The Royal Commonwealth Society Magazine
The Big Picture The RCS looks back on the Diamond Jubilee year
Issue 10 Oct-Dec 2012
WELCOME
Welcome…
What a year 2012 has been. The enormous public interest in the Diamond Jubilee conferred upon the Commonwealth a degree of added excitement – glamour, even – uncommon for an ‘off-year’ in the biennial CHOGM cycle. In 2012, perennial Commonwealth events like the Commonwealth Day Observance took on added significance. And whether it was Gary Barlow’s Commonwealth Band or flags fluttering in the Thames River Pageant, the Commonwealth also featured prominently in Jubilee festivities. But we were not content to bask in the warm glow of Commonwealth goodwill brought on by the Jubilee. In the pages of the The Independent, on The Guardian website, live in studio on Channel 4 News and streaming on BBC World Service airwaves to millions of listeners around the world, we made sure to remind people that the association is more than its historical credentials, more than simply pomp and pageantry. Her Majesty The Queen has overseen the independence of no fewer than 43 countries – all of which have chosen to join the Commonwealth despite many becoming republics (only Zimbabwe has since left) – and she has tirelessly promoted this association of equal and independent states for the 60 years since her ascension to the throne. During this Diamond Jubilee year, it has become increasingly clear that The Queen is the Commonwealth’s best ambassador – and its most valuable asset. Her convening power, The royal commonwealth society
brand recognition and international esteem have done wonders for the Commonwealth, but the association must do more to prove it is not simply a footnote in one monarch’s remarkable legacy. The Commonwealth is an extraordinary international experiment in the promotion of democracy, development and human rights. And in 2012 we have sought to celebrate successes – of the Commonwealth and the RCS – while being realistic about the problems still endemic to each. In this issue of Exchange, you can read about our continual efforts to modernise the Commonwealth project: by asking difficult questions (page 4), crunching the numbers (page 13), encouraging dialogue (page 10) and celebrating youth, innovation and creativity (pages 6-9). As this Diamond Jubilee year draws to a close, the spotlight on the Commonwealth may fade, but our mission of renewal and relevance continues unabated.
HIGHLIGHTS Don’t miss inside… Digital Record
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Commonwealth history as told through the JTC RCS Creative Competitions
8
Essay excerpts and more
Commonwealth Mythbusting 13
Separating fact from fiction Say Hello
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Meet one of our newest members of Council Inside Mauritius
18
Commonwealth host for CCEM & CHOGM 2015
Published by
The Royal Commonwealth Society www.thercs.org Editor
Ashley Johnson Design
www.fabrikbrands.com
Danny Sriskandarajah Director
Front Cover Image
That Royal Wedding © Colin Hutton If you would be happy to receive RCS Exchange by email, rather than in print, please contact Ashley Johnson at ashley.johnson@thercs.org, or call on 020 7766 9240. Write to us at 25 Northumberland Avenue, London WC2N 5AP. RCS Exchange is printed on Era Silk, the first recycled coated paper to use only waste collected from UK sources.
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News in brief
Across our Branches
Royal Airwaves On the eve of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations in London, the Royal Commonwealth Society hosted a Jubilee Party at its historic headquarters. Attended by RCS members, the Commonwealth diplomatic community in London and two former SecretariesGeneral (as well as a guest appearance by current ‘SG’ Kamalesh Sharma), the party was broadcast live to tens of millions of people on BBC World Service talkback programme World Have Your Say (WHYS).
More than 200 guests at the Commonwealth Club joined listeners around the world to debate the relevance of Queen and Commonwealth on the airwaves, Twitter, Facebook and inside the Commonwealth Kitchen.
Entrepreneurial spirit The 2013 Commonwealth theme will be ‘Opportunity through Enterprise’. We will be celebrating the theme at the Commonwealth Day Observance at Westminster Abbey next year 2
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and throughout 2013 via our events programme, youth projects and competitions. See pictures from 2012’s star-studded Commonwealth Observance on page 21.
RCS Jamaica celebrated Commonwealth Day at a packed King’s House in Kingston, with an event attended by members of the diplomatic corps, including the British High Commissioner HE Howard Drake, local schoolchildren and High Commissioners from a number of Commonwealth countries. Vox Pop
After taking part in the 2012 RCS Youth Summits, hundreds of school pupils in Birmingham, Derry and Manchester were asked to choose what the top three aspirations for the Commonwealth should be. The majority of students (46%) selected ‘Responding quickly and publicly to human rights violations’, followed by ‘Providing assistance and aid to those Commonwealth countries that need it’ (42%) and ‘Leading by example – acting on its values’ (36%).
Contact us Email us at: info@thercs.org Telephone us on: 020 7766 9200 Write to us at: 25 Northumberland Avenue, London WC2N 5AP
Heavyweights weigh in
Afternoon Tea The UK Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee has now concluded its evidence-taking for the inquiry into ‘The role and future of the Commonwealth’. The Committee heard testimonies from some of the Commonwealth’s most well-known champions, and some of its most fearless critics.
“Public opinion has lost sight of the Commonwealth in many respects, and that is a matter of some anxiety. The threat is not hostility, it is indifference, and that can be very corrosive over time.” Sir Malcolm Rifkind, from the transcript of his oral evidence session.
Overheard at the RCS “The UN has its strengths: it’s a treaty-based organisation, people sign conventions and they are held to account for those. What’s also needed though, are deliberative spaces, spaces where countries can come together with a common agenda.” Vijay Krishnarayan, Director of the Commonwealth Foundation, speaking live on BBC World Service World Have Your Say during the Commonwealth Jubilee Party at the RCS.
Photo © Colin Patterson/ Commonwealth Foundation
“It is extremely costly and near impossible to completely secure the many small coves which provide surreptitious access to the smuggler. Our lovely beaches also provide ready access for drugs and the guns which are associated with that trade. They are mutually and inextricably linked and are partners and drivers in many criminal activities. We are at times at the mercy of this underworld and black market economy and are being held ransomed in our homes, towns and cities.” HE Dr Carl Roberts, High Commissioner for Antigua & Barbuda, gives an impassioned speech to delegates at the Arms Trade Treaty roundtable. He stressed the importance of securing a strong treaty for ‘vulnerable’ small island states.
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Always popular with members and guests, the annual Afternoon Tea at the House of Lords was this year hosted by Lord Popat and attended by guests of honour Baroness Young and Lord Howell. Addressing the crowd of 120, Baroness Young reflected on the Commonwealth’s 2012 theme, ‘Connecting Cultures’, calling it an ‘aspiration’ we had not yet reached. She believes people need to find new ways of talking to each other and that dialogue through cultural expression might be the answer. “Culture and cultural exchange can be used as a means of opening up dialogue around difficult subjects,” she said. “We are all impoverished if we don’t know something of other people’s cultures.” Baroness Young concluded by saying, “As long as we can continue to have an equitable and balanced cultural exchange, then I shall remain a very strong supporter of the Commonwealth.”
RCS Takes the Stage… The Jubilee Time Capsule project recently won the Jubilee Award at the annual Nexus Commonwealth Awards! exchange
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CONTROVERSY CORNER
The Commonwealth Secretariat in London has revealed plans to close its Education Section. Here, two experts square off.
n… The big questio
Should the Secretariat close its education division?
NO Peter Williams, Honorary Secretary, Commonwealth Consortium for Education and former Director of the Commonwealth Secretariat’s Education Programme. And ‘No’, predictably enough, answered Commonwealth Education Ministers at their 18th Conference (18CCEM) in Mauritius at the end of August. They were explicit in their final communiqué: “Ministers stressed the importance of not only maintaining but expanding the core work of the Education Section leading up to 2015 and beyond.” Ministers were rightly sceptical about the alternative formula for Secretariat commitment to education put forward by the Secretary-General in his opening address at CCEM. There, he affirmed “education is indeed the lynchpin of all that the Commonwealth seeks to achieve”, but suggested that in future, education in the Commonwealth would be “based and delivered principally online”. In specific terms, he invited those gathered to explore and exploit the boundless possibilities of ‘Commonwealth Connects’ [an online ‘portal’ launched by the Secretariat last year], adding that it could become “an education hub” for the Commonwealth. Many regarded this as confusing means of communication with substance; showing complete disregard of the reality that education cooperation requires hard professional work more than online chat; overlooking the serious imperfections of the Commonwealth Connects portal; and ignoring the fact that power cuts and lack of interconnectivity even in capitals of many Commonwealth countries makes these formulations premature. The Secretary-General is nevertheless right that in education, as elsewhere, the Commonwealth needs to identify and exploit its comparative advantage, to maximise impact and to embrace new technologies, using them to bring about better coordination among partners. That needs a proper in-depth review of the kind the Eminent Persons Group undertook for some Commonwealth functions but nor for 4
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education (apart from Commonwealth Scholarships) ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting last year. A review of the kind proposed might well identify considerable potential for improved collaborative working among Commonwealth partners in education, with a reconstructed (and not dismantled) Education Section in the Secretariat performing such key functions as: 1) Extending Secretariat roles in capacity-building and pioneering of new initiatives in areas of particular Commonwealth concern, such as education in small states. 2) Providing leadership in: promoting a fair world education order addressing such issues as brain drain; opportunities to study and teach abroad; tackling bogus degrees; intellectual property rights and open education resources; operations of multinational corporations in education; recognition of qualifications. 3) Articulating an education input to other Commonwealth priority concerns like democracy and citizenship, peace and security, building of knowledge economies and youth development. 4) Nurturing, supporting and developing Commonwealth educational infrastructure (Commonwealth Scholarships, Commonwealth of Learning, Commonwealth Education Trust, Commonwealth associations etc). 5) Planning and managing livelier Education Ministers Conferences. Peter writes here in a personal capacity.
of Photo courtesy
ith Max Klingensm
YES Daisy Cooper, Director, Commonwealth Advisory Bureau Education is central to economic and social development, and the Commonwealth Secretariat should continue to add value through the unique triennial Commonwealth Conferences of Education Ministers (CCEMs), which from time-to-time may establish a time-limited high-level group to tackle a specific issue. However, these activities do not require a permanent Education Section, which should be discontinued for three reasons: there is no critical mass of resources, no track record of results, and no comparative advantage. First, the Secretariat does not have a critical mass of resources in education. According to the global humanitarian organisation CARE, one in five adults in the developing world – almost 862 million people – cannot read or write; women’s illiteracy rates exceed 70 percent in more than 20 developing nations; 125 million primary school-aged children are not in school, two-thirds of whom are girls; some 150 million children do not complete primary school, and another 200 million suffer in poor learning environments. Many of these people are in the Commonwealth. The world average of total government public expenditure on all levels of education in 2009 totalled 4.8% of GDP – more than US $2 trillion. The 2012/13 education budget for UNESCO (the UN body with responsibility for education) is just shy of US $233 million, or GBP £143 million. By comparison, the Commonwealth Secretariat’s education programme budget for 2011/12 was £430,000 plus five members of staff – totalling approximately £1 million. The yawning chasm between the scale of the problem and the minuscule resources of the Secretariat, as well as the disparity in resources between the Secretariat’s £1m education budget and UNESCO’s £143m, show that the Secretariat simply doesn’t have a critical mass of resources to make any meaningful contribution. Second, the Secretariat cannot point to any significant results. The “Commonwealth Education Online” website celebrates a number of achievements – more than 25,000 alumni of the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan; 30+ official organisations dedicated to excellence in education; 17 pan-Commonwealth summits of Education
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Ministers; the world’s oldest inter-university network (Association of Commonwealth Universities); creation of the world’s first Virtual University for Small States; pioneering of first UN-ratified Protocol on sustainable teacher recruitment and migration – but none of these achievements, with the exception of the Protocol, are those of the Secretariat. Even the Protocol, which originated at a CCEM, could have been developed by a working group of experts established for a period of 18 months or so, without a permanent unit. The site also claims to have “[assisted] many Ministries of Education and Higher Education with policy development, capacity building and institutional strengthening” – but it does not point to any results from doing so. Third, the Secretariat has no ongoing comparative advantage in this area. There is nothing about the Commonwealth’s history, diverse membership or resources that enables it to do anything different or better than other intergovernmental or nongovernmental organisations in terms of policy development, capacity building or institutional strengthening in the education sector. The Commonwealth’s one unique strength in education is its political convening power. The Secretariat could – and in my view, should – continue to convene the triennial CCEMs. The agenda could be set by the Secretariat’s strategic unit, and papers commissioned from external bodies. Over the years, CHOGMs have established temporary expert groups to report back at their next meeting; this model could be used by CCEMs. It would play to the Commonwealth’s strengths in terms of its political convening power, its responsiveness, and its ability to tackle global issues that can otherwise divide Commonwealth membership. The Secretary-General is right to identify education as an area where the Secretariat should not have a permanent unit, but he must improve the messaging: meetings of Education Ministers can and should continue, and will continue to have the power to take action where the Commonwealth can add value.
Readers Respond Send us your thoughts on this deb ate and we will publish the best response in the next issue. Email: ashley.johnson@thercs.org
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project Feature
Keeping record
the Jubilee time capsule as history lesson History student Alice Fagan interned at the RCS throughout the summer. She considers the application of the JTC as a record of Commonwealth history. For over a year, the Jubilee Time Capsule has collected all manner of memories from the people of the Commonwealth – weddings, funerals, independence celebrations, accounts of civil war, stories of love and loss, of tragedy and triumph. Taken together, these self-selected moments give a rather accurate portrayal of what life has been like in the Commonwealth over the last 60 years. It isn’t a history textbook, detailing the political and social changes of the last six decades in chronological order, but nor is it supposed to be. In a way, it is more truthful – it is the people’s history, ascribing equal significance to life’s events, the large and the small, which have resonated with some of the 2.1 billion people who live across this association of nations. The timeline begins with the death of King George VI and the ascension of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who was in Kenya at the time of her father’s death. Caroline Barnard (UK) shares her connection with this date in the JTC; her father was an RAF pilot sent to pick up members of the Royal Household from
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Kenya after King George’s death. The second Elizabethan Age was ushered in on 3 June 1953, and many people mark the date in the JTC, submitting their own memories from Ascension Day. The new monarch would oversee a period of remarkable transformation from Empire to independence. Mid-century entries in the JTC include many references to this era of decolonisation. But instead of just recounting a series of political events, the JTC allows for insight into the experiences of regular people during this time. Abdulkarim Sheikh (Kenya) looks back on “the day Kenyans would be rulers of their own homeland.” These sentiments are echoed throughout the Commonwealth as states declared independence, but remained connected to Britain – and each other – through Commonwealth membership. The process continued in the 1970s, typified by an undercurrent of unrest. This includes the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974, which HE Alexandros Zenon, High Commissioner of Cyprus, calls “a date which marked everybody in Cyprus… we still suffer from this event.”
The Bangladesh War of Liberation is commemorated by Fahmida Aziz in the JTC. Her grandfather fought for Bangladesh, later explaining to her the sense of guilt and loss he felt for those who lost their lives for a new flag. The Commonwealth once more experienced major change in the 1990s. The High Commissioner for South Africa, HE Dr Zola Skweyiya shared his memories of the first free elections in his country on 27 April 1994; for many South Africans, he explained it “was the main day which I had lived for… I could finally put my ‘x’ next to the party that I wanted to.” Similarly, Natalie Tang (Hong Kong) shares her thoughts on the transfer of Hong Kong to China on 30 June 1997: “The first expression on the faces was scared… and they all wondered how it would be to be controlled by the Chinese.” These entries in particular reflect the hopefulness and uncertainty of decolonisation and the emotions behind democratic development. The turn of the millennium brought with it accelerated globalisation, and the Commonwealth became more connected than ever before.
Photo © Annaliese McDonough / Commonwealth Secretariat
National Express, the UK’s largest coach operator, ran a specially-designed bus over the summer to encourage people to enter the JTC.
Unsurprisingly, stories of migration and travel between Commonwealth countries become more prevalent in the JTC through this time. The JTC is a series of human accounts of world events, submitted by history’s unnamed players. And despite the diversity of contributors, a shared history is evident: adoration for The Queen and cricket, the importance of family and the effects of major events are felt in every level of the Commonwealth.
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As for its legacy, the Jubilee Time Capsule is now ‘sealed’, but will remain online as a comprehensive social archive of the last 60 years. We hope that people from across the Commonwealth will continue to use the JTC as a learning tool, promoting cultural exchange and digital literacy skills. The very best entries will be curated by a distinguished panel to form the Diamond (re)Collection, which will be presented to The Queen in late 2012, and later housed in The Royal Collection at Windsor Castle.
“I am delighted that National Express Group has become an official partner of the Royal Commonwealth Society’s Jubilee Time Capsule. This amazing project is a remarkable way to celebrate The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. It offers everyone a chance to share their own moving moments from the past 60 years, and to create a truly unique digital legacy of Queen and Commonwealth.” Dean Finch, Group Chief Executive of National Express
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COMPETITIONS
Religion Conn ecting
iana Young Sun, D
Culture, Leun g Pack Wing Pr avi, 17, Maurit ius
lia ova, 17, Austra Chamsoutdivn
Thousands of young people from across the Commonwealth have taken part in the 2012 Creative Competitions, which this year introduced a special Jubilee Award in partnership with the Royal Photographic Society.
Commonwealth Creative Competitions Participants were invited to submit entries to the Essay Competition, Photo Awards and Vision Awards on this year’s Commonwealth theme, ‘Connecting Cultures’. Online entries were submitted through the Jubilee Time Capsule and the best of the offline entries were also uploaded. For the first time, RCS competition entries will be preserved for perpetuity in the online archive – and some will even be presented to Her Majesty The Queen. 8
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As if this wasn’t exciting enough, the RCS has partnered with the Royal Photographic Society (RPS) to run the RPS Jubilee Award in 2012. Keen photographers have submitted images from an important day in the last 60 years for a chance to win prizes, including a trip to London in late 2012 and mentoring by RPS photographers. The winners of all RCS competitions will be announced in October.
Photo courtesy of Meena Kadri
Asmita Saha, 16, is a student in Bangladesh. Below are extracts from ‘The Fairness Dilemma’, her bold essay challenging traditional notions of beauty and the enormous skin lightening industry. “The headline read ‘The Reappearance of the Dark Age’, a simple enough notion, however, the startling thing was the picture underneath. A model getting ready, a compact in one hand, and the other busy in applying it. One part of her face was slightly golden brown while the other shrouded in a pale white powder. As I stared awestruck at the page, I could not help but feel ashamed of the various ways in which I represent that woman on the page.”
“History tells us that this mentality sprung forth during the years of oppression by foreign invaders, first the Aryans, then the Persians and lastly the British, who were all, coincidently, light skinned. These rulers stood out as a symbol of power and integrity, and their colour as a sign of beauty and superiority. These thoughts were instilled permanently in the hearts and minds of the people of the Indian subcontinent.”
“People say we have matured and grown as humans with time, I say otherwise. Why else do you think one of the most densely populated areas of the world would harbour the mentality that the colour white is dominant in every aspect, while the entire world raves about intelligence, personality and passion? We, in our infinitely ignorant world, could only think of skin colour.”
“We are constantly faced with scrutiny by our own family members and peers, our confidence and dreams are trampled over by our maddening desire to be fairer… These discriminations are still very much persistent in certain areas of the globe, which suppress the female potential of development and advancement even more. While we raise awareness on issues such as domestic violence and female empowerment, we should also point out… that a woman’s beauty lies in her heart, her care, her personality and her talent.”
“If you walk around the streets of Dhaka or Mumbai, you would surely notice the countless signboards covered with the posters of various TV, Bollywood or Hollywood stars advertising for such products. This hype has engrossed the entire South Asian community. This so-called disease has spread far too much, far too quickly. We would like to believe that we, the inhabitants of the 21st century, are progressive… In reality, we harbour the perception that with our brownness all we would ever achieve is criticism and failure.” The royal commonwealth society
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COMMENT
Preconceptions, possibilities and peace Diaspora Dialogues continues In March, seven young British Sri Lankans from diverse cultural, ethnic and professional backgrounds travelled to Sri Lanka with International Alert and the Royal Commonwealth Society. Our vision was to better understand and support Sri Lanka’s reconciliation process. Over a weeklong visit, we visited regions affected by the conflict and met with local communities, civil society organisations and politicians involved with the country’s post-war development. We travelled with two British MPs (James Wharton MP and Richard Baker MSP) all of us seeking to learn and engage with Sri Lanka in new ways. Our work on this project continues, and in this article we share some of our experiences and reflections from the trip. What most surprised you during your visit? Shevanthi Nayagam, Doctor: Years of civil war have left Sri Lanka with many woman-headed households and a vulnerable population, however many of our field visits demonstrated the underlying strength and resilience of these women. This, in a country with so many traditional beliefs, was truly surprising and encouraging. In a resettlement village in Killinochchi, the women spoke articulately about their hopes for the future and how they were working to provide a good life for their children. The volunteer midwives in Trincomalee similarly provided a great example of a community working together to improve the health of the local population despite limited resources. Beneath an outwardly humble demeanour, they had a strong voice and sense of commitment, acting as positive role models in their communities. We encountered this throughout our visit, highlighting to me the untapped potential for working with the women of Sri Lanka in our projects. Of the people you encountered, who were you most inspired by? Vidya Kanthi, Doctor: Dr Panagamuwa, a UK-based consultant in rehabilitative medicine was an icon of the trip for me. In 2009, Dr Pana established an artificial limb project for injured civilians, helping conflict-affected people irrespective of background or history. We were fortunate to visit Dr Pana’s mobile clinic in Killinochchi. His team included trained members of the local community such 10
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as ex-combatants, returned internally displaced persons (IDPs) and previous prosthetic limb recipients. Together, they have worked on around 2,000 limb fittings over the last three years. This model is one of unity whereby a Sinhalese doctor has included, taught and empowered a local Tamil community to help one another. In addition, he speaks fluent Tamil, opening more room for dialogue within the patientdoctor relationship. As a doctor myself, it was inspiring to witness what Dr Pana has achieved in serving a community in need, demonstrating the potential for positive contribution from the Sri Lankan diaspora. What aspects of the trip did you find most challenging? Jayan Perera, International Development Graduate: Initially, it was difficult to grasp the history and current affairs in Sri Lanka. One of the challenges that still has an impact today is the stigma attached to being a ‘diaspora’ group. In both the UK and Sri Lanka, it seems that diaspora groups are misunderstood. We found this out firsthand when we visited politicians who believed the term was related to radical groups of foreign nationals. Beyond this, language was an issue that we battled with continuously. Having to address English, Sinhalese and Tamil speakers in the same room sometimes made it difficult to fully express our opinions and to ask challenging questions. What was the biggest ‘takeaway’ of the experience for you? Silaja Suntharalingam, Tate Gallery: Beforehand, we had received training to help us approach each meeting with open eyes and ears. This proved invaluable during our visit to a rehabilitation centre for ex-combatants in Vavuniya, where we heard from both ex-combatants and military officials running the centre. I went into the meeting feeling apprehensive about what we would experience. However, I learned a great deal from the diverse, complex and often emotional personal stories we heard from those that we met, making me realise how important it is to listen openly to individual voices, rather
UN Photo/Evan Schneider
than being clouded by preconceptions about particular groups. I know it will be important to keep sight of in the work that we do in the future. How do you plan to take forward what you have learned? Asanga Fernando, Doctor: Personally, I hope to engage in dialogue with more people in the UK who are serious about reconciliation and development in post-conflict Sri Lanka. Professionally, as a doctor with an interest in education and mentoring, I see huge potential to introduce a culture of mentoring for young people in some of the areas we visited, as well as setting up tailor-made, conflict-sensitive electives for UK-based Sri Lankan medical students. In what ways has the trip shaped your perception of Sri Lanka? Nilmini Herath, Risk Analyst: The trip made me realise the limitations of our views on Sri Lanka and helped to overcome some of them. The country is changing so rapidly, and some of the bigger changes are happening in communities that are relatively disconnected, so they don’t always have their stories told effectively. For example, we were introduced to the resettlement process by meeting internally The royal commonwealth society
displaced persons (IDPs), recently resettled people and the organisations working in the field. Through this process, we got a better understanding of the individual, human side of resettlement, as well as the strategic, organisational side. The visit helped me to recognise my own ignorance and preconceptions, and to build a network that will keep me better informed in the future. What message would you send to other young Sri Lankan Britons? Ayesha Abdeen, NGO CEO: After this visit, I saw Sri Lanka from a different perspective, had the opportunity to expand my understanding, feel a much closer connection to my roots and, most importantly, realise that there is a lot I can give back. For any young British Sri Lankans looking to visit the country, I would say let go of all your presumptions about the country and the conflict, and instead look at Sri Lanka without bias. You might be surprised by what you see and realise there are many opportunities. It’s down to you to make the most it. Diaspora Dialogues delegate Silaja Suntharalingam is Head of Programmes, Development at Tate Gallery. She conducted the interviews with fellow participants. exchange
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Project Feature
The RCS hosts Commonwealth Fellows
Zim
Zimbabwe won independence from Britain in 1980, following elections in which Robert Mugabe’s Zimbabwe African Nation Union – Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) was elected to power. On independence, Zimbabwe became a member of the Commonwealth. But in 2003, Mugabe would withdraw his country from the association amid threat of permanent suspension. And while Mugabe is unlikely to be invited back to a Commonwealth leaders’ summit anytime soon, the people of Zimbabwe have remained part of the Commonwealth family. Members of Commonwealth professional associations and other networks have continued to engage with Zimbabwe’s people, to build capacity within local civil society and to eventually facilitate its welcome return to the Commonwealth. It is for this reason that the RCS nominated five Zimbabwean professionals to come to London earlier this year as part of the Commonwealth Professional Fellowship (CPF) Programme. Awarded by the Commonwealth Scholarships Commission, the CPF supports mid-career professionals from developing Commonwealth countries to spend time with a UK host organisation, working in their field for a programme of professional development. The programmes are designed to act as catalysts, participants then returning home with skills and strategies to apply in a local context.
LDN
Dr Prince Murambi, a doctor at Harare Hospital, was one of the Fellows nominated by the RCS. His programme focused on the development of clinical guidance, clinical audit and policies to improve the quality of health care management in Zimbabwe, particularly in relation to women’s health. He was keen to increase his understanding of methods to strengthen health systems, and to learn more about supporting sustainable community responses to improve maternal, newborn and child health. Dr Murambi spent time at The Royal London Hospital and Barts Sexual Health Centre (BSHC) at St Bartholomew’s Hospital. He also attended a course on improvements in maternal and newborn health at Liverpool School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine as well as a specially-designed Zimbabwe human rights and health course at the Human Rights Law Centre. Of the programme, Dr Murambi said: “I was really inspired and overwhelmed by such a great experience and I’m really keen to impart the ideas I have learned to my colleagues in Zimbabwe. I also harbour hope that when the environment is stable in our country, I would want to be among the quality champions taking a lead at rebuilding our country’s health system. I have great faith that the relationships I have managed to cultivate will be beneficial to me as an individual and also the country’s health sector in the long run.” Dr Prince Murambi, Commonwealth Professional Fellow
For more information on the Commonwealth Professional Fellowship Programme, please visit www.cscuk.dfid.gov.uk 12
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PROJECT FEATURE
Commonwealth Compared
A new research initiative aims to bust Commonwealth ‘myths’ Speeches about the Commonwealth are always high on soaring rhetoric. The association is the ‘original World Wide Web’, a source of ‘economic dynamism’ with an expanding ‘youth bulge’ to make it ‘the 21st century network’. It is ‘unique’ and ‘remarkable’ and ‘special’ and ‘vital’. And the RCS needs no convincing. Yet, we’ve started work on a new project to find out what really makes the Commonwealth so special after all, and to confirm – or clarify – some of the more lofty claims. Commonwealth Compared seeks to cast the Commonwealth in a
different light; to look to development data – the hard numbers – for evidence as to where the Commonwealth is a true global leader and where challenges still remain. Has the shared history, use of the English language and longer traditions of democracy and functioning bureaucracy made the Commonwealth better able to respond to development challenges? Can we point to any ‘Commonwealth advantage’? We want to separate fact from politically-convenient fiction, and early findings by researcher Veronica Panero are already proving enlightening.
Population ages 0-14 (%of total)
■ World Average 28.52%
■ Commonwealth Average 31.77%
■ Non-Commonwealth Average 27.44% Global Peace Index 2012 Africa (CW)
1.982
Africa (Non-CW)
2.350
GDP Growth Forecasts
(real terms, average annual growth)
2012 - 2017 Commonwealth 7.3%
Eurozone 2.7%
UN Photo/Isaac Billy African Commonwealth countries are more peaceful than their non-Commonwealth regional neighbours The royal commonwealth society
If you have ideas about development indicators you think we should compare, get in touch: ashley.johnson@thercs.org
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MEMBER and staff PROFILEs
Up Close & Personal Name: Ian Govendir Nationality: British RCS Member since: 2012 Occupation: Director of AIDS Orphan Interests: I’m a keen amateur photographer and painter. Like most Commonwealth Club members, I also love to travel.
W
hy did you seek election to RCS Council?
Ever since I visited the Commonwealth Institute as a child, I have been inspired by the Commonwealth. After working in industry for some time, I wanted to become more involved in the charity sector, using my skills and knowledge to help make money for non-profits, not shareholders. The RCS is a fantastic organisation, committed to promoting internationalism and understanding around the world; I wanted to be a part of that.
What made you set up your own charity, AIDS Orphan?
While working at the Red Cross, I witnessed so many children displaced or orphaned by conflict and disaster. But what struck me most was the AIDS orphan crisis. I had watched the HIV/AIDS epidemic surge and realised that the AIDS orphan crisis is perhaps the largest human crisis in the world, yet people hardly talk about it. Our biggest project is in Kenya, but we work in a number of countries providing food, school fees, shelter and paying for medical treatment for young children orphaned by the disease. 14
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How does this financial climate impact the fundraising abilities of small charities?
It really depends on what cause you are fundraising for. That said, new charities often struggle in economic downturns, because they don’t yet have the trust of potential supporters. What is really interesting about recessions is that often people who are worse off are more likely to give money; they see the impact of poverty more closely and respond generously. Ian was one of three new members of Council elected at the AGM in June. He is joined by charity fundraiser Liora Wulf and longstanding RCS member Nalini Paranavitane. The AGM also saw terms extended for Deputy Chairmen Dr Chris Nonis and Claire Whitaker.
Be profiled in RCS Exchange!
Are you an RCS member? Do you have an interesting story to tell? Being featured on our member profile page is a great way to let other members know who you are and what line of work you’re in. We’re keen to build a greater sense of community amongst RCS members. If you are willing to be featured, please send an email to ashley.johnson@thercs.org.
PROJECT FEATURE
From the Membership Desk
I
f I was asked to sum up my first six months as RCS Membership Officer, I would have to say, “Time flies when you’re having fun!” I am really enjoying the challenges of this new role, from trying to increase our revenue to meeting members, old and new. I have been so pleased to hear the reasons people join the Commonwealth Club: great value for money, a diverse and relaxed atmosphere, modern facilities and
the opportunity to support a dynamic charity. It’s really no surprise that many of our new members have left other clubs to join us! We are committed to ensuring that Club membership is the absolute best we can offer, and we value what our members have to say. Please do contact me with any feedback or ideas you have at membership@thercs.org or on 020 7766 9203.
Elaine Crisp is the new Membership Officer at the RCS
staff directory
... Did you know serve gs you can now re tin For small mee s om ro ub ealth Cl three Commonw ion at rm nfi co nt ta ins online and receive odate m m and 2 can acco by email. Vaults 1 e th d guests an a maximum of six ht can seat up to eig om Ro ds Mackwoo to go e, lin on ok bo of your guests. To wealthuk/the-common o. s.c cy ar se w. ww g-room. club/book-meetin Did you know...
Members have access to over 90 reciprocal clubs around the world , including the Executives’ Club in Sin gapore, the Antigua Yacht Club an d the Princeton Club of New York. Ne xt time you’re travelling, be sure to che ck out the ever-expanding recipr ocal clubs list on our website.
The royal commonwealth society
The RCS team at 25 Northumberland Avenue has recently undergone some changes. Below are the contact details of our hardworking staff. Dr Danny Sriskandarajah, Director director@thercs.org Catherine Clark, Deputy Director catherine.clark@thercs.org / 020 7766 9204 Sally Tantot, Office Manager sally.tantot@thercs.org / 020 7766 9257 Elaine Crisp, Membership Officer elaine.crisp@thercs.org / 020 7766 9203 Ashley Johnson, External Affairs Officer ashley.johnson@thercs.org / 020 7766 9240 Verity Sharp, Programmes Officer verity.sharp@thercs.org / 020 7766 9227 Jessica Smith, Events Officer jessica.smith@thercs.org / 020 7766 9205 Stuart Connick, Events Assistant stuart.connick@thercs.org / 020 7766 9212 John Sutherland, Special Projects Volunteer john.sutherland@thercs.org / 020 7766 9215 exchange
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COMMENT
UNDER
Urban Renewal, Hoxton, Bill Cooper
REnOVATION
Can the People’s Charter renew the Commonwealth? From the Singapore and Harare Declarations to the Latimer House Principles, there are many documents outlining the values and principles of the Commonwealth. But over time – and with the addition of each new document – confusion has grown about what exactly the Commonwealth stands for. When leaders agreed to establish a Charter of the Commonwealth in Perth, Australia last October, it was hoped the text would consolidate the many principles of past documents and capture the ‘spirit’ of the association and the aspirations of its citizens. Dubbed ‘The People’s Charter’, a draft was sent to all member states for national consultations earlier this year, and the RCS conducted the UK-wide civil society
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consultation. We canvassed thousands of charities, youth groups, community organisations and civil society leaders across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland in order to get their views on the Charter. People tweeted, typed and told us in person what they thought of the ambitious document, revealing strong areas of consensus within UK civil society.
Like all Commonwealth declarations, the Charter will not be binding. But that doesn’t mean it won’t be useful. Voluntary agreements, treaties and charters like this raise audience costs; that is, they express the intent of a government to live up to certain commitments and raise expectations, especially of domestic audiences. This could help civil society organisations in Commonwealth countries hold their governments to account if they do not comply with the numerous commitments enshrined in the Charter. The Charter’s final text will be agreed by Commonwealth Foreign Ministers at the UN later this year.
OutSpoken
Top 5 Consultation Recommendations
1) Overwhelmingly, the majority of responses dealt with the omission of LGBTI rights in the draft. LGBTI rights should be included, along with a more comprehensive list of rights and freedoms. 2) The wording should be stronger, clearer and more concise. A succinct Charter could have immense value by becoming the singular source on what the association stands for. 3) Many people suggested highlighting ten ‘Core Principles’ summarising the Commonwealth’s added value (i.e. consensus-based voluntary association, strength
of shared history, civil society engagement, etc.) in addition to a simple reaffirmation of all rights protected by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. 4) More must be done to prove the Charter’s usefulness, including mechanisms by which member states will be held accountable to this list of values and aspirations. 5) A number of civil society leaders recommend abandoning the current draft and embarking on a more comprehensive and transparent consultation exercise, leading to the 2013 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Sri Lanka.
Two Commonwealth civil society leaders tell us their priorities for the year ahead
Vic Craggs OBE, CEO, Commonwealth Youth Exchange Council
Maja Daruwala, Director, Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative
What will the Commonwealth Youth Exchange Council (CYEC) focus on in 2013? CYEC is focusing on three areas based on supporting young adults to experience Commonwealth values and contribute to a forward-looking, 21st century Commonwealth:
What are your feelings on Sri Lanka hosting the next Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in 2013? Sri Lanka’s rejection of the UN Secretary-General’s Expert Panel and its findings on allegations of egregious human rights violations in the country casts deep doubt about its suitability to hold the Commonwealth’s premier summit. CHOGMs are iconic events that signal the Commonwealth’s values and shape its policies. Unfortunately, the Commonwealth has avoided monitoring Sri Lanka’s adherence to its fundamental political principles – to which human rights are central. This move, despite Sri Lanka’s steadfast refusal to heed wide international condemnation of alleged abuses – both past and ongoing – begs the questions: what criteria are used in choosing the venue for each CHOGM, and what weight is given to the fundamental political values of the Commonwealth? Holding the next CHOGM in Sri Lanka may yet subvert the Commonwealth’s nascent attempts to reform itself as a values-based multilateral organisation.
1) We will be working on Commonwealth Change-makers, a new democracy and human rights programme in South Asia, providing opportunities for young people to share experiences and leadership skills via exchanges. 2) The civic dimension of the Commonwealth is, arguably, the association’s major USP. If our unique association is to flourish, then it is vital that the People’s Commonwealth is strengthened and that, in recognition of Commonwealth demographics and the future, Commonwealth civil society organisations must make radical efforts to engage young people. 3) Finally, CYEC is concerned that opportunities for exchange and interchange amongst Commonwealth citizens on priority issues must not be eroded. Exchanging ideas and skills alongside intercultural learning are the lifeblood of the Commonwealth – indeed ‘Connecting Cultures’ is this year’s Commonwealth theme. The royal commonwealth society
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Photo courtesy of Hansueli Kraft
travel Travel
Inside
Mauritius Mauritius is an island located off the southeast coast of Africa, in the Indian Ocean. It is surrounded by over 150km of beautiful white sand beaches and has the world’s third-largest coral reef. Mauritius joined the Commonwealth in 1968, and is set to host the 2015 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.
Highlights Port Louis: The main port which bustles as a commercial centre by day and is quiet at sundown. Street names are a mixture of English and French, while the city’s varied architecture bears testament to the main religious influences and colonial past. There are beautiful mosques, some fine Frenchera buildings such as Government House and a vibrant Chinatown district. The Natural History Museum is the place to go to learn about the sad fate of the hapless dodo, Mauritius’s most famous bird.
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Shopping & Souvenirs: Jewellery, Chinese and Indian jade, silks, basketry and pottery.
Weijenber g
tesy Photo cour
Consuming pleasures Food & Drink: French, Creole, Indian, and Chinese cuisine. Specialities include venison in season, freshwater prawns in hot sauces, creole fish, fresh pineapple with chilli sauce, rum, beer and alouda (almond-flavoured ice milk drink).
of Selene
Tamarin: Surf the impressive two-metre waves created by big ocean swells off this coastal spot. Lying in the shadow of the Rivière Noire Mountains, the bathing here is excellent.
Rodrigues Island: A tiny and rugged island some 550km northeast of Mauritius, offering superb scuba diving. Considered a relaxing refuge for travellers, the volcanic island is covered in coconut palms and pink-flowered bushes called vielles filles.
Photo cour tesy
People and Place Capital: Port Louis Language: English, creole, french Peoples: Indo-Mauritian, Creole, Sino-Mauritian, Franco-Mauritian Religion: Hindu, Roman Catholic, Muslim Size (sq km): 2,040 Population: 1,274,189
When to go The weather is hot and humid between December and April, and cooler and drier from May to November. Hindu and Tamil fire-walking ceremonies take place mostly in January and February, alongside Thaipoosam Cavadee, a religious festival where devotees skewer their tongues and cheeks.
A knowledge economy Anne-Marie Philip works for the Commonwealth Secretariat’s Education Section and helped coordinate the Education Ministers’ Meeting in Port Louis, Mauritius. She schools us on the real beauty of the African isle…
WEXAS Recommends A Romantic Hideaway at Trou aux Biches Trou aux Biches is a luxury village-style resort set among lush green gardens on a beautiful beach on the northwest coast of Mauritius. Two kilometres of white sandy beach lines the sparkling water, affording one of the best seascapes on the island. The hotel was recently completely rebuilt and guests can enjoy the brand new facilities in a relaxing, natural environment. There are six restaurants to choose from and a variety of free land and water sports. As well as the sports and fitness centre, there’s a HEAD Tennis Academy for those looking to polish their skills. There’s also the tropical Spa by Clarins for those simply looking for some downtime in this eco-friendly resort. Best for: Couples or families looking for an authentic setting with lots of activities on offer. Prices from: £2,299 per person Valid for travel: October & November 2012 Offer includes return flights, private transfers and half-board accommodation for seven nights in a junior suite. Terms and conditions apply. Offer subject to availability. For more information and to book, please call 020 7838 5968.
The royal commonwealth society
Mauritius boasts a coastline of coral beaches with stunning scenery of filao tree forests, lava rocks and azure waters. It is a paradise island that has wooed countless travellers (both Charles Darwin and Mark Twain referred to the island as ‘heaven on earth’) since it was first discovered in the 10th century. But this tiny island is much more than its established tourist appeal. Despite its relatively few natural resources, Mauritius, a country of 1.3 million citizens, continues to provide free education and healthcare for all. Since its independence from colonial powers in 1968, Mauritius has been a paragon of political stability and economic and educational development that has recognised the worth of its diverse human capital and placed this at the core of its policies. Compared to net enrolment in primary education for Sub-Saharan Africa (76%), enrolment rates reach 94% in Mauritius. Similarly, the gross enrolment rate for secondary school was 86% for boys and 88% for girls in Mauritius, compared with 38% and 30% across the Sub-Saharan region. These statistics go far to demonstrate that the entrenched political
commitment to education has set Mauritius apart as an education leader in Africa. The country has three official languages as well as several ancestral languages. English and French are compulsory in all schools, but Creole is also available as a language of instruction in schools. My Mauritian colleagues have displayed incredible dexterity working in multiple languages and are very proud that their schooling offers several languages of instruction. This respect and preservation of distinct cultural heritages is instructive for many other Commonwealth countries. Mauritian food also reflects the ethnic diversity of its people: Creole rougailles, Indian curries, Chinese sweet-and-sour pork with fresh seafood celebrate all the best of the Mauritian ecosystem, environment and people. Mauritius has just hosted the 18th Conference of Commonwealth Education Ministers (18CCEM) and will host the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in 2015. The country has much to offer, not just as a coastal getaway, but also as a knowledge hub and development and business leader in Southern Africa and the world. I had the pleasure of being part of the team coordinating 18CCEM in Port Louis, and was so grateful to experience firsthand the Mauritian vision for education – particularly beyond the Millennium Development Goals. I may not have seen much of the island’s stunning scenery, but what I did see was a blueprint for educational development the rest of the Commonwealth – and the world – could certainly learn from.
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Events Diary
Events at the rcs January & February After starting the year with writer and journalist Tariq Ali’s powerful and pointed lecture on the political situation in Pakistan, we welcomed Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs John Baird for an address on his country’s foreign policy priorities. In a speech that garnered press coverage across the UK, Canada and even Sri Lanka, he delivered a strong message on human rights declaring that Canada would ‘not sit idly by’ as ‘Commonwealth cousins’ undermined the fundamental values of the association.
In May, the RCS hosted a high-level roundtable in partnership with the Control Arms Coalition UK on ‘The Arms Trade Treaty and the Commonwealth’ to explore how the Commonwealth could influence negotiations held at the UN in July in order to secure the adoption of a robust and comprehensive treaty. You can read the full report from the roundtable on our website.
Tim Flannery
June & july Tariq Ali
March - May On the eve of Commonwealth Day, legendary musician and civil rights activist Hugh Masekela took part in the Oxygen lecture series, speaking in Glasgow about apartheid in South Africa and its influence on his music.
As part of our work in partnership with global children’s charity Plan, we hosted Plan UK CEO and long-time RCS member Marie Staunton for her ‘Hope Talks’ lecture series spot. Events ended for the summer with 120 members and guests on the terraces of the House of Lords for the ever popular Afternoon Tea. Guests were treated to scones, strawberries and speeches from guests of honour Baroness Young and Lord Howell.
Hugh was followed later in the spring by former CEO of Ikea, Josephine Rydberg-Dumont in Dundee, and Tim Flannery, Climate Commissioner of Australia, who spoke in Scotland and London on his work as a scientist, explorer and conservationist. In April, we hosted the launch of On the Up, a book celebrating social entrepreneurship across Africa. The audience heard from an inspiring roster of speakers, including Bart Weetjans who has taught rats to sniff out landmines in Tanzania, and Trevor Field who developed playgrounds in South Africa that also act as water pumps to supply clean water to the community. Guests were even treated to an impromptu rap from South Sudanese superstar Emmanuel Jal. 20
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Afternoon Te a at the
House of Lo rds
commonwealth week The sun shone on the annual Commonwealth Day Observance at Westminster Abbey on March 12, launching the 2012 Commonwealth Theme, ‘Connecting Cultures’ with performances from Rufus Wainwright and Hugh Masekela and testimonies from Dame Jane Goodall and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. RCS celebrations continued throughout the week, with the annual Commonwealth Day Tea Party and the RCS High Commissioners’ Banquet at Lancaster House. Commonwealth Day Observance photos courtesy of Picture Partnership
Coming up We are finalising our plans for the busy autumn and winter events programme that will see the return of the Commonwealth Carol Service at St Martin-in-the-Fields on 5 December, and the Members’ Christmas Lunch on 12 December. More details on these and all other upcoming events will be emailed in the monthly newsletter. You can keep up with what’s on at www.thercs.org. The royal commonwealth society
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Commonwealth means A free association of independent member nations bound byFriendship, loyalty, the desire for Democracy, equality, freedom and peace. Remembering how hard fellow feeling is to summon When Wealth is what we do not have in Common, May every individual And all the peoples in each nation Work and hope and Strive for true communication — Only by a shift and sharing is there any chance For the Welfare of all our people and Good Governance. Such words can sound like flagged-up slogans, true. What we merely say says nothing — All that matters is what we do. Liz Lochhead (b 1947) From the poem Connecting Cultures, commissioned for Commonwealth Day Observance 2012
India, Andy Day