Commonwealth Secretariat

Commonwealth Secretariat
Name	Commonwealth Secretariat
Formation	1965
Headquarters	Marlborough House, London
Membership	56 member states
Leader title	Secretary-General
Leader name	Patricia Scotland
Website	thecommonwealth.org

Commonwealth Secretariat. The Commonwealth Secretariat is the principal intergovernmental institution of the Commonwealth of Nations, responsible for facilitating consultation and cooperation among its member countries. Established in 1965 by the London Declaration, it serves as the central administrative organ, implementing decisions reached by Commonwealth leaders. The Secretariat is headquartered at Marlborough House in London and operates under the guidance of Commonwealth Heads of Government.

History

The Secretariat was formally established in 1965 following a meeting of Commonwealth Prime Ministers and the publication of the Agreed Memorandum, which outlined its functions. Its creation marked a shift from the informal cooperation previously managed by the Government of the United Kingdom to a structured, multilateral body. The first Secretary-General was Arnold Smith of Canada, who set up the initial operations from Marlborough House. Key milestones in its history include organizing the first Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Singapore in 1971 and managing the adoption of the Harare Declaration in 1991, which reaffirmed the Commonwealth's core principles. The institution has played a central role in pivotal events such as opposition to apartheid in South Africa and support for democratic transitions in members like Zambia and Malawi.

Structure and membership

The Secretariat's work is directed by the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, which sets the strategic agenda, while the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group addresses serious violations of the Harare Declaration. All 56 member states, ranging from large nations like India and Australia to smaller states such as Antigua and Barbuda and Vanuatu, participate in its governance. The senior management committee, led by the Secretary-General, oversees divisions focused on areas like political affairs, economic development, and sustainable development. The Secretariat also coordinates closely with accredited organizations like the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and the Commonwealth of Learning.

Functions and programmes

Its core functions include organizing major summits like the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting and providing policy advice and technical assistance to member governments. Key programme areas encompass promoting democratic institutions through the Commonwealth Electoral Network, supporting small states on issues like climate change at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, and advancing development goals via the Commonwealth Connectivity Agenda. The Secretariat also administers the Commonwealth Fund for Technical Cooperation and runs initiatives in areas such as public health, legal reform, and youth empowerment, often collaborating with bodies like the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.

Leadership and staff

The head of the Secretariat is the Secretary-General, elected by Commonwealth Heads of Government for a maximum of two four-year terms. The current Secretary-General is Patricia Scotland, a barrister from Dominica and former Attorney General for England and Wales, who succeeded Kamalesh Sharma of India. The Deputy Secretary-General position has been held by figures such as Joseph Muscat of Malta. The staff, considered international civil servants, are recruited from across the Commonwealth of Nations and operate under a charter of impartiality, with senior officials often having backgrounds in organizations like the United Nations or national governments such as New Zealand and Ghana.

Funding and budget

The Secretariat is funded through a biennial assessed contribution system agreed upon by all member governments, based on a formula that considers each country's Gross National Income. The Government of the United Kingdom, as the host country, provides a significant portion of the core budget and covers the costs for Marlborough House. Additional voluntary contributions from members like Australia and Canada finance specific programmes, including those managed by the Commonwealth Fund for Technical Cooperation. The budget is approved by the Commonwealth Finance Ministers and is subject to audit by external bodies, with expenditures focused on conference services, development projects, and administrative operations.

Criticism and controversies

The Secretariat has faced criticism over its perceived inefficacy in enforcing political principles, notably during constitutional crises in members like Fiji and The Maldives. The election process for Secretary-General has been contentious, with the 2015 contest involving Patricia Scotland and Baroness Scotland highlighting allegations of divisive campaigning. Financial management and transparency have been questioned in reports by bodies like the National Audit Office (United Kingdom). Furthermore, the organization has been challenged on its relevance in a multipolar world and its handling of issues such as LGBT rights in member states like Uganda and Brunei, leading to debates during meetings of the Commonwealth People's Forum.

Category:Commonwealth of Nations Category:International organizations based in London Category:Organizations established in 1965