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India wins 4 posts in Commonwealth Youth Council

The four Indians, alongside six other winners from across the Commonwealth, will be officially installed at a special ceremony during the Commonwealth Youth Forum 2024…reports Asian Lite News

Four youth activists from India have been declared winners in a keenly contested election for posts in the Commonwealth Youth Council (CYC), the official representative voice of the more than 1.5 billion young people across the 56 member countries of the organisation.

While Gurdit Singh Vohra was elected Vice Chairperson of Partnerships and Resources, Falit Sijariya was named Vice Chairperson of Policy and Advocacy at the election which concluded last week.

Youth empowerment campaigner Muskaan Anand was elected Representative for Asia and Farhana Jan was named Representative, Special Interest Groups, following the completion of the voting process.

The four Indians, alongside six other winners from across the Commonwealth, will be officially installed at a special ceremony during the Commonwealth Youth Forum 2024 at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa next month.

“This year’s elections take on special significance as the Commonwealth Youth Council celebrates 10 years of advancing the youth development agenda and steps up youth participation at all levels of decision-making,” the London-headquartered Commonwealth Secretariat said in a statement.

There were 48 candidates shortlisted for this year’s election, with the winners set to serve a two-year term from 2024 to 2026 to lead inclusive consultations, projects, and events to voice young people’s concerns and shape youth development policies.

Gurdit Singh Vohra made his pitch for the post to leverage his resource management skills, having led partnerships with over 10,000 hospitals and co-founded the Harprabh Foundation – impacting underprivileged students and representing India at international forums.

Falit Sijariya was in the race as a global youth leader dedicated to ensuring that young voices are heard on global platforms. He has previously led the G20 Youth Summit 2023 and represented Asia at various international forums, aiming to serve the youth community better.

Muskaan Anand, described as a passionate advocate for youth empowerment and social justice, has been the National Convener of Students For Seva who inspired thousands of young people to address critical issues like menstrual hygiene management, education, and environmental sustainability.

Farhana Jan, from Kashmir, made a mark for her dedication to promoting peace and stability in the region. She advocates for marginalised communities and has been awarded as a young achiever for her work in youth empowerment, de-radicalisation, and social services. “The voices of young people are essential in shaping the future, and this election was a critical opportunity for them to choose leaders who will advocate for their needs and aspirations across the Commonwealth,” said Layne Robinson, Commonwealth Secretariat’s Head of Social Policy Development.

The CYC was first established in 2013 with the support of the Commonwealth Secretariat’s Commonwealth Youth Programme. At the CHOGM in Sri Lanka that year, the Commonwealth Heads of Government endorsed the CYC as an autonomous, youth-led organisation.

Joshua Opey, from Ghana, was elected the Chairperson for the next two-year term, with Neema Sheikh Abdikadir from Kenya making up the key posts as Vice Chairperson of Inclusion and Engagement.

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All in fray for Commonwealth top job back slavery reparations

UK flag.

The Commonwealth evolved out of the British empire and is one of world’s biggest international organizations, covering some 2.7 billion people. ..reports Asian Lite News

All three candidates running to become the next secretary-general of the Commonwealth, a 56-nation club headed by Britain’s King Charles, said on Wednesday they supported reparations for transatlantic slavery and colonialism.

The Commonwealth evolved out of the British empire and is one of world’s biggest international organizations, covering some 2.7 billion people. Members include Canada and India as well as 21 African countries, and Caribbean islands such as Barbados and Jamaica.

Charles expressed deep sorrow over slavery in a speech to Commonwealth leaders in 2022 and last year gave his support to research that will examine the British monarchy’s links to slavery. However, Britain, like most colonial powers, has rejected calls for reparations.

The Commonwealth’s next leader, succeeding Britain’s Patricia Scotland, will be elected in October at the heads of government meeting in Samoa.

At a debate at London’s Chatham House, the three declared candidates — Mamadou Tangara of Gambia, Shirley Botchwey from Ghana and Joshua Setipa of Lesotho — said they backed the idea of making amends for slavery and colonialism.

“I stand for reparations,” Botchwey, Ghana’s foreign affairs minister, said, adding the Commonwealth could have a role to play if the member states request a “common voice” on the issue.

Setipa, a former trade and industry minister, said if he was elected he would not wait for member states to ask the Commonwealth to act.

“The Commonwealth has a long history of facilitating discussions about difficult issues,” he said.

Tangara, a Gambian diplomat and politician, said he “fully” supported reparations but it was up to member states to lead the conversations, which the Commonwealth could facilitate.

Both Botchwey and Setipa said reparations weren’t just about financial payments but also support to tackle climate change and build countries’ economic resilience, with Setipa noting these issues were crucial to addressing the legacy of centuries of slavery and colonialism.

From the 15th to the 19th century, at least 12.5 million Africans were kidnapped, forcibly transported by European merchants and sold into slavery. Britain transported an estimated 3.2 million people, the most active European country after Portugal, which enslaved nearly 6 million.

The highly divisive issue of reparations to address historical wrongs is long-standing but has been gaining momentum, with several institutions and some nations acknowledging their past.

Ghana’s Botchwey has previously said Africa should use declarations and admissions of guilt as a “compelling reason and a foundation for a demand for reparations.”

The Caribbean Community has a 10-point reparation plan, which among other demands calls for debt cancelation, and the African Union is developing a common position on the issue, with Ghana leading the efforts.

Earlier this year, United Nations chief Antonio Guterres called for reparations to “help overcome generations of exclusion and discrimination.”

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Memorial Gates Ceremony Honours Commonwealth Heroes of World Wars

The event was hosted by the Memorial Gates Council in partnership with The Royal British Legion. The Right Reverend Saju Muthulaly, Bishop of Loughborough, led the prayers…reports Asian Lite News

The commemoration for service men and women from the Commonwealth who served with the Allied Forces during the First and Second World Wars was held today at the Memorial Gates in central London.

This year the ceremony also remembered Baroness Shreela Flather who inspired the project and helped found the Gates which stand on Constitution Hill just by Buckingham Palace. 

Baroness Scotland PC KC on behalf of the Commonwealth

The annual wreath laying ceremony was attended by significant individuals including High Commissioners, Foreign Ministers, Speaker of the House of Commons, and the Secretary General of the Commonwealth. The event was hosted by the Memorial Gates Council in partnership with The Royal British Legion. The Right Reverend Saju Muthulaly, Bishop of Loughborough, led the prayers.

Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the House of Commons

This year, the 80th anniversary of the Battles of Kohima and Imphal, we specifically remembered those who served in the Fourteenth Army. At Kohima and Imphal, and across South Asia, this polyglot Fourteenth Army turned the tide of war. It was an Army that spoke 40 languages, contained Sikhs, Christians, Hindus, Muslims, Jews and many other religions. Of its thirteen divisions eight were Indian Army, three were African, and only two were wholly British.

The Lord Bilimoria CBE DL laying a wreath on behalf of His Majesty the King

The Fourteenth Army helped play a part in shaping today’s multi-cultural Britain, thanks to the collaboration of the men and women from so many religions, races, and nations. It created ties that span continents, nations, people and religions.

The Right Reverend Saju Muthulaly, Bishop of Loughborough

Chief guest, Mark William Rawdon Slim, 3rd Viscount Slim (and Grandson of Field Marshal Bill Slim – Commander 14th Army), said: “The Battle of Kohima was the turning point of the Burma Campaign. If the battle had been lost, 14th Army would have been stranded at Imphal with its supplies cut off and the Japanese would have taken control of India. Due to the great bravery and resilience of the Commonwealth soldiers from which 14th Army was formed, the ensuing Allied victories at Kohima and Imphal in 1944 eventually led to the biggest land defeat in Japan’s history in 1945.

Chief guest, Mark William Rawdon Slim, 3rd Viscount Slim (and Grandson of Field Marshal Bill Slim – Commander 14th Army)

Over twenty different nations made up 14th Army which at its peak numbered 1.3 million personnel, the largest British led campaign of World War 2. It was a truly multi-cultural force that operated in total unity to achieve a great victory. We should all be very proud of and grateful for its achievements.

The Burma Campaign is an excellent example of the huge contribution made by volunteers from Commonwealth countries during the two World Wars. 14th Army consisted of 700,000 troops from the Indian subcontinent (Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lank) and over 100,000 from West and East Africa. In total, five million men and women from Africa, the Caribbean and the Indian subcontinent volunteered to serve with the British Armed Forces during the First and Second World Wars. The Memorial Gates stand as a monument to reflect not just the tremendous role these volunteers played, but also the gratitude Britain holds for their vital contribution in its hour of need.”

Lord Bilimoria CBE DL, Chairman of the Memorial Gates Council, said: “I am proud to be Chairman of the Council of the Memorial Gates. The Memorial Gates Ceremony on Commonwealth Day commemorates the service and sacrifice of the five million volunteers from South Asia, Africa and the Caribbean in the First and Second World Wars.

This year we are commemorating the 80th anniversary of the battles of Imphal and Kohima.  These battles witnessed the most extraordinary bravery, and I am very proud that my late father Lieutenant General Bilimoria’s battalion, the second/5th Ghurka Rifles (Frontier Force) were awarded two out of the 5 Victoria crosses at the Battle of Imphal, Subedar Netrabahadur Thapa (post) and Naik Agansing Rai VC, who I was privileged to know since birth.

The sacrifice and bravery of those who fought in the battles of Imphal and Kohima, will be an inspiration to us all forever.

Marking the 75th anniversary alongside the Ceremony provides an opportunity to commemorate and remember, as we continually do on Commonwealth Day, and through the activities of the Memorial Gates Council, the significant contribution that those from around the Commonwealth and world have made to the success of our great nation.”

Secretary General of the Commonwealth Baroness Scotland said: “As we celebrate Commonwealth Day in an increasingly unstable world, we would do well to remember the many Commonwealth citizens whose lives were lost in the pursuit of peace.”

The Royal British Legion’s Director of Remembrance, Philippa Rawlinson said: “The RBL is proud to continue supporting this ceremony at the Memorial Gates to pay tribute to the five million men and women from the Indian sub-continent, Nepal, Africa and the Caribbean who served during the First and Second World Wars, helping to protect the freedoms we enjoy today.

Sir Ben Okri

This year we mark the 80th anniversaries of momentous battles and turning points of the Second World War. Today’s service remembers in particular those who served in the Fourteenth Army at the battles of Imphal and Kohima in 1944. A truly multinational force, their victory was a turning point in the war in the east and key in the Allied liberation of Burma. 

Lord Bilimoria CBE DL, Chairman of the Memorial Gates Council

The Gates also recognise the major contribution of these men and women, and their descendants, to the rich diversity of British society and today’s event highlights the vital contribution of people from across all the Commonwealth who stood together in the face of global conflict.”

Son of Baroness Flather and Memorial Gates Council Member, Dr Paul Flather

This year we also honour and pay our respects to Baroness Flather, the Life President and founder of the Council. She sadly passed away on 6th of February 2024.  She was the single person who inspired the concept of a lasting memorial to all those from the former Empire, Commonwealth and Nepal who sacrificed their lives in the’ two World Wars.

ALSO READ-Commonwealth nations celebrate 75-year milestone

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Commonwealth nations celebrate 75-year milestone

Commonwealth Secretary-General, Patricia Scotland KC, emphasised the value, power, and potential of the Commonwealth family in her Commonwealth Day address…reports Asian Lite News

Today, 56 of the world’s largest countries and smallest islands, across six oceans, continue to stand united and celebrate the shared values for Commonwealth Day.

Commonwealth Day is traditionally celebrated on the second Monday in March. The theme for this year’s Commonwealth Day and the forthcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) is ‘One Resilient Common Future: Transforming our Common Wealth’.

More than 56 nations will celebrate the occasion throughout this week, with representatives attending an event at the Commonwealth Secretariat’s headquarters in London.

This year’s staging is especially significant as the modern Commonwealth will celebrate its 75th anniversary in April.

At a Commonwealth Prime Ministers’ meeting in London on April 26, 1949, the London Declaration said that republics and other independent countries could be equal members of the Commonwealth. Thus, the modern Commonwealth of Nations was born.

King Charles III said in his Commonwealth Day video message: “The Commonwealth family is strongest when we are connected through friendship. As I have said before, the Commonwealth is like the wiring of a house, and its people, our energy and our ideas are the current that runs through those wires.

“Together and individually, we are strengthened by sharing perspectives and experiences, and by offering and borrowing the myriad ways we have each tackled the challenges of our time.”

Commonwealth Secretary-General, Patricia Scotland KC, emphasised the value, power, and potential of the Commonwealth family in her Commonwealth Day address.

“Together, we have built a Commonwealth which is fit for the times we live in — stronger, more connected and more influential than ever; capable of rising to the world’s challenges, innovating to seize new opportunities, and working together to shape a more peaceful, resilient and prosperous common future.”

Throughout the world, civic events, educational activities, and cultural gatherings will take place to celebrate Commonwealth Day.

The Commonwealth nations will come together later this year in October for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa, which will be the first small island developing state from the Pacific to host the CHOGM.

Secretary General hails India’s vital role  

Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland on Monday termed digitalisation innovation in India as “extraordinary”, and highlighted how the commonwealth countries are benefiting from the technology and expertise by India.

Sharing her thoughts on globalization and digitalization, Secretary General Scotland spoke ahead of the 2024 Commonwealth Law Ministers meeting that is scheduled to take place in Zanzibar, Tanzania from Monday.

Underlining India’s vital role in digiltalisation, Scotland stressed that India has brought extraordinary innovations for digitalization and is making an “incredible contribution to the Commonwealth family”.

“India represents almost a half of the Commonwealth because India is now almost 1.4 billion and the innovations that India has brought in for digitalization, has been extraordinary. And many of our countries have really taken advantage of this opportunity. The innovation coming out of India has been really not just advantageous to India itself, but because of India’s willingness to share her technology to share her expertise,” she said.

Scotland added, “This has really benefited all of our Commonwealth. So, India is making an incredible contribution to our Commonwealth family, and we are really grateful that she is sharing everything she has.”

The 2024 Commonwealth Law Ministers meeting, hosted by the Republic of Tanzania, will focus on the theme ‘Technology and Innovation: How digitalisation paves the way for the development of people-centred access to justice’.

During the meeting, law ministers and attorneys-general from across the Commonwealth will discuss recent legal developments in their jurisdictions and explore responses to emerging justice issues affecting Commonwealth citizens.

The meeting agenda will cover a wide range of issues, including digital assets, electronic resources for efficient legal systems, the protection of women and girls, strengthened access to justice for people with disabilities and developments in climate policy and legislation.

The Commonwealth Secretary-General also lauded India’s move of including the African Union as a member of G20.

“Some of our least developed countries have been extraordinarily innovative. If you think about the contribution that has been made by so many in our region, in the Commonwealth, in the Commonwealth Caribbean, I think we have one of the highest per capita Nobel laureates. So, … every one of us is giving, what we have to, and India’s contribution has been extraordinary. Ofcourse, India’s G20. Which meant that India joined Africa to the G20 and made it G21. A very important contribution from your beautiful country,” Scotland stated.

King Charles lauds work

King Charles hailed the work of the Commonwealth in its 75th anniversary year on Monday, although the British monarch was absent from annual celebrations for the organisation he leads as he recuperates from cancer treatment.

The Commonwealth Day events are the most significant annual royal occasion that Charles, 75, has missed since he was forced to postpone public appearances while he undergoes treatment for an unspecified form of cancer.

His wife Queen Camilla instead led senior royals at a service at London’s Westminster Abbey, which was to be followed by a reception at the Commonwealth’s international headquarters.

Usually a highlight of the royal calendar, Monday’s event was also overshadowed by a furore over a picture released on Sunday by Kate, 42, wife of heir to the throne Prince William.

She apologised on Monday for issuing an edited photograph of herself with the couple’s three children after several leading news organisations including Reuters withdrew it, saying it did not meet their editorial standards.

ALSO READ-Commonwealth nations mark 75-year milestone

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Commonwealth nations mark 75-year milestone

Commonwealth Day is traditionally celebrated on the second Monday in March…reports Asian Lite News

Today, 56 of the world’s largest countries and smallest islands, across six oceans, continue to stand united and celebrate the shared values for Commonwealth Day.

Commonwealth Day is traditionally celebrated on the second Monday in March. The theme for this year’s Commonwealth Day and the forthcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) is ‘One Resilient Common Future: Transforming our Common Wealth’.

More than 56 nations will celebrate the occasion throughout this week, with representatives attending an event at the Commonwealth Secretariat’s headquarters in London.

This year’s staging is especially significant as the modern Commonwealth will celebrate its 75th anniversary in April.

At a Commonwealth Prime Ministers’ meeting in London on April 26, 1949, the London Declaration said that republics and other independent countries could be equal members of the Commonwealth. Thus, the modern Commonwealth of Nations was born.

King Charles III said in his Commonwealth Day video message: “The Commonwealth family is strongest when we are connected through friendship. As I have said before, the Commonwealth is like the wiring of a house, and its people, our energy and our ideas are the current that runs through those wires.

“Together and individually, we are strengthened by sharing perspectives and experiences, and by offering and borrowing the myriad ways we have each tackled the challenges of our time.”

Commonwealth Secretary-General, Patricia Scotland KC, emphasised the value, power, and potential of the Commonwealth family in her Commonwealth Day address.

“Together, we have built a Commonwealth which is fit for the times we live in — stronger, more connected and more influential than ever; capable of rising to the world’s challenges, innovating to seize new opportunities, and working together to shape a more peaceful, resilient and prosperous common future.”

Throughout the world, civic events, educational activities, and cultural gatherings will take place to celebrate Commonwealth Day.

The Commonwealth nations will come together later this year in October for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa, which will be the first small island developing state from the Pacific to host the CHOGM.

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‘India’s Innovation Expertise Boosts Commonwealth Countries’

Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland.

Underlining India’s vital role in digiltalisation, Scotland stressed that India has brought extraordinary innovations for digitalization…reports Asian Lite News

Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland on Monday termed digitalisation innovation in India as “extraordinary”, and highlighted how the commonwealth countries are benefiting from the technology and expertise by India.

Sharing her thoughts on globalization and digitalization, Secretary General Scotland spoke to ANI ahead of the 2024 Commonwealth Law Ministers meeting that is scheduled to take place in Zanzibar, Tanzania from Monday.

Underlining India’s vital role in digiltalisation, Scotland stressed that India has brought extraordinary innovations for digitalization and is making an “incredible contribution to the Commonwealth family”.

“India represents almost a half of the Commonwealth because India is now almost 1.4 billion and the innovations that India has brought in for digitalization, has been extraordinary. And many of our countries have really taken advantage of this opportunity. The innovation coming out of India has been really not just advantageous to India itself, but because of India’s willingness to share her technology to share her expertise,” she said.

Speaking to ANI, Scotland added, “This has really benefited all of our Commonwealth. So, India is making an incredible contribution to our Commonwealth family, and we are really grateful that she is sharing everything she has.”

The 2024 Commonwealth Law Ministers meeting, hosted by the Republic of Tanzania, will focus on the theme ‘Technology and Innovation: How digitalisation paves the way for the development of people-centred access to justice’.

During the meeting, law ministers and attorneys-general from across the Commonwealth will discuss recent legal developments in their jurisdictions and explore responses to emerging justice issues affecting Commonwealth citizens.

The meeting agenda will cover a wide range of issues, including digital assets, electronic resources for efficient legal systems, the protection of women and girls, strengthened access to justice for people with disabilities and developments in climate policy and legislation.

The Commonwealth Secretary-General also lauded India’s move of including the African Union as a member of G20.

“Some of our least developed countries have been extraordinarily innovative. If you think about the contribution that has been made by so many in our region, in the Commonwealth, in the Commonwealth Caribbean, I think we have one of the highest per capita Nobel laureates. So, … every one of us is giving, what we have to, and India’s contribution has been extraordinary. Ofcourse, India’s G20. Which meant that India joined Africa to the G20 and made it G21. A very important contribution from your beautiful country,” Scotland stated.

Providing details about her upcoming visit to India later this month, She said she will be visiting the heartfulness center in Hyderabad, where President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar will be focusing how we can bring people of all races or religions together to enhance peace

“I’m going to go to Hyderabad and in Hyderabad, I’m going to the heartfulness center. I understand that the President and Vice President of India will also be going there and they will be keynote speakers as will I. We are looking at peace in the Commonwealth. We’re looking at how we can bring people of all races or religions together to enhance peace, and we have faith in our Commonwealth,” the Secretary General said.

Earlier in January, Patricia Scotland was honoured by the Heartfulness Institute in India for her service to the education, growth, and success of young people across 56 Commonwealth countries.

She emphasised on looking into prospects on using digital, AI and technological revolution to help investment and opportunity for the entire Commonwealth.

“I’m really looking forward to that and of course Hyderabad as I mentioned earlier, the center of digital and AI and technological revolution. And so I will be looking at how we can take advantage of all of that to help investment, to help opportunity for the whole of our Commonwealth but particularly the 1.5 billion young people under the age of 30 who are today’s leaders and will be the leaders of tomorrow,” she added. (ANI)

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Commonwealth Raises $320M in Climate Finance

UnniKrishnan Divakaran Nair, Head of Climate Change at the Commonwealth Secretariat.

Commonwealth has raised more than US$320 million in climate finance for small countries, in addition to another US$500 million that is in the pipeline.

UnniKrishnan Divakaran Nair, Head of Climate Change at the Commonwealth Secretariat, said that climate finance is essential to boost investments in low-carbon development and the ability of at-risk countries to mitigate the repercussions of climate change.

He pointed out that the Commonwealth has raised more than US$320 million in climate finance for small countries, in addition to another US$500 million that is in the pipeline.

The Commonwealth official told the Emirates News Agency (WAM) on the sidelines of the 28th United Nations Conference of the Parties (COP28) in Dubai that this current edition of COP was able to provide an opportunity for multilateral work and a platform for communication between stakeholders to advance global climate action.

He mentioned the establishment of the Commonwealth Climate Finance Access Hub (CCFAH), which is a mandate for the Commonwealth Secretariat to unlock financial support to developing countries, and a confirmation of the commitment of the 56 Commonwealth member states to move forward in addressing climate change.

The Commonwealth official pointed to the initiative to provide the necessary training to build the capacities of nearly 2,500 officials from the organisation’s member states, and to provide the necessary research and statistics to gain a deeper understanding of the issue of climate change, in addition to implementing the Commonwealth Charter, which is in line with the United Nations’ commitments to address climate change, desertification, and biodiversity,

He called for the exchange of solutions between Commonwealth member states and to promote new and renewable energy projects.

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India endorses Commonwealth roadmap on gender equality

The roadmap was the result of three-day deliberations among ministers at their triennial Commonwealth meeting in The Bahamas this week….reports Asian Lite News

Women’s affairs ministers from Commonwealth countries, including representatives from India, have committed to a roadmap, designed to scale up efforts to achieve gender equality and empower women and girls, especially in climate action.

The roadmap was the result of three-day deliberations among ministers at their triennial Commonwealth meeting in The Bahamas this week.

It was also shaped by input from a range of stakeholders, including domestic violence survivors, civil society representatives and women with disabilities.

As part of this roadmap, the women’s affairs ministers pledged to enhance efforts to address inequality in several Commonwealth priority areas over the coming years.

Specific provisions include an enhanced role of women in climate finance, increased support for women with disabilities, more economic opportunities for women, better representation in decision-making and greater protections from gender-based violence.

The roadmap encapsulates the outcome statement issued by ministers, representing 2.5 billion Commonwealth people, at the conclusion of their meeting.

Next year, this roadmap will be considered by leaders at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa.

Speaking after the meeting, the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Patricia Scotland, said the roadmap was “incredibly important” because millions of women and girls “are disproportionately impacted by injustice, climate change, violence and discrimination”.

“The outcomes of the meeting send a clear message that the Commonwealth is determined to lead by example towards ensuring women and girls are not left behind in our efforts to achieve sustainable development and climate justice.

“What we achieved here will enable us all to deliver today and it will help to shape a better tomorrow for the benefit of the 2.5 billion people living in our Commonwealth,” she added.

To support the roadmap’s implementation, ministers endorsed a framework for reporting on Commonwealth priorities for gender equality.

The Commonwealth Secretariat will use this framework to regularly assess progress based on set indicators and coordinate necessary measures through a ministerial action group, aimed at tackling challenges disrupting the positive momentum.

Acknowledging that climate change disproportionately affects women and girls, ministers shared good practices that supported women and girls in overcoming the impacts in their respective countries.

Ministers and senior officials also called on the Commonwealth to advocate for an inclusive ‘Loss and Damage Fund’ that supports the needs of women and girls equitably.

India’s Preetam B. Yashvant, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Women and Child Development, endorsed the roadmap on achieving gender equality.

The meeting was chaired by Obediah Wilchcombe, Minister of Social Services and Urban Development of The Bahamas. Reflecting on the meeting in a press conference, minster Wilchcombe expressed his appreciation for the substantive outcomes.

“We have a roadmap coming out of this meeting which we (The Bahamas) and other countries will follow. Because it would not make too much sense three years from now to return saying the same old thing. What we want to do is to make a real difference. We are pleased that this meeting sets us up on a higher plane and at a faster pace to follow this roadmap,” he said.

Recognising the significance of engaging men and boys in preventing and combating gender-based violence, ministers welcomed the launch of Secretary-General Scotland’s ‘For the Women in my Life’ campaign.

To be rolled out across the Commonwealth, the campaign will take a culturally sensitive approach towards involving men and boys in addressing violence against women and girls as active allies.

In their statement, ministers also highlighted the need for collecting and analysing sex-disaggregated data in order to develop evidence-based solutions and target them more accurately.

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‘Commonwealth needs India’s vision and strength to deliver’

Commonwealth, Secretary-General Patricia Scotland hails India’s G20 leadership, says agenda identified by India aligned with Commonwealth’s agenda…reports Asian Lite News

Calling India’s leadership an ‘incredibly important moment’ for Commonwealth, Secretary-General Patricia Scotland said that the association needs New Delhi’s strength, vision and support to deliver on issues like climate justice, reforms and to believe that change is possible and justice is deliverable.

Hailing India’s G20 leadership, Scotland believes that the agenda which has been identified by India for the G20 is very much the Commonwealth’s agenda. Patricia Scotland was the first woman to be appointed by the Heads of Government of 56 Commonwealth countries to the position, leading the Commonwealth of Nations to deliver on the mandates agreed upon by the Commonwealth Heads of Government, including on climate action, democracy and youth development.

“I think this is an incredibly important moment for us in the Commonwealth having India’s leadership. You know that the Commonwealth has been pushing hard for example, for a reform of the International financial institutions and India now leads the Finance Ministers Action Group on this issue. We believe that we should have a universal vulnerability index which takes into account not just GDP, but the vulnerability of our countries”, said Patricia Scotland.

“The agenda which has been identified by India for the G20 is very much the Commonwealth’s agenda. So, we really are hoping that the leadership that India has shown will enable us to deliver on a number of issues. For example, we know that we need climate finance if we are to have climate justice. The G20 countries are probably responsible for 80 per cent of the emissions. The Global South, particularly the small and the developing states, the island states have contributed less than five per cent of these emissions”, she added.

Talking further of India taking the mantle of Chairing the Commonwealth Finance Ministers Action Group, the Secretary-General said that it really does need India’s strength, vision and support, if it is to deliver and improve the opportunities for the disadvantaged and those who have contributed the least to the climate crisis.

“We are hoping that India will continue as she has done to strive for climate justice, and she will be receiving more than support. I must thank India for taking up the mantle of chairing this Commonwealth finance ministers Action Group, which is supported by Nigeria as the deputy of the vice chair on behalf of the Commonwealth finance ministers. So we really do need India’s strength, vision and support, if we are to deliver this”, said Secretary Scotland.

She added, “Just think how we could improve the opportunities that those who are most disadvantaged and who have contributed least to the climate crisis that we now face. Just think about what we could help them to do. If they got the money for adaptation and mitigation. So, I have to tell you, there is a lot of hope. There’s a lot of aspiration and trust that’s being invested in India, as now the fifth largest economy in the world, to help those who are vulnerable and small, to believe that change is possible and justice is deliverable. And India is a real partner of choice for so many in our Commonwealth who need India’s help and her support”.

Speaking further about India’s goal of net-zero emissions by 2070 and how climate change impacts developing countries including India, Scotland said that “Climate change has had a devastating impact on all of our countries and if we look at the number of incidents of climate disasters then there has been an increase of more than 75 per cent in the last 20 years and the cost of these disasters has gone up more than 80 per cent which poses an existential threat, particularly for the small states and also for all of us.”

Talking about the World Tourism Organization’s Summit that is currently ongoing in Mauritius and the key areas of discussion, she said that it is an opportunity for the tourism industry, along with the governments and the multilateral agencies, to come together to create an implementation plan to respond after the huge disruptions caused to tourism pattern after the Covid pandemic.

She also said that one of the things that Africa is doing at this conference is to make sure that we’re more resilient to the exogenous shocks in the future and that there will be a creative plan for how we make tourism sustainable.

“You will know that 90 per cent of the tourists who come to our countries are international in nature. And over the past decade, the small island developing states have achieved remarkable success in building the tourism sector. So, for example, before COVID in 2019, 44 million visited their rich biodiversity and ecosystems and tourism contributed almost 30 per cent to these small islands, developing states. GPD accounts for about 27 per cent of the jobs in the Caribbean and that’s 24 per cent in the Atlantic of the Indian Ocean and South China Sea. And so if you look at the impact of the Pacific, it’s similar 20 per cent in the Pacific, small island developing states, so it’s a vital source of revenue for small island developing states for their livelihood, and the whole impact of COVID And the climate disasters has had a terrible impact”, the Secretary-General said. (ANI)

ALSO READ-Commonwealth nations to review energy transition progress

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Commonwealth nations to review energy transition progress

Commonwealth nations to review energy transition progress.(Photo: twitter.com/commonwealthsec)

Globally, nations are working to pivot towards low-carbon energy systems, in response to climate change, energy security needs and the falling cost of renewable energy technologies…reports Asian Lite News

Next week, the third Commonwealth Sustainable Energy Forum will bring together senior government officials, private sector actors, industry experts and youth delegates to review energy transition progress and discuss ways to achieve ambitious goals with action on the ground.

Energy access is essential for sustainable development, with nearly 774 million people across the world still without access to electricity. More than half of them live in Commonwealth countries.

Globally, nations are working to pivot towards low-carbon energy systems, in response to climate change, energy security needs and the falling cost of renewable energy technologies.

Commonwealth Secretary-General, Patricia Scotland KC, highlighted the importance of the upcoming discussions, stating: “Commonwealth countries are working together to fast-track an inclusive, just, and equitable transition to low-carbon energy systems through the Commonwealth Sustainable Energy Transition (CSET) Agenda.

“While the transition pathways may differ, the move to clean energy systems is a common goal, and all member countries recognise of the nexus between climate change, energy access and sustainable development.”

A number of milestones and new initiatives will be announced at the event. These will be implemented under the CSET Agenda — a platform for all member countries to work together to accelerate the global transition to clean energy through collective action, knowledge sharing and technical support.

The Sustainable Energy Forum is also seen as an opportunity to discuss the road to the UN Climate Change Conference COP28, to be held in Dubai in November.

In particular, the event will have a strong intergenerational approach, recognising that young people are essential stakeholders in creating the solutions for the energy transition.

The Forum will meet over three days: The day one focuses on global developments in the transition to cleaner energy; the day two will be a closed-door plenary for member country delegates, including dedicated sessions focusing on youth action; and the day three will consider both public and private financing solutions.

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