VIEW FROM THE CHAIR
Commonwealth members are beginning to renew their dialogue and friendship with other nations to understand the threats and opportunities presented by these phenomena. Commonwealth members are particularly well placed to enter these discussions with each other and work towards solutions through having shared experience and a common language. Through discussions at CHOGM on these topics, the Commonwealth seeks consensus amongst its members which we hope will then turn into a global consensus. The opportunity for small states to have equal access to large states through the Commonwealth’s institutions, particularly at CHOGM, is a key part of the Commonwealth’s unique appeal to its members. Although two members of the
G8 are Commonwealth countries, not all members of the Commonwealth have access to these types of meetings. The fact that the Commonwealth offers a forum and, crucially, a forum where nations from each of six continents are on an equal footing is indeed worth celebrating. The CPA adds a further dimension to this by affording equal status to Branches representing provincial and state Legislatures and overseas territories. Applications from countries to join the Commonwealth which do not necessarily share common history with current members is an extremely positive development and should be encouraged. Participants at the meeting agreed that enshrining these values within the Charter is a positive step for the Commonwealth.
Rt Hon. Sir Alan Haselhurst, MP, (right) with Sir Ronald Saunders, KCMG
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