member countries which need these.
On a broader plane the Commonwealth is using its comparative advantage as an organization whose membership includes countries in the north and south, rich and poor and large and small to foster dialogue and bridge building on international, political and economic issues. It is maintaining high level engagement on matters of specific concern to member countries and to facilitate capacity building to enhance their participation in multilateral trading system and access to investment. Mbeki Group had laid emphasis on the Commonwealth forging strategic partnership with International Financial Institutions including the World Bank on the question of debt and to leverage concessional assistance in favour of the member countries. The Commonwealth has also drawn up a strategy to bridge the digital divide, to coordinate a new Youth For the Future Program and to put in place an effective network of professional and non-governmental organisations under the Commonwealth Foundation. The resources of the Commonwealth Fund for Technical Co-operation (CFTC) are being enhanced and its institutional capacity upgraded to provide technical assistance to members on issues such as those before the World Trade Organization. The Commonwealth is not a funding organization. It however, accounts for 23 percent of global trade and 20 percent of foreign investment.
Its strength in the fields of global trade and investment can be effectively utilized for significant contribution to poverty alleviation and grater inclusiveness in developing and less developed member countries. The leaders of the Commonwealth, especially its more prosperous members, need to devise strategies and programmes in this respect without further loss of time. This task is all the more urgent in view of the organizations determination to strengthen democracy, good governance and human rights and thereby stimulate inclusiveness.
The continuing concern of the Commonwealth with the betterment of the quality of life of the peoples who constitute it faithfully reflects the promise made at the beginning. The promise was that of representative government improvement in the quality of life of the people and friendship and co-operation with the parent country and other members of the international community on the basis of inclusiveness, equality and mutual benefit. This is also the basic creed of the Commonwealth today.
In order to redeem that noble promise made at the beginning, the Commonwealth Heads of Governments in their meetings at Singapore in 1971, at Harare in 1991 and at Coolum, Australia in 2002 agreed on a set of core values and principles and called upon member states to promote democracy, good governance, equality and Human Rights. A 10-member Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) has been mandated to monitor progress in the matter. The Commonwealth is also committed to working towards establishing international peace to eliminate poverty and combat international terrorism. The leaders were convinced that progress in this regard would improve the quality of lives of their citizens and open up new opportunities and secure inclusiveness. At Fancourt the leaders dwelt on the close link between democracy and good governance on the one hand and poverty, development and conflict on the other. At Coolum they asked the Commonwealth Secretary General to convene a High Level Group of Experts to identify ways and means to carry forward the idea for follow up action.
Democracy, governance, market economy in the New World and the Commonwealth
Since the end of the bipolar world and Cold War during the early 1990s, the world has entered an age of rapid transformation. The demise of the Soviet Union and the collapse of the socialist politico-economic order in Eastern Europe heralded the inception of a new uncertain unipolar world. The unchallenged canons of the new times are pluralistic, participatory democracy and open market economy. The Commonwealth, through its commitment and work, easily became a full partner in the global processes of democratization and economic liberalisation.
As a former Secretary General realistically noted, the Commonwealth works as a trusted partner for all Commonwealth people as a
Force for democracy and good governance,
Platform for global consensus building; and
Source of political help for sustainable development.
The Commonwealths endeavours to promote democracy and good governance, to uphold principles of democracy, rule of law, equality and respect for the liberty and rights of the individual achieved success in various instances. South Africa is a remarkable example of that glorious success. The end of apartheid ushered in a new era of democracy and equality in that commonwealth country. The Millbrook Action Programme on the Harare Declaration (1995) set down the penalties for failure to practice democracy by member governments. These were applied in the case of Pakistan (October 1999) and then Fiji Islands (June 2000). These countries were temporarily suspended from the Councils of the Commonwealth after their democratic governments were illegally overthrown. Solomon Islands, Zimbabwe and war-devastated Sierra Leone put the Commonwealth to trying tests when democratic principles and order appeared to be under threat in these countries.
The Secretariat, as the associations principal intergovernmental agency, also supports and strengthens democracy and its institutions in other ways. There is some progress, especially in increasing womens participation in political decision making and supporting Ombudsmen and other oversight institutions of democracy and accountability. Several workshops in the deepening democracys series have been held on a range of issues, including the role of the opposition, of broadcasting, and on the special concerns of small states. The Commonwealth has been asked to observe or provide technical assistance for many elections.
While all these signify commendable endeavours and a degree of success for the commonwealth in sustaining and strengthening democracy among some member governments a lot yet remains to be done. Democracy is an expensive and demanding political system. Similarly, as an economic system, open market economy is an exacting and costly order. The meaningful realization of these politico-economic systems requires generous investments in terms of finance and human resources.
The task has become more difficult in the context of the impact of the global recession of 2007-2008. The world has been confronted with an economic downturn the impact of which is not yet exhausted. The prosperous economies including those of the USA, Europe and Japan are faced with the challenges of disarray in the financial sector and the capital market. Their governments pumped in hundreds of billions of dollars to revive the health of their financial and economic institutions. In addition, developing economies, which were growing rapidly in recent times, have also been hit hard. China and India, among others also faced the grim challenge of the lingering impact of global recession.
There is little doubt that for sometime at least, the resources needed to meaningfully strengthen inclusive democracy and human rights will be in short supply for the Commonwealth.
The effect of the crises is trying but the organization must find ways to combat the dangers of a downslide in the economic and social life of its poorer member countries.
Greater financial and economic miseries in such societies are likely to contribute to further discouraging successful inclusiveness. On the contrary, these will be strengthening terrorism. Weak economies will tend to weaken governance and pose greater challenges to the inclusive and democratic way of life in poverty-riddled countries.
Growing unemployment, shrinking incomes, reduced business opportunities will deepen and widen the absence of hope among the impoverished youth. In such a situation, it would be easy for the extremist terrorists to find numerous recruits from among the deprived and dispossessed youth.
It is important to note that poverty and squalor alone do not contribute to the radicalization of alienated youth. Sometimes relatively comfortable or even luxurious life devoid of spiritual and emotional content drive young men and women to seek solace and salvation in extremist activities.
The illustration of Kuwaiti born British young men Mohammed Emwazi notoriously named Jihadi John stands out. He joined the ISIS in Iraq and allegedly beheaded hostages in front of camera. Further examples are Jihadi Janes, three young British girls reportedly traveled to Turkey to marry Jihadis warriors. They all came from fairly well off British families.
Yet, the comfort and luxuries of western life could not contain them in their own society. To make the society inclusive for the restless youth there has to be a new effort. The need for supplying meaningful ideal and spiritual resources to the young in prosperous societies becomes even more urgent. The commonwealth by spreading the message of its core values to the youth may play a vital role in this regard.
The youth and the future
For the world, as also for the Commonwealth, the youth constitutes the key to the future. As Her Majesty the Queen observed in her Commonwealth Day Message 2009, ....Nearly one billion people of todays Commonwealth are under 25 years of age. These are the people that this association must continue to serve in the future.
It is they who can help shape the Commonwealth of today, and whose children will inherit the Commonwealth of tomorrow. To help them make the best of their opportunities, our young men and women, therefore, need the opportunity to become active and responsible members of the communities in which they live.
The Commonwealth has shown a lively awareness to the importance of the role of the youth. The youth programme of the Commonwealth Secretariat has been working to facilitate exchange and understanding among the younger citizens through meetings, conferences and action programmes.
The first Pan Commonwealth Meeting of young leaders was held under the auspices of the Commonwealth Youth Program (CYP) from the 3rd to the 9th May 1977 at Ocho Rios in Jamaica.
A meeting on Commonwealth Governments policy on youth was held at Chandighar, India in the 2nd week of March in May 1979. The second Pan Commonwealth Meeting of young leaders was held in Colombo, Sri Lanka in May 1979. Conferences and meetings such as these and other relevant programmes attempt to build understanding and unity among the youth of the Commonwealth and promote their effective inclusion in the societies. These also help devise and adopt appropriate strategies for solving problems of the youth and ensure their meaningful participation in development.
As noted earlier, the Commonwealth has recently drawn up a strategy to bridge the digital divide, to coordinate a new Youth for the Future Programme and to put in place an effective network of professional and non-government organizations under the Commonwealth Foundation. All this is highly relevant to the shaping of the future of the Commonwealth countries with full involvement of their youth. However, it is important to remember that in these exacting times new and practical steps need to be taken to prevent the youth from deviating from the right path. A cruel recession haunts the world. A protracted struggle is being waged against extremists and terrorists forces all over the world.
As Michael N. Manley, Prime Minister of Jamaica observed in his inaugural address at the first Pan Commonwealth Meeting of young leaders in Jamaica in 1977: ... institutional and other responses need to be created to bring about changes in the (international and national political, social and economic) processes to bring about changes in these processes. Such change is necessary precisely because of our global failure to provide elementary justice for all mankind. ...The youth of the world must be increasingly prepared for a vital role in seeking meaningful change, and must indeed prepare themselves to accept the responsibilities that such a role implies. Manley further stressed, ...the youth must unite and form the vanguard in the quest for orderly and stable change.
The clarion call sounded by Manley in 1977 had a downside which is all the more true for the youth of the 21st century. Cautioned Manley, .... Our young people are becoming increasingly cynical and apathetic. They have to a considerable extent become disillusioned by the gaps between promises and actions. They are now no longer certain whether reform is a viable method of change.
And in this context of uncertainty, many have chosen to voluntarily relinquish their rights as citizens in the democratic process, while others have opted to accept the challenge to struggle for revolutionary change from outside of the system.
The remedy, even the urgent necessity, therefore, is to devise strategies and programmes that involve youth in both the conception and formulation of all public policies and programmes.
In our economically depressed and strife-torn world that prescription holds true for the bewildered youth of the Commonwealth and the world at large. If the members of the Commonwealth, no less than other nations of the world, are to shape out a shared future in partnership and as equals, they will need to actively involve their youth in managing their today and building their tomorrow. Time is fast running out. We must act before all our tomorrows become all our yesterdays.
(The article was presented as a paper at the Commonwealth Day on the 14th March 2016 at the Sinha Lounge, Dhaka Club Ltd. Ramna, Dhaka. Seminar organised by The Commonwealth Society of Bangladesh)
The writer, a noted thinker and social scientist, is the founder Chairman, Centre for Development Research, Bangladesh (CDRB), Editor, quarterly ASIAN AFFAIRS and Vice President a founder Member of the Commonwealth Society of Bangladesh. He was a member of the erstwhile Civil Service of Pakistan (CSP) and a technocrat (non-partisan) Minister of Information and Irrigation, Flood Control and Water Resources Development of the Government of Bangladesh.
