Commonwealth iLibrary

Harnessing Africa's Critical Minerals Wealth

Kartikeya Garg, Brendan Vickers — Wed, 11 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0700

Africa holds about 30 per cent of the world’s mineral resources, many of which are vital for the energy transition from fossil fuels to renewables and low-carbon technologies, including electricity networks, battery storage and electric vehicles (Chandler, 2022). Global efforts to meet the Paris Agreement’s ambition of net-zero emissions by 2050, therefore, would place ‘Africaat the heart of the green energy transition, both in environmental and geopolitical terms’.

In addition to their role in the energy transition, these minerals already serve as an important source of revenue for African countries, comprising about one-third of exports from at least 33 African countries in 2019. Moreover, 45 out of the 54 African countries were classified as commodity-dependant, with 17 classified as dependent on non-fuel minerals, ores and metals export.

This issue of Commonwealth Trade Hot Topics, the first of a two-part series, highlights the role of Africa in the global energy transition. It examines the trends and dynamics regarding reserves, production and trade of critical minerals on the continent, especially those needed for Africa’s own energy transition. It concludes by proposing five pathways for African countries to harness their critical minerals potential.

Enhancing Sustainability in Africa's Critical Minerals Sectors

Kartikeya Garg — Wed, 11 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0700

Critical minerals mining in Africa plays a crucial role in the global economy, supplying essential resources for advanced technologies. The continent is endowed with abundant deposits, nearly 30 percent of the world’s share of vital minerals, including cobalt, lithium, manganese and graphite, which are indispensable for producing electric vehicles and renewable energy systems. The demand for criticalminerals for these technologies is projected to increase fivefold over the next decade.

Addressing these issues through international regulations and sustainable mining initiatives is essential for harnessing Africa’s mineral wealth responsibly. Proper management and ethical practices can ensure that critical minerals mining contributes positively to both local and global development. This issue of Trade Hot Topics, the second of a two-part series, focuses on some of the main sustainability challenges and proposes different ways to address them.

Challenges and Opportunities for Renewable Energy Technology Transfer in Least Developed Countries

Collin Zhuawu, Neil Balchin, Kyle de Klerk — Fri, 05 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0700

This paper, the second of a two-part series, focuses on the role of trade and investment in enabling the diffusion of green technologies to least developed countries (LDCs) to help their transition to renewable energy. LDCs are already making progress in expanding their use of clean energy sources: the total renewable energy generated by all LDCs more than doubled between 2010 and 2020 and, on average across the LDC group, more than half (51.6 per cent) of their total energy generation in 2020 came from renewable sources, compared to a global average of 27.7 per cent. Recognising this potential in the renewable energy sector, this paper argues that LDCs could benefit from the transfer of technology through trade and investment, which would enable them to make greater use of their existing resource endowments and accelerate their energy transitions, while also contributing to their economic transformation and to mitigating climate change.

Exploring the Renewable Energy Landscape in Least Developed Countries: Generation, Trade and Endowments

Kyle de Klerk, Neil Balchin, Collin Zhuawu — Fri, 05 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0700

This paper, the first of a two-part series, examines the renewable energy landscape in least developed countries (LDCs) and explores the scope to expand renewable energy generation and trade in these countries by maximising the potential of their renewable energy endowments. It begins with a detailed overview of existing renewable energy generation capacity across the group of LDCs, paying particular attention to Commonwealth LDC solar, wind, hydro and bioenergy generation. Thereafter, Section 3 examines the state of energy trade involving Commonwealth LDCs and explores opportunities for them to increase their exports of renewable energy. Section 4 assesses the renewable energy generation potential in LDCs through an analysis of their raw solar and wind resource endowments. The paper concludes by highlighting practical considerations for LDCs to accelerate their renewable energy transitions and maximise the trade, growth and economic development potential of their renewable energy resource endowments.

Green Trade Opportunities in Agriculture and Forestry for the Commonwealth Countries

Lawrence Othieno — Mon, 29 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0700

Transitioning to green trade is a matter of urgency, given the drastic impacts of the climate crisis in several countries across the Commonwealth and world over. These impacts have proved a serious challenge to sustainable development. The climate crisis is reshaping countries’ economic and trade prospects, posing a major threat to human survival, future economic growth, and prosperity, especially for countries with high export concentrations in a range of climate-sensitive sectors, such as agriculture, fisheries, and tourism. If not countered, the crisis is likely to significantly destroy the trading capacity and export competitiveness of least developed countries (LDCs) and of small and vulnerable island countries. Urgent actions and supportive measures on adaptation and mitigation are needed to address the increasing risks and challenges the crisis poses.

Graduating with Momentum

Tom Pengelly — Thu, 22 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0800

This paper explores the potential for LDCs, including those that will soon graduate from the category, to benefit from intellectual property rights (IPRs). It argues that a more pro-development intellectual property (IP) agenda is needed for LDCs, tailored to their specific context and development goals. The paper provides evidence-based analysis to assist LDCs to navigate potential IPR-related challenges upon graduation and to develop IP regimes and systems that support the development of productive capacities, technological upgrading and innovation as part of broader efforts to achieve inclusive growth and structural transformation. While acknowledging that there is no one-size-fits-all approach, the paper proposes a range of forward-looking solutions, innovations, capacity-building options, policy positions and legislative steps, which can be adapted to specific country contexts and circumstances as appropriate, to help LDCs attenuate the negative impact of the loss of LDC-specific flexibilities and possibly unlock IPR-related benefits both before and after graduation.

Exploring Commonwealth Trade in Digitally Delivered Services

Salamat Ali, Neil Balchin, Kyle de Klerk, Collin Zhuawu — Wed, 07 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0800

This issue of Trade Hot Topics examines the landscape of digitally delivered services trade in Commonwealth countries. It assesses the key drivers of this trade in the Commonwealth and offers insights and policy recommendations to expand digitally delivered services exports from Commonwealth members.

Strengthening Resilience in Commonwealth Small States

James Gregory, Olajide Oyadeyi, Attila Shaaran — Wed, 15 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0800

Despite their limited landmasses and populations, Commonwealth small states possess distinctive and diverse economies. While some depend heavily on natural resource extraction, others focus on services sectors like tourism and finance. However, a common thread uniting them is their susceptibility to economic shocks and the effects of climate change.

Because of their compact sizes and often vulnerable geographic locations, these nations are disproportionately sensitive to economic disruptions and environmental changes, including rising sea levels and extreme weather events. It is thus imperative for them to proactively enhance resilience by diversifying their economies and adapting to climate change impacts.

Assessing the Impact of Fossil Fuel Subsidy Reforms in Commonwealth Developing Countries

Collin Zhuawu, Kartikeya Garg — Wed, 08 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0800

In 2021, the world spent more than US$520 billion to subsidise fossil fuels.1 This could have paid for COVID-19 vaccinations for every person in the world or provided three times the annual amount needed to eradicate poverty (Africa Renewal, 2021). By encouraging demand and excessive consumption of cheaper fossil fuels, these subsidies distort markets, shield people from price signals and contribute to several macroeconomic imbalances, including higher global inflation (Gilmour, 2022).

Successfully reforming fossil fuel subsidies requires wider economic policy reforms alongside systematic changes to climate and energy policies. This issue of Trade Hot Topics assesses the possible economic, social and environmental impacts of such reforms in Commonwealth developing countries, especially small states, least developed countries (LDCs) and countries in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Using data on explicit subsidies,2 it highlights the need for Commonwealth developing countries to maximise their renewable energy potential. It also suggests measures that may be adopted to minimise any adverse impacts of the fossil fuel subsidy reforms.

Trade in Plastics and Plastics Substitute Materials in Commonwealth Countries

Collin Zhuawu, Salamat Ali, Kyle De Klerk — Mon, 06 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0800

In recent years, there has been growing recognition of the need for co-ordinated action to address the increasing health, environmental and economic costs of burgeoning plastics pollution and the role that trade can play as a solution. Annual
global exports of plastics total about US$1 trillion (or 333 million tonnes), almost 5 per cent of world merchandise trade ($19 trillion, 2019–21 average). These trade flows have almost quadrupled over the last two decades, from an annual average of
$260 billion (or 94 million tonnes) during 1995–97. To help reduce plastics pollution, 127 countries have adopted legislation to regulate plastics bags. This includes restricting the manufacturing, imports, distribution and use of plastics as well as promoting
the use of plastics substitutes and reducing single use plastics. (UNEP 2018).

To widen the discussion on the role that trade can play as a solution to plastics pollution, this first part of a two-part special edition of Trade Hot Topics takes a step back to get a better understanding of the significance of trade in materials that can be
used as inputs in the production of plastics substitutes and alternatives. It analyses the trade-related challenges and opportunities for developing countries, including least developed countries (LDCs) and small island developing states (SIDS), to use trade to reduce plastics pollution.2 It focuses on Commonwealth developing countries, which are key suppliers of a wide range of these plastics substitute materials.

Improving the Operationalisation and Implementation of the WTO’s LDC Services Waiver

Swati Sharma — Mon, 02 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0700

In 2011, the World Trade Organization members adopted a decision on the Least Developed Country Services Waiver (‘the Waiver’), which allowed developed and developing countries to grant LDC members preferential treatment that would otherwise be inconsistent with most-favoured-nation treatment under Article II of the General Agreement on Trade in Services. However, even after the decision adopted to operationalise the Waiver at the Bali Ministerial Conference in 2013, most LDCs have not been able to take advantage of this arrangement.

This study explores the services trade of the 14 Commonwealth LDCs to analyse whether the preferences provided under the LDC Services Waiver are commercially meaningful for these economies. The study highlights the major contribution that services make to gross domestic product (GDP) in almost all Commonwealth LDCs and argues that services sectors have significant potential to drive economic development and transformation in these countries.

Energising Africa's Digital Economy

Kyle de Klerk — Mon, 10 Jul 2023 00:00:00 -0700

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is the largest free trade agreement in the world by number of members and geographical area covered. It spans 54 African countries, 2 with a combined gross domestic product (GDP) of US$3.5 trillion and 1 billion consumers. Although initial trading under the agreement officially commenced in 2021, there are still ongoing negotiations on several outstanding protocols.

This issue of Trade Hot Topics provides an overviewof the ongoing debate regarding cross-border data flows and their restriction. It examines this debate in light of Africa’s digital needs and explores how cross-border data flows are regulated in the multilateral
trading system and other large regional trade agreements, as well as by different African countries. It concludes with some recommendations for the negotiations on the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol.

How Governments Can Do More with Less

Commonwealth Secretariat — Wed, 14 Jun 2023 00:00:00 -0700

This publication is a guide to assist policy-makers, civil servants and public administrators across government ministries, departments and public service delivery agencies, particularly in developing and low-income countries. It is a resource to help design and improve policies, programmes and services that can stimulate low-cost innovation and help organisations and individuals in the public, private or voluntary sector overcome structural and resource constraints.

Assessing the Feasibility of Digitising the Kava Value Chain in the Pacific

Commonwealth Secretariat — Wed, 14 Jun 2023 00:00:00 -0700

The economic analysis undertaken in this report highlights that kava is a unique crop in the Pacific, both economically and socially. It has been used across the region for centuries as a core part of cultural ceremonies and events, and in recent years has become increasingly important from a development perspective. There are thriving domestic markets across the Pacific, providing an income to a high proportion of the populations, and export markets are growing.

Kava is now the largest merchandise export in Tonga and Vanuatu, and Fiji’s largest agricultural export.

Deepening Intra-Commonwealth Trade and Investment between the UK and Africa

Brendan Vickers, Salamat Ali, Neil Balchin, Kyle de Klerk — Wed, 31 May 2023 00:00:00 -0700

The African Commonwealth countries have a long-standing history of strong trade, investment and diaspora linkages with the UK. These economic relationships have been fostered over time as a result of historical ties, similar business procedures and legal systems, and the widespread use of the English language. Together, these 21 countries represent about 40 per cent of the continent’s population and half of its gross domestic product (GDP). They also play a crucial role in driving international trade and investment flows from Africa.

This issue of Trade Hot Topics explores the trade and investment linkages between the 21 African Commonwealth members
and the UK. It also examines some of the key factors that are redefining these bilateral economic relationships.

Sustainable Production and Trade

Commonwealth Secretariat — Wed, 31 May 2023 00:00:00 -0700

Sustainable production and trade are essential for the future of our planet as they provide critical pathways towards achieving long-term economic, social and environmental sustainability. The Commonwealth recognises that the challenges of climate change, loss of biodiversity and resource depletion require urgent action. For over three decades, the Commonwealth has been at the forefront of global sustainability efforts, leading the way and advocating for change.

This book analyses sustainable production and trade practices in four key sectors: cocoa, fisheries, forestry, and textiles and garments. It seeks to shed light on the commendable sustainable practices employed by Commonwealth countries in these sectors, while also highlighting the challenges they face and the potential to make production and trade more sustainable in the future. A central message throughout the book is the need to prioritise support to small-scale producers, indigenous peoples and local communities, women and youths, and small and medium enterprises to help achieve these goals while improving their livelihoods.

Beyond Trade and GDP

Salamat Ali, Brendan Vickers — Wed, 31 May 2023 00:00:00 -0700

Gross domestic product (GDP) and the value of trade in goods and services are macroeconomic indicators that are widely used to assess a country’s level of development, economic wellbeing and growth prospects. Both GDP and trade are constructs developed by economists and may not necessarily align with the way citizens perceive the world.

GDP is a one-dimensional measure of economic activity that captures only market transactions and disregards distributional inequalities. It also overlooks the role played by other valuable assets such as natural resources, land, water, minerals and ecosystem services in the development process. Taken in isolation, these two macro indicators may not provide a complete picture of a country’s actual wealth or growth prospects in the medium and long run.

This issue of Trade Hot Topics explores the composition of Commonwealth countries’ collective wealth, and the implications of
these assets for inclusive and sustainable growth and resilience in the face of shocks.

Enhancing Intra-Commonwealth Trade and Investment

Wed, 31 May 2023 00:00:00 -0700

International business (IB), whether cross-border activities by multinational enterprises (MNEs) or non-equity forms of investment, and the international environment it operates in are heavily influenced by the historical legacies of countries and their international relations.

This issue of Trade Hot Topics considers IB and the Commonwealth and international business policy.

Resource Mobilisation Strategy for the Nationally Determined Contribution Implementation Plan of Grenada, 2023-2030

Commonwealth Secretariat — Tue, 30 May 2023 00:00:00 -0700

Access to international financial resources is crucial for developing countries and small island developing states (SIDS) to achieve their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). For SIDS such as Grenada, ability to deliver on climate targets depends heavily on ability to access global climate financing. Grenada, in its Second NDC, submitted on 30 November 2020, established a target to reduce emissions by 40 per cent from 2010 levels. There is a need now to develop a strategy to streamline funding movement, as the proposed climate mitigation and adaptation target is conditional on external financing.

Considering that the investment needed in low-carbon and climate-resilient growth in Grenada is substantial, a forward-looking Resource Mobilisation Strategy (RMS) guiding the investment and financing approach for Grenada to achieve its target is of paramount importance. This report aims to fill this need.

Technology and Innovation in Sustainable Energy Transition

Paul Precht — Fri, 12 May 2023 00:00:00 -0700

Achieving universal access to affordable, reliable energy and increasing the share of renewable energy in the energy mix requires fundamental, rapid and large-scale shifts towards new technologies. Technologies capable of expanding energy access and transition to low-carbon energy resources are available and need to be accessed. This paper reviews low-carbon technologies for enabling sustainable energy transition in the Commonwealth, describing the range of resources and innovations that can facilitate a sustainable energy transition, and exploring case studies of how energy access has been successfully expanded.

12th Regional Conference of Heads of Anti-Corruption Agencies in Commonwealth Africa

Commonwealth Secretariat — Thu, 11 May 2023 00:00:00 -0700

Corruption is acknowledged as an obstacle to economic development and democracy worldwide, although for the most part the impacts are bigger in developing countries. Meanwhile, during the COVID-19 pandemic, insufficient accountability and inadequate oversight mechanisms in crisis response and recovery significantly increased the risks of corruption and fraud in various countries.
Consequently, the fight against corruption must be a collective responsibility, and Commonwealth countries have put in place a number of strategies to this end.

Every year, the Commonwealth Secretariat organises a Regional Conference of Heads of Anti-Corruption Agencies in Commonwealth Africa to discuss countries’ experiences in the fight against corruption and challenges encountered. The 12th Regional Conference took place in Kigali, Rwanda, from 3 to 6 May 2022. During the Conference, every ACA Head presented an innovative project implemented in the fight against corruption (a success story). Experts in the fight against corruption also presented their experiences.

Enabling Sustainable Trade in the OECS

Commonwealth Secretariat — Tue, 25 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0700

Following the severe impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is an opportunity to build back better by establishing sustainable economies that are more resilient to external shocks. For the countries of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), achieving this will require addressing their unique vulnerabilities as small island developing states, including by focusing on opportunities to diversify and strengthen their economies. The book contains three different analyses on the sustainable blue economy, the digital economy and the impact of climate change and natural disasters, providing guidance to the OECS countries as they pursue their economic recovery efforts.

Enabling Sustainable Trade in the OECS is both timely and topical, providing a ready reference guide to some of the dynamics, opportunities, challenges and policy options associated with the ocean and digital economies.

Printed copies of this title can be purchased from the Commonwealth bookshop site, provided by our distributor Eurospan.

Environmental, Social and Governance Practices for Value Creation in the Commonwealth

Commonwealth Secretariat — Thu, 20 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0700

The concept of ESG is used to effectively assess longer-term environmental, social and governance risks and opportunities for firms. It has gained traction in recent years with the public sector and with international finance institutions.

Three key challenges remain to ensure effective ESG sector outcomes and growth. First, the most common criticism of ESG is that it provides opportunities for companies to engage in ‘greenwashing’ – inflating their sustainability credentials while continuing business-as-usual. Second, the application of ESG lacks a clear or standardised definition or assessment methodology. This results in high uncertainty around scoring and impact. Finally, although ESG has been growing in all regions, the maturity of regulatory and policy frameworks is highly unequal.

Fiscal Policy Options for Resilient and Sustainable Development

Commonwealth Secretariat — Thu, 06 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0700

Creating enabling environments and the capacity to access and generate multidimensional financing for development, climate change and enhanced resilience, remains challenging amid global pressures. One feasible approach is to revisit the criteria for financing allocation and the management of earmarked international transfers and debt relief.

This paper focuses on fiscal policy options for resilient and sustainable development. An appropriate design and mix of national taxes would help raise revenues efficiently, reduce the cost of doing business and the barriers to exports, and encourage economic integration to counteract disruptions in global value chains.

Addressing Online Violence Against Women and Girls in the Commonwealth Europe Region

Commonwealth Secretariat — Fri, 31 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0700

This report contributes to the Commonwealth study on online violence against women and girls (OVAWG) and considers the prevalence of online violence and the role of bystanders as well as therelevant laws, institutions, policies and practices to address the problem in the European region of the Commonwealth, namely Cyprus, Malta and the United Kingdom of Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) and Northern Ireland (UK).

The report highlights the complex nature of OVAWG and the difficulties associated with differences in terminology resulting in inconsistent data collection and varied legal responses across the European region of the Commonwealth. It also details the role of bystanders and their criminal or civil liability that, it argues, are relatively new considerations in the OVAWG space. An understanding of the nature and presentation ofOVAWG is required by bystanders, including the impact on victims to drive action.

Commonwealth Cybercrime Monitor

Commonwealth Secretariat — Mon, 20 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0700

The Commonwealth Cybercrime Monitor (CCM) contains a brief synopsis and links to selected cybercrime cases collected from different countries across the Commonwealth. It will be of interest to policymakers, academics and practitioners involved in cybercrime policymaking, investigation, prosecution and adjudication. It is designed to assist Commonwealth member countries to strengthen their anti-cybercrime and cybersecurity legislative, policy, institutional and
multilateral frameworks.

The cases covered in the present edition of the CCM include online harassment, ransomware, child pornography, money laundering and electronic fraud cases.

Addressing Online Violence Against Women and Girls in the Commonwealth Africa Region

Commonwealth Secretariat — Fri, 17 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0700

This report provides a summary of the phenomenon of online violence against women in various African Commonwealth member
countries and describes the legal frameworks and their limitations and the challenges these present. The report also makes suggestions on how totackle these issues in order to find solutions to the problem of online violence against women and girls.

Towards a Green Steel Ecosystem in the East African Community

Commonwealth Secretariat — Fri, 17 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0700

Steel remains globally foundational for economic and human development. It underpins all sectors of any growing economy, including infrastructure, energy, construction and both capital and consumer goods manufacturing. Steel is also a critical component in green technology, with recycled scrap steel already an integral component of modern steel, which helps close the loop for proactive circular economy transitioning towards decarbonisation. There is no substitute for steel in the foreseeable future.

A major finding of this study is that the volatile strategic environment for global iron ore and steel production creates both paradoxical trends and opportunities for the East African Community.

Given some existing comparative advantages and some potential policy adjustments, the East African Community could find that apparent the ‘missed opportunity’ creates improved prospects for regional economic development while meeting global and regional decarbonisation goals.

Realising the Trade Ambitions of the Doha Programme of Action for LDCs

Salamat Ali, Neil Balchin, Kyle de Klerk, Brendan Vickers — Tue, 28 Feb 2023 00:00:00 -0800

The United Nations’ Doha Programme of Action (DPoA), which runs from 2022 to 2031, renews the global community’s commitment to tackling the challenges hindering faster growth and development in the world’s 46 least developed countries (LDCs). The DPoA has similar growth and trade-related goals and targets as its predecessor, the Istanbul Programme of Action (IPoA), which was implemented from 2011 to 2020. However, most LDCs, including several in the Commonwealth, did not meet a number of these goals in the past decade (Commonwealth Secretariat, 2022). In the rapidly changing global economic landscape, with concerns about a worldwide recession and multiple interrelated food, energy and debt crises, significant changes in the trade and development paths of LDCs are needed to realise the DPoA’s aspirations and drive meaningful economic transformation.

This issue of Trade Hot Topics quantifies the gaps between the historical levels of actual trade and economic growth in LDCs and the growth levels needed to achieve the targets set by the DPoA. It also examines some of the key levers and drivers of trade and investment to realise these ambitions.

Bridging the Human Rights Implementation Gap

Commonwealth Secretariat — Wed, 08 Feb 2023 00:00:00 -0800

In January 2022, the Commonwealth Secretariat launched a survey of national frameworks for the implementation of international human rights obligations in Commonwealth member states. The primary objectives of the survey were to:

a. Contribute to the body of knowledge, such as studies conducted by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and other organisations, on the role and effectiveness of National Mechanisms for Implementation, Reporting and Follow-up (NMIRFs). Recent OHCHR studies have shown that NMIRFs are vital for improved implementation and reporting on human rights. They have identified several essential ‘capacities’ for enhanced performance, including engagement, co-ordination, consultation and information management.

b. Map existing national systems for implementation, reporting and follow-up to understand how they implement their mandates, and thereby facilitate an exchange of good practice and lessons learnt.

c. Understand specific needs for further technical assistance for Commonwealth member states to establish and/or strengthen NMIRFs.

d. Provide information to be used in advocacy for formulating common guiding principles on NMIRFs.

Addressing Online Violence Against Women and Girls in the Commonwealth Pacific Region

Commonwealth Secretariat — Mon, 06 Feb 2023 00:00:00 -0800

This report focuses on the role of online bystanders in reducing online violence against women and girls (VAWG), including consideration of any related policies or laws. Given the relatively recent emergence of bystanders as potential facilitators and exacerbators of online crime, policy responses have tended to focus on the virtual versions of existing physical crimes, such as ‘cyber’ bullying and ‘cyber’ stalking, and/or the dissemination of intimate images online (when previously they might have been posted on a physical bulletin board). Moreover, these policy responses have tended to focus on capturing perpetrators, but not bystanders, within a legislative framework.

Digital Agriculture and Fisheries Policies in the Commonwealth

Commonwealth Secretariat — Mon, 06 Feb 2023 00:00:00 -0800

Within the agricultural and fisheries sectors, digitalisation is seen as a ‘game changer’ for transforming the sectors in low- and middle-income countries, including those across the Commonwealth. For example, digitisation is linked to increased productivity for multiple sectors, including agriculture.

Digitalisation for agriculture and fisheries can be defined to consist of three pillars, namely digital innovations, data infrastructure and business development services, which develop in the context of a broader enabling environments for digitalisation.

Addressing Online Violence Against Women and Girls in the Commonwealth Asia Region

Commonwealth Secretariat — Fri, 03 Feb 2023 00:00:00 -0800

Online violence is increasing rapidly and is emerging as one of the biggest threats facing the online world today. Acts of online violence take multiple forms, including cyberstalking, cyberbullying, sexual harassment, sex trolling, doxing, hate speech, public shaming and intimidation.

Broadly speaking, online violence against women and girls and the victimisation pattern in Commonwealth Asia member countries are consistent with the overall global trend. However, given unique formal and informal institutions in these countries, perpetration and victimisation related to OVAWG have many significant aspects that are different from most other countries in the world. As a result of underdeveloped regulations and regulatory infrastructure related to OVAWG, it is difficult to arrest, prosecute and convict the perpetrators in most of these countries. Meanwhile, societal norms tend to make victims of OVAWG feel devalued and excluded.

The Circular Economy

Sophie Brain, Christine Awiti — Thu, 02 Feb 2023 00:00:00 -0800

In the ongoing fight against poverty and inequality, globalization and sustained economic growth are perceived as key to ending global poverty and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Sustained economic growth is traditionally seen as leading to increased income, which either directly or indirectly lowers poverty levels. Similarly, as the world becomes more globalized, it is assumed that the increase in trade will be accompanied by good quality jobs in both industry and services and, consequently, increasing income, declining poverty and sustained growth.

Realising Article 24 of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

Commonwealth Secretariat — Tue, 31 Jan 2023 00:00:00 -0800

As part of an ongoing commitment to support the development of a more inclusive education system across Commonwealth countries, the Commonwealth Secretariat commissioned documentation to support good policy and practice, particularly on including students with disabilities in mainstream education. This has been prepared with the objective of initiating a wider dialogue on inclusive practices for mainstreaming disability.
This document provides examples from 11 Commonwealth countries, highlighting the process of change that is underway in these countries and the evolution of policies and strategies to improve access to education for children with disabilities.
It additionally provides models and self-assessment tools to support policy-makers and education professionals as they work towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 to ensure inclusive and
equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.

Addressing Online Violence Against Women and Girls in the Commonwealth Caribbean and the Americas

Commonwealth Secretariat — Tue, 31 Jan 2023 00:00:00 -0800

The purpose of this report is to map the prevalence of online violence against women and girls, with a particular focus on so-called innocent bystanders and the state of laws, institutions, policies and practices within the Caribbean and Americas region
of the Commonwealth (Canada).

Cyberviolence against women and girls in the Commonwealth countries of the Caribbean and Americas (Canada) is recognised as a serious problem, and measures are being taken to address it. The prevalence of cyberviolence in terms of its root causes and impacts is gender based, with a disproportionate impact on females and marginalised individuals where there is also intersectionality of race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, poverty, disability and other socioeconomic factors. Similar types of violence against women and girls often occur in both offline and online spheres or originate in one sphere and carried through into the other. In the most serious cases, cyberviolence can lead to physical assaults and even suicide.

Mine Tailings Management and Regulation

Hannah Lily, Chilenye Nwapi, Charlotte Ndakorerwa — Mon, 12 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0800

This briefing note addresses an issue of critical importance in mineral development: the management of mining waste (known as ‘tailings’). It is aimed at Commonwealth policymakers seeking a better understanding of mine tailings and the policy/ regulatory options available for addressing related concerns. The document will cover the following: why the issue is important, the impact of tailings on communities, how the management of tailings is relevant to governments, the emergence of a global standard for tailings management and the role governments can play in promoting best practice.

Parametric Climate Insurance Using Blockchain Technology

Commonwealth Secretariat — Thu, 17 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -0800

Blockchain technology has the potential to drive efficiencies throughout the insurance value chain.

This study aimed to investigate the likely customer demand for, technical feasibility and economic viability of blockchain-based climate catastrophe insurance (BBCCI) in Fiji. The report analysed BBCCI’s application in the context of Fiji by undertaking a technical feasibility assessment, which was followed by an economic feasibility assessment. Based on these assessments, a roadmap for the implementation of BBCCI in Fiji is recommended.

Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Toolkit

Commonwealth Secretariat — Wed, 16 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -0800

High-quality and accessible Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) lays the foundation for healthy and well-functioning societies. Effective ECCE systems equip young children with the means to develop to their fullest potential during their formative years, in a safe and inspiring environment, nurtured by well trained professional teachers and carers.

The Commonwealth’s ECCE Toolkit has been designed as a resource for Ministers of Education and officials to increase access to quality ECCE services, for ages 0 to 8 years, using a multi-sectoral approach. This toolkit outlines five features to support this approach, covering topics including conducting situational ECCE sector analyses, planning and implementing quality services,
methods to expand access, and monitoring and evaluating ECCE systems. In addition, it aims to assist governments in ensuring these services are responsive to the rights, needs, and capabilities of children, their families and their communities.

Gender Integration in NDCs

Commonwealth Secretariat — Fri, 11 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -0800

This best practice guide supports Commonwealth member countries to integrate gender into Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) – the documents at the apex of national frameworks for climate mitigation and adaptation actions, through which gender equality outcomes can be progressed.

The 2013 Commonwealth Charter recognises ‘gender equality and women’s empowerment as critical preconditions for effective and sustainable development’. Integrating gender into Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) is an iterative process of increasing ambition to meet Commonwealth, national and international gender equality goals.

It is intended for stakeholders of the NDC update process: national climate change focal points, national gender-responsible entities, sectoral leads, Commonwealth National and Regional Climate Finance Advisers of the Commonwealth Climate Finance Access Hub (CCFAH), as well as those who carry out research and assessments on which future NDCs are based.

The guide encourages users to reflect on the NDC update processes to date, and provides a sample of best practices from across the Commonwealth. Tips and useful references are also included, all aimed at increasing gender equality through climate action. Best practices have been divided into five sections, covering:

policy alignment and clarity of intent
financing gender expertise and gender budgeting
skills for a gender-just transition
evidencing a gender-just transition
institutional collaboration and feedback mechanisms.

Each section includes basic questions for consideration by stakeholders, along with a Commonwealth progress check, informed by data from the Commonwealth NDC Tracker which will launch in 2023, and a theoretical timeline of iterative actions to help mainstream gender into NDCs by the 2025 cycle.

This guide should be read in tandem with the accompanying Commonwealth report, Gender Integration for Climate Action: A Review of Commonwealth Member Country Nationally Determined Contributions (Second Edition).

Oil and Gas Decommissioning Toolkit

Naadira Ogeer — Wed, 09 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -0800

Decommissioning is the final stage of an oil or gas project. At the end of a field’s life, when production has ceased, decommissioning is the process whereby the hydrocarbon reservoirs are isolated and associated infrastructure is removed and disposed of, so that the producing area is left in a safe and environmentally acceptable condition. Decommissioning is a long, costly and complex process, requiring co-operation by the key stakeholders to manage technical, economic, operational, social and environment issues.

It is therefore important that decommissioning is adequately addressed by the government in its capacity as the regulatory authority for the sector.

Commonwealth Education Policy Framework 2nd Edn

Commonwealth Secretariat — Wed, 09 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -0800

Since 2015, when world leaders first committed to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and Commonwealth Education Ministers recognized the importance of the quality and equity for their attainment, education and SDG 4 have lain at the heart of realising the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. Coordinated action on education policy remains necessary at national and international levels, Therefore, the Commonwealth Secretariat released the first Commonwealth Education Policy Framework (CEPF) in 2017. This second CEPF is designed to inform and enable the development and update of national policies to help Commonwealth countries achieve their targets under SDG 4.

The second edition of the CEPF highlights the lessons learned over the past four years, especially those generously shared by stakeholders in Commonwealth countries. It responds to challenges caused by COVID-19 and recognises the need for resilient, accessible and quality education services and systems. This edition is intended to complement, and not compete with, the strategies of other global education partners and is flexible in its application given the diverse contexts and progress of Commonwealth countries. Rarely has the imperative to prioritise education in the strategies and budgets of Commonwealth governments been greater.

Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Self-assessment Toolkit

Commonwealth Secretariat — Tue, 08 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -0800

Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) is essential to equip youth and adults with the necessary skills for employment and entrepreneurship and to achieve sustainable development. The Nassau Declaration1 at the 19th Conference of Commonwealth Education Ministers (19CCEM) in June 2015 highlighted the Commonwealth values of equity and access, and the key role of education for sustainable development. At this conference, Ministers welcomed the significant contributions of the Commonwealth Ministerial Working Group towards achieving the targets among member countries for quality education involving performance, pathways and productivity (3Ps).

Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Toolkit

Commonwealth Secretariat — Tue, 08 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -0800

The Commonwealth’s ECCE Toolkit has been designed as a resource for Ministers of Education and officials to increase access to quality ECCE services, for ages 0 to 8 years, using a multi-sectoral approach. This toolkit outlines five features to support this approach, covering topics including conducting situational ECCE sector analyses, planning and implementing quality services, methods to expand access, and monitoring and evaluating ECCE systems. In addition, it aims to assist governments in ensuring these services are responsive to the rights, needs, and capabilities of children, their families and their communities.

Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Self-assessment Toolkit

Commonwealth Secretariat — Tue, 08 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -0800

Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) is essential to equip youth and adults with the necessary skills for employment and entrepreneurship and to achieve sustainable development. The Nassau Declaration1 at the 19th Conference of Commonwealth Education Ministers (19CCEM) in June 2015 highlighted the Commonwealth values of equity and access, and the key role of education for sustainable development. At this conference, Ministers welcomed the significant contributions of the Commonwealth Ministerial Working Group towards achieving the targets among member countries for quality education
involving performance, pathways and productivity (3Ps).

The revised Commonwealth TVET Toolkit 2021 includes new responses for vocational education systems in a post-pandemic world to enable knowledge transfer between member countries and facilitate a green recovery through low carbon industries and economies. This Toolkit is expected to support member countries across the Commonwealth to assess the strengths and weaknesses of their TVET systems, identify key gaps in policies and delivery mechanisms, and prioritise areas for further development.
The TVET Toolkit 2021 comprises of a Participant’s Manual and Facilitator Guide. The Toolkit provides resources for participants, through facilitated workshops and other modes to explore the six key features of an effective TVET system: (i) governance; (ii) employer engagement; (iii) occupational standards; (iv) qualification frameworks; (v) quality institutions; and (vi) delivery and assessment; and to assess how well their TVET systems are performing under these areas.

Evaluation of the Commonwealth Secretariat's Strategic Plan 2017/18 - 2020/21

Commonwealth Secretariat — Tue, 08 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -0800

The Strategy, Portfolio, Partnerships and Digital Division (SPPDD) of the Commonwealth Secretariat commissioned this independent evaluation of the Commonwealth Secretariat’s current Strategic Plan 2017/18–2020/21 with the main purpose of contributing valuable insights to the development of the next Strategic Plan 2021/22–2024/25. To ensure it could meet this purpose, despite significant delays and constraints, the evaluation was reframed post-inception to take an explicit forward-looking lens.
The evaluation questions listed in the inception report were reframed to become forward looking and learning focused, organised around five dimensions or areas of change identified through the mapping and clustering of recurrent findings from strategy evaluations and reviews conducted in the past 15 years: (1) strategic focus and synergy; (2) strategic leveraging of core assets and mandate; (3) strategic resourcing and budgeting; (4) strategic evaluation and learning; and (5) effective organisation.

Gender Integration for Climate Action

Commonwealth Secretariat — Fri, 04 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -0700

This report, updated from the first edition published in 2021, presents a macro-level overview of the extent of gender integration in Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs), and new or revised Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) by Commonwealth member countries submitted to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) under the 2021 revision cycle. Since the first edition of this report was published, a further 27 updated NDCs have been submitted, and Gabon and Togo have joined as Commonwealth member countries, bringing the total updated NDCs submitted to 47 of the 56 member countries.

The Earth’s climate is a system influenced by many complex interlinked feedback loops. Gender equality and the empowerment of women is a global Sustainable Development Goal (SDG), also subject to many influences depending on context and national circumstances. While there is no doubt that climate and gender equality are intersectional issues, both are stand-alone goals under the SDGs, and jostle for position with other social and economic development priorities.

Presenting assessments of NDCs made using a quantitative and qualitative framework, and including an eight-point scale to illustrate the journey from ‘no gender integration’ through to ‘gender awareness, sensitivity and responsiveness’, the report showcases existing best practices for countries to emulate, and proposes a set of recommendations that can be followed during future NDC revision processes. Furthermore, it identifies critical gaps common to most NDCs, and provides a baseline for Commonwealth Secretariat interventions towards policy development, finance, technology and capacity building for implementation of gender-inclusive climate action in Commonwealth member countries.

Please also see our accompanying publication, Gender Integration in NDCs: A Commonwealth Best Practice Guide, which provides practical support to those seeking to integrate gender into NDCs in Commonwealth member countries.

A Commonwealth Guide to Ocean Climate Finance

Commonwealth Secretariat — Thu, 03 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -0700

Drawing from a wide range of resources on ocean climate finance, this guide is intended to support practitioners, policy-makers and ocean advocates to understand the ‘seascape’ of ocean climate finance, and empower them to design and develop more successful ocean climate finance applications. It introduces the special characteristics of ocean-based mitigation and adaptation projects, explains the different sources and types of finance available, and equips readers with a practical understanding of the priorities of different funding groups from both the public and private sectors.

The global ocean is a critically important component of the Earth’s biosphere and climate system, but it faces tremendous threats from the impacts of climate change, including warming, acidification, pollution and development. While the global landscape of climate finance is growing quickly, funding for ocean-based climate mitigation and adaptation projects remains disproportionately small. In this context, the guide provides a clear and practical guide for project design and development, including best practices for securing finance and a wealth of tools and resources for those seeking funding for ocean-based initiatives. These include decision trees to identify the best funding match for your project; checklists for finance applications; and perhaps most importantly, a long-term, strategic approach to project development that is focused on building communities of practice and partnerships between governments, the private sector, public institutions, civil society organisations and communities.

It also includes summaries of funding sources and investment models, as well as case studies and examples of best practice. The guide encourages project proponents to pursue long-term planning for crosscutting projects that deliver multiple integrated goals, both environmental and social. Recognising and addressing the unique features and opportunities of ocean-based projects, and the barriers to them, can contribute to realistic and impactful project design. Furthermore, proactively building partnerships with the private sector allows project proponents to access the largest source of finance in the global economy as well as its associated skills and resources.

Evaluation of the Commonwealth Secretariat's Support to Small States

Commonwealth Secretariat — Wed, 02 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -0700

This evaluation of the Commonwealth Secretariat’s Support to Small States covers two strategic periods: 2013/14-2016/17 and
2017/18-2020/21. It focuses on selected interventions from the dedicated small states pillar (Pillar 5: Small and Vulnerable States) as well as the other pillars (Pillar 1: Democracy, Pillar 2: Public Institutions, Pillar 3: Youth and Social Development, and Pillar 4: Economic Development). The evaluation process ran from February 2021 to August 2021.

Thirty-two of the 56 Commonwealth member countries are small and vulnerable states, many of which share similar vulnerabilities and characteristics associated with their sensitivity and exposure to exogenous shocks.

Field Development Plans

Naadira Ogeer — Wed, 02 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -0700

Developing a petroleum field requires the safe and efficient execution of extremely complex, technical, risky, multi-billion-dollar projects. The Field Development Plan (FDP) is the company’s proposal for how it intends to develop a field and manage the associated risks. It is the outcome of a lengthy multi-disciplinary process and is submitted to the government for approval.

The FDP is a critical moment in the project lifecycle as decisions will impact the field over its entire life. It is therefore of paramount importance that the government is able to review these plans to ensure that strategic, technical, economic, social and environmental issues are effectively addressed.

This handbook has been developed to support government officials in the effective review, approval, and oversight of Field Development Plans.

The Consequences of Inaction

Commonwealth Secretariat — Mon, 24 Oct 2022 00:00:00 -0700

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of death globally, resulting in more than 36 million deaths annually, principally from cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancers and chronic respiratory diseases (WHO 2013). Commonwealth countries have a high burden of NCDs, with nearly 400 million individuals living there currently diagnosed with at least one (WHO 2018). In 2015, NCDs accounted for over 10 million deaths across the Commonwealth, with the highest prevalence among Small Island Development States (SIDS). The rise of NCDs has been primarily driven by four key modifiable risk factors: physical inactivity, tobacco use, excessive use of alcohol and unhealthy diets.

Taking action to prevent the rise in NCDs through, for example, policies and legislation, which are low cost, will play an important role in reducing the risks of NCDs and addressing the rising burden (Kluge et al. 2020). For instance, recent systematic reviews on the impacts of different policy options to reduce trans fats in the food supply – including voluntary reductions and labelling – confirm that setting a legislative mandatory limit is the most “effective, economical, and equitable policy approach” (Downs et al. 2017). This evidence indicates that the benefits of addressing unhealthy diets by lowering the prevalence of trans fatty acids (TFAs) are not just health-related but also economic (Collin et al. 2020).

Regional Youth Digital Skill Strategies

Commonwealth Secretariat — Tue, 11 Oct 2022 00:00:00 -0700

Building a clear and concise data-driven and evidence-based policy-enabling paradigm is the key to effective economic growth and
workforce development for any country. While businesses in South Asia are fast in adopting new technologies, there is a risk that talent to support its implementation won’t keep pace.

The technology sector will see a high level of labour-skills shortages if action is not taken in all parts of the world, including South Asia.

As all companies essentially become tech companies – facilitated by advances in 5G, the IoT and other Industry 4.0 technologies – it’s essential that businesses and public bodies team up to advance tech skill sets within their markets.

Commonwealth Countries: Driving FinTech Innovation

Commonwealth Secretariat — Wed, 05 Oct 2022 00:00:00 -0700

The aim of this publication is to provide an evidence-based approach to financial innovations and their impact on the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals and other areas of development.

The report finds that FinTech leads to economic growth and improved economic performance, with increased contributions from the financial sector and e-commerce turnover. FinTech innovations, such as mobile money, have been found to reduce poverty and income inequality and reduce the rural-urban income gap, while increasing financial inclusion.

Commonwealth Educational Leadership Handbook

Amina Osman, Paul Miller — Tue, 04 Oct 2022 00:00:00 -0700

Commonwealth Education Ministers and stakeholders have consistently stressed the need to improve school leadership given the impact that it can have on school performance and learning outcomes.

In 2018, at the 20th Commonwealth Conference of Education Ministers (20CCEM), ministers acknowledged that good governance and effective educational management practices are central to realising equitable access to quality education. Ministers agreed that high-quality teaching is a priority, and that the Member States should focus on how teachers and school leaders are trained, recruited and motivated and how the profession is governed. Effective and knowledgeable leaders and managers are essential throughout all areas of school management practice because they have an impact on the learning outcomes of children, young people, families and the wider community.

This handbook is a practical, immediate response to expressed needs in school leadership development. It aims to support efforts to integrate school leadership development in the professional development of the education work force, including through reflective practice and conversations about professional development and personal growth.

Embedding Development in WTO Plurilateralism: A Commonwealth Developing Country Perspective

Collin Zhuawu — Fri, 16 Sep 2022 00:00:00 -0700

Trade is widely accepted as an essential tool for economic growth and sustainable development, and has helped lift millions of people out of poverty (World Bank, 2018). It can also reduce the marginalisation of developing countries in the global economy, especially that of least developed countries (LDCs), small vulnerable economies (SVEs) and countries in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).
Most of these countries depend on trade for their growth and development, especially on exports in a narrow range of goods and services.

This issue of Trade Hot Topics reflects on some of the key trade and development issues of interest to LDCs, SVEs and SSA countries. It then highlights the need to explore possibilities for prioritising their development interests, individually and collectively, in a changing global economic and trading landscape, by transforming plurilateral discussions of interest to them into more openended and inclusive multilateral discussions.

An Ex-Ante Assessment of Pakistan-UK Free Trade Agreement on Pakistan's Trade Revenue and Welfare

Commonwealth Secretariat — Wed, 14 Sep 2022 00:00:00 -0700

The UK is engaged in signing numerous free trade agreements (FTAs) with its trading partners following its withdrawal from the European Union (‘Brexit’).

There is growing concern from the Government of Pakistan on the future of sustainable preferential trade with the UK. Although Pakistan’s products currently have market access to the UK under the enhanced GSP, there is no certainty on the
sustainability of trade under this framework/trade regime.

Commonwealth Women's Forum

Commonwealth Secretariat — Tue, 09 Aug 2022 00:00:00 -0700

The Commonwealth Women’s Forum (CWF) was held in Kigali, Rwanda, from 20 to 21 June 2022, drawing together 500 delegates from around the Commonwealth. The ambition was to explore the critical challenges and opportunities in advancing gender equality in the Commonwealth today around the theme ‘Delivering a Common Future: Transforming for Gender Equality’.

Unlocking Climate Finance Access for Small States and other Vulnerable Commonwealth Countries

Commonwealth Secretariat — Thu, 04 Aug 2022 00:00:00 -0700

The climate finance landscape is complex and challenging. Funds are available to support climate change mitigation and adaptation, but small and vulnerable Commonwealth countries, which often face the most serious impacts of climate
change, have limited capacities and experience significant barriers to accessing these funds.

In 2013 the Commonwealth Expert Group on Climate Finance identified the complex and crowded climate finance landscape as one of the main bottlenecks preventing the scaling up of climate finance for developing member countries. Member countries often face capacity and resource constraints that mean they cannot secure and optimise access to climate funds. Moreover, with an estimated increase in annual climate finance of at least 590 per cent required to meet internationally agreed climate objectives by 2030 and to avoid the most dangerous impacts of climate change, CCFAH is a direct response to the 54-member Commonwealth family’s need for support if we are to overcome these challenges together.

Debt Swaps: Go Big or Go Home - the View of the Borrower

Nadia Spencer-Henry — Thu, 04 Aug 2022 00:00:00 -0700

Sovereign debt management during times of economic distress can be particularly painful for small states. In some cases, capacity constraints have prevented these countries from institutionalising debt management grounded in sound macroeconomic and monetary policies. In other cases, these countries have borrowed at high cost and high risk, banking on high returns that were then eroded by economic- and climaterelated shocks. The climate crisis, unlike others, is persistent and requires ongoing attention.

National Policy on Sport and Recreation for Lesotho 2021-2031

Commonwealth Secretariat — Thu, 28 Jul 2022 00:00:00 -0700

The National Policy on Sport and Recreation has been developed to contribute to the inclusive, holistic growth and development of the sports and recreation sector. The Policy provides an operational framework to all stakeholders to effectively implement programmes designed to maximise the role of sport and recreation to advance the economic and social development priorities of Lesotho, African Union Agenda 2063 and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Implications for Food Security in the Commonwealth

Salamat Ali — Mon, 25 Jul 2022 00:00:00 -0700

Food security is essential for economic well-being and maintaining social and political order. The COVID-19 pandemic and associated production and supply chain disruptions, along with the effects of climate change, have triggered an increase in food prices globally.

Recently, the Russia–Ukraine conflict and the disruption of supplies from the Black Sea region have increased turbulence in the global grain and edible oils markets, accentuating inflationary pressures on food prices. Besides higher prices for staple foods, sunflower oil exports from Russia and Ukraine have dried up, sending buyers scrambling for alternative sources and driving up prices.

Charting a Feasible Course for The Gambia Diaspora Investment Strategy

Commonwealth Secretariat — Mon, 25 Jul 2022 00:00:00 -0700

Remittances to the Gambia have been steadily increasing. In 2021, The Gambia received US$777 million in remittances (63 per cent of its GDP). In 2014 the Gambia was the 10th highest remittance receiving country in the world and the 3rd highest in Africa. Recognizing the important role the diaspora plays in The Gambia, in recent years the Government has put in place several initiatives aimed at enhancing diaspora engagement and investment including the Migration and Sustainable Development in The Gambia (MSDG) project, which is now in phase 2; as well as the formation of a Diaspora directorate.

Considering the challenges faced when translating diaspora savings into investments, the Commonwealth Diaspora Finance project is aimed at encouraging diasporas to invest in their family’s country of origin. This includes providing technical assistance to countries to identify the best tools and strategies to help them increase diaspora investment. This report, therefore, is aimed at assessing the current Gambian diaspora policy framework and environment to suggest strategies that can be implemented in the short, medium, and long term to enhance or spur Gambian diaspora investment. This report is based on a combination of desktop research and key stakeholder interviews conducted between 16 and 22 March 2022.

The Commonwealth Sustainable Energy Transition

Commonwealth Secretariat — Thu, 23 Jun 2022 00:00:00 -0700

Successful implementation of the Paris Agreement and the delivery of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG7 on affordable and clean energy, are intrinsically linked. Key goals of SDG7 include achieving universal access to energy by 2030 and substantially increasing the share of renewable energy globally. The Paris Agreement targets limiting global warming to well below 2°C and preferably to 1.5°C compared to preindustrial levels by 2050 by the decarbonisation of our economies, requiring a transition of our energy sources from non-renewable hydrocarbon-based fuels to non-carbon fuels, which will primarily be renewable energy. This transition will entail major changes in our economies and to our lifestyles and change of this magnitude at the required pace will be challenging, bringing significant disruption, uncertainties and opportunities. Progress is being made towards these goals, but there is a consensus that it is not happening fast enough to meet the targets of SDG7 or the Paris Agreement.

Guidelines for Implementation

Commonwealth Secretariat — Fri, 17 Jun 2022 00:00:00 -0700

The guidelines for Implementation: The Whole System Approach in Addressing Violence against Women and Girls provides a collaborative framework between Commonwealth member country governments, the Commonwealth Secretariat, Commonwealth Associations, partner organisations, experts on the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and civil society
organisations (CSOs).

The aim is to create an easily accessible pathway by means of which Commonwealth member countries can evaluate their current progress, set realistic targets and create a framework to support and enhance gender equality and women’s empowerment within the Commonwealth.

An Ocean of Opportunity

Commonwealth Secretariat — Thu, 16 Jun 2022 00:00:00 -0700

The Commonwealth Blue Charter is an agreement by Commonwealth countries to actively co-operate in addressing the myriad of ocean-related issues and commitments that they face. Commonwealth Blue Charter Action Groups are member driven, led by Commonwealth Blue Charter ‘Champion’ countries. This report serves as a compilation of action under the 10 Action Groups, in the context of wider Commonwealth Ocean action, with the aim of highlighting the impact of the Commonwealth Blue Charter.

Small States Economic Review and Basic Statistics #21

Tamara Mughogho, Sophie Brain, Devyn Holliday — Thu, 16 Jun 2022 00:00:00 -0700

The economic impacts of COVID-19 on Commonwealth small states (CWSS) have been vast and far-reaching. The ongoing effects of the pandemic have contributed to a multi-pronged crisis where economies were ravaged, poverty levels have risen, and the expansionary fiscal policies aimed at cushioning the effects of the pandemic have contributed to rising debt levels. All this contributed to the plight of small states, many of which were already grappling with the effects of climatic shocks stemming from their persistent vulnerabilities to adverse climate and weather-related conditions.

Respect in the Commonwealth

Commonwealth Secretariat — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 00:00:00 -0700

This 'project in a box' on building resilience and inter-community dialogue encompasses detailed instructions, illustrations, and inspiration.

The toolkit focuses on how to deliver workshops on inter- and intra-community relationship building, and aims to improve global citizenship literacy, awareness of tools and learning of skills to build socially cohesive and tolerant communities that are resilient to violent extremism.

This toolkit is for anyone who feels motivated to improve relationships and respect in the community, the workplace and even among friends and family. You can use it to improve respect generally or to tackle a specific issue, such as hate speech or inter-ethnic conflict. Depending on your level of experience of bringing people together, and the kinds of issues you are working with, you will find a range of different tools to apply. Whether you are experienced in facilitating change or are just starting out, this toolkit has been designed and tested for you.

Reigniting Old Flames: The Liberalisation of Trade in Environmental Goods and Services

Collin Zhuawu, Kimonique Powell — Wed, 08 Jun 2022 00:00:00 -0700

This study traces the evolution of the World Trade Organization (WTO) negotiations on liberalising trade in Environmental Goods and Services (EGS). It explores the challenges and opportunities faced by Commonwealth small states and countries in Sub Saharan Africa (SSA) in participating in EGS discussions. Small states and SSA countries have been primarily absent from the multilateral discussions on EGS for reasons that include insufficient trade-related interests in environmental goods. Notwithstanding, these countries should partake in these discussions especially amid the changing economic and trading landscape of the 21st century and concomitant changes in the environment. International trade is not as it was in 2001 when these negotiations began and likewise environmental concerns like climate change now pose an existential threat to mankind. The study begins by mapping the progression of the EGS negotiations at the WTO including attempts at establishing a plurilateral environment goods agreement. Thereafter, the paper analyses the trade-related interests of Commonwealth small states and SSA countries in EGS. The challenges and opportunities they face in participating in negotiations on liberalising trade in EGS are then highlighted. The paper concludes by identifying the priorities that these countries might consider should they decide to participate in the WTO EGS discussions.

COVID-19 and Election Management in the Caribbean

Commonwealth Secretariat — Tue, 07 Jun 2022 00:00:00 -0700

The Commonwealth Caribbean is home to a cluster of the most stable democracies among developing countries. Most countries in the region have been independent for at least 40 years and they have, with certain exceptions, displayed the main elements of free and democratic societies.

The COVID-19 pandemic, however, has presented conditions that challenge adherence to the principles enshrined in the regional
and international democratic instruments and guidelines to which Commonwealth Caribbean countries subscribe, including freedom of association and the right to genuine and periodic democratic elections. In some instances, member countries have chosen to postpone elections in light of the serious public health concerns the pandemic has posed. Where elections have taken place, election management bodies (EMBs) and public health bodies have had to give serious consideration as to how to undertake activities such as voter registration and vote-casting in a manner that balances fundamental political rights on the one hand and public health exigencies on the other.

Progress Report of the 2018 Commonwealth Ministerial Meeting of Small States

Commonwealth Secretariat — Tue, 07 Jun 2022 00:00:00 -0700

The Commonwealth Ministerial Meeting on Small States was convened in London, United Kingdom, on 17 April 2018 during the week of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). The meeting was co-chaired by the CHOGM hosts, the
Government of the United Kingdom and the Government of Fiji. In attendance were ministers from 41 Commonwealth countries, including all 31 small states, international financial institutions, regional organisations and several development partners who attended the meeting as observers.

This report has been prepared by the Commonwealth Secretariat and is intended to provide an update on progress against the key deliverables agreed by foreign ministers at their 2018 meeting on Commonwealth Small States. The report will be presented by Fiji on behalf of the outgoing 2018 CMMSS co-chairpersons at the upcoming 2022 CMMSS, with a view to keeping ministers informed of progress and to note deliverables and activities to be taken forward by the incoming co-chairs.

Conquering Cervical Cancer in the Commonwealth

Commonwealth Secretariat — Mon, 06 Jun 2022 00:00:00 -0700

Accurate and reliable health information is a cornerstone of effective public health. Conversely, there is a growing body of evidence demonstrating that misinformation, misconceptions and myths spread fast and have substantial negative impacts on population health, such as by reducing confidence in vaccines or promoting unproven cancer treatments. In light of this, the global movement to eliminate cervical cancer needs to recognise and integrate measures to dispel myths, misconceptions and misinformation surrounding cervical cancer.

Beyond the Pandemic: Commonwealth Trade and Investment Prospects

Wed, 01 Jun 2022 00:00:00 -0700

By June 2022, it will be nearly two and a half years since the outbreak of COVID-19. The impact of the pandemic on global trade and investment flows, including among the Commonwealth’s 54 member countries, is now becoming clearer. The trade collapse in 2020 was deeper than previously estimated (Commonwealth Secretariat, 2021). Collectively, Commonwealth countries’ exports fell by US$475 billion compared to 2019 and included an almost $100 billion drop in intra-Commonwealth trade. This was the result of economic recession in several major markets and severe disruptions to production and supply chains. Global trade rebounded in 2021 as many developed countries started to reopen their economies, facilitated by national vaccination efforts and stimulus spending. However, most developing and low-income countries lack equitable and affordable access to vaccines and other vital medical supplies, delaying recovery efforts.

The Impact of the EU-UK Trade and Co-operation Agreement on Caribbean Exporters

Paul Goodison — Wed, 04 May 2022 00:00:00 -0700

The UK’s departure from the EU customs union and singe market has created new trade challenges along triangular supply chains where goods have to cross on EU/UK border prior to delivery to the final customers. This affects both Caribbean-to-UK-to-EU and Caribbean-to-EU-to-UK supply chains. Agri-food products are most seriously affected since these products face the highest MFN tariffs, strict phytosanitary import controls and are often more commercially sensitive to delivery delays. While many Caribbean export sectors are affected, the worst affected products appear to be sugar, rum, fruit and vegetables (including bananas), fisheries products and to a lesser degree cocoa-based products. The current arrangements have disproportionately large effect on small firms than larger exporters. Significantly, policy initiatives can facilitate private sector adjustments
and mitigate challenges faced by Caribbean exporters.

Managing the Reintegration of Violent Extremists and their Families

Peta Lowe, Stacey Stafford, Anna Sherburn — Wed, 04 May 2022 00:00:00 -0700

This publication focuses on efforts to rehabilitate individuals that have participated in violent extremist groups to reintegrate them into their community. It looks at proactive strategies that could be used in Commonwealth countries to aide in the rehabilitation and integration of former violent extremists and their families.

Developing successful reintegration programs is crucial not only to preventing recidivism among returnees but also to mitigating further radicalization among the local population and building overall community-level resilience to violent extremism

Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism

Commonwealth Secretariat — Thu, 28 Apr 2022 00:00:00 -0700

The capacity-building workshop on Preventing/Countering Violent Extremism, on which this Practitioners’ Guide is based, came at the right time for the Governing Board, Regional Peace Councils, Regional Executive Secretaries and Management of the Head Office of the National Peace Council, considering the threats posed by terrorism and violent extremism in West Africa and the Sahel and in other neighbouring countries.

Even though Ghana has consistently been celebrated as a stable democracy, growing fears of the spread of extremist groups across the sub-region — given the porous borders — have heightened discourse within security circles in the country. There are also notable domestic threats that provide fertile grounds for violent extremist actions, including chieftaincy and ethnic clashes, farmer-herder conflicts, violent demonstrations, armed robberies, the proliferation of arms, drug trafficking, political polarisation, vigilante groups, kidnappings and violent communication through the media.

Socio-economic and Financial Implications Assessment of Climate Change on Jamaica

Commonwealth Secretariat — Sat, 09 Apr 2022 00:00:00 -0700

The Nationally Determined Contributions Partnership (NDCP) assists countries committed to implementing NDCs and the achievement of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. Through its Climate Action Enhancement Program (CAEP), the NDCP helps countries fast-track climate and development activities.

The Government of Jamaica approached the NDCP CAEP to support its work on understanding the “Socio-economic and financial implications (past and projected) of climate change (including severe weather events/cyclones/drought) in Jamaica through the development of climate expenditure and institutional analyses and modelling”. In response to this request from the Jamaican government, the Commonwealth Secretariat agreed to support this request through its Commonwealth Climate Finance Access Hub (CCFAH). The CCFAH is a mechanism used by the Commonwealth Secretariat to support member countries in building their capacities to address climate change, meet their sustainable development goals, and assist in accessing climate finance.

Taxonomy Guide: Infrastructure in the Digital Economy

Max Schulze, Radika Kumar, Michael Oghia — Fri, 08 Apr 2022 00:00:00 -0700

Technological innovation has become a key driver of economic development. Technological progress results in countries’ ability to produce beyond their typical production possibilities, while also altering how they consume.4 Over recent decades, however, the expansion of technology and innovation has evolved with new and more efficient ways of delivering goods and services. For example, new technology such as nanotechnology, artificial intelligence (AI) and photonics5 are upgrading old technologies, contributing to the expansion of new trade in the service sector. The COVID-19 pandemic has also added to the acceleration of deeper digitalisation among countries and across industries and businesses.

Quantitative Analysis of the Move to Paperless Trade

Commonwealth Secretariat — Thu, 07 Apr 2022 00:00:00 -0700

There are clear economic and political imperatives to accelerate the process of legal reform to enable paperless trade that emerge from the research conducted for this report. At present, the trend forecasts for trade across the Commonwealth to 2026 suggest that on average trade will increase by around 0.2 per cent annually. This is a potential trajectory that will not help to allow Commonwealth nations, especially in emerging countries, to recover from the pandemic quickly enough through trade.

Capacity-Building in Digital Economy Agreements - The Missing Link?

Pallavi Bajaj — Thu, 31 Mar 2022 00:00:00 -0700

In a global economy that is becoming significantly more digital, digital trade regulation is an increasingly prominent feature of trade agreements.Digital Economy Agreements (DEAs), which foster co-operation with regard to regulating variousaspects of digital trade, typically seek to establish common rules, standards and norms to governdigital trade and to enable interoperability between the digital ecosystems of different countries.
Some agreements also address issues such as data protection, privacy and storage across countries, all of which are imperative to the overall governance of cross-border digital trade flows. Above all, they seek to establish a mutually acceptable and yet easily malleable ecosystem for harmonisation,interoperability and mutual recognition of regulatory requirements and frameworks across partners.

The Impact of COVID-19 on Education Systems in the Commonwealth

Amina Osman, James Keevy — Wed, 30 Mar 2022 00:00:00 -0700

The Commonwealth Secretariat commissioned 11 papers to provide baseline information on how COVID-19 has impacted education systems in Commonwealth member countries. The papers have been edited and restructured so that they are now similar in length and arrangement, with the results collected into 11 chapters under four sections.

Each chapter features a research study, with data gathered using a combination of a literature review and online interviews or surveys. The chapters provide some background and context to the research, study methodology, and summarised findings. The researchers then discuss their findings and offer recommended solutions to the pressures and challenges being experienced because of the pandemic.

This summary is followed by an introduction to the research project that led to the Commonwealth Secretariat commissioning the 11 papers that make up the chapters of this report. There is also a brief section on research methods, given that these were often similar across the research.

Toolkit to Enhance Access to Climate Finance

Commonwealth Secretariat — Wed, 09 Mar 2022 00:00:00 -0800

Developing countries continue to grapple with challenges in effectively accessing climate finance to support resilience efforts in meeting their targets for nationally determined contributions (NDCs), implementing national adaptation plans (NAPs) and addressing loss and damage due to climate change.

Whilst the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) saw progress made towards delivering the USD 100 billion climate finance goal by 2023 at latest, and countries agreed on a way forward for the new post-2025 climate finance goal, this remains inadequate as annual adaptation costs in developing economies are estimated to reach between USD 155 to USD 330 billion by 2030.

Analysing the Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Medical Supply Chains in Commonwealth Countries

Badri Narayanan Gopalakrishnan, Brendan Vickers, Salamat Ali — Thu, 24 Feb 2022 00:00:00 -0800

This study analyses the supply chains for medical goods across the Commonwealth countries.
It assesses trade flows related to the health sector and, more specifically, import and export data
for essential COVID-19 medical supplies. It also explores supply chain disruptions (trade interruptions,
changes in consumption and tariffs related to imports) caused in the wake of COVID-
19. Based on the analysis and key findings, it proposes policy changes and recommendations to
increase the resilience of these supply chains, to protect them from such disruptions.
The analysis finds that the global production and trade in COVID-19-related medical goods is
highly concentrated. The European Union and the United States monopolise the production of
high-tech equipment such as ventilators and oxygen therapy equipment, while China is a leading
supplier of personal protective equipment (PPE). Intra-Commonwealth trade in medical supplies
is relatively small, with exports mainly dominated by the developed countries and imports by
large developing countries. The analysis also finds that export restrictions and high tariffs in many
member countries are hampering the trade in medical supplies, and hence reducing its resilience
to major shocks such as COVID-19.

Accelerating Financing for Nature-based Solutions to Support Action Across the Rio Conventions

Sharon Ng'etich — Tue, 22 Feb 2022 00:00:00 -0800

Nature-based solutions (NbS) have gained momentum over recent years, as a cost-effective way to deliver climate change goals, while simultaneously tackling biodiversity loss and land degradation.

This paper discusses financing of NbS, providing some examples where Commonwealth countries have been able to access finance through innovative mechanisms and NbS projects submitted to climate funds.

Towards a Commonwealth 10-point programme of action for LDCs

Neil Balchin, Brendan Vickers, Salamat Ali, Collin Zhawu, Kimonique Powell — Thu, 17 Feb 2022 00:00:00 -0800

This Trade Hot Topic has a special focus on the 5th UN Conference on the Least Developed Countries.

Commonwealth Economic Development Report 2021

Commonwealth Secretariat — Thu, 17 Feb 2022 00:00:00 -0800

Economic recovery from the huge disruption caused by COVID-19 around the world, including in the Commonwealth, is going to be determined by a race between the virus and the vaccine. The pace of vaccine rollout and the resultant decline in the burden of disease can accelerate recovery, even as the spread of new variants can potentially trigger lockdowns, impede economic activity and slow the recovery.

Capital Market Policies to Achieve the Paris Agreement

Commonwealth Secretariat — Wed, 19 Jan 2022 00:00:00 -0800

The world is not currently on course to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Carbon dioxide emissions are increasing, emissions targets in countries’ Nationally Determined Contributions are not ambitious enough, and oil and natural gas production are expected to increase given current policies. A lack of investment in the low-carbon economic transition partly explains this limited progress towards the Paris Agreement’s goals.

Market imperfections explain this underinvestment in the low-carbon economic transition. Climate change is a tragedy of the horizons, as many of the costs of climate change are incurred in the future beyond the business cycle, the political cycle and the horizons of most investors, while in contrast the costs of limiting climate are borne in the short and medium term. Thus, sovereigns and markets may overinvest in carbon-intensive industries and underinvest in the low-carbon economic transition.

Climate Finance Strategy of Belize 2021-2026

Commonwealth Secretariat — Thu, 30 Dec 2021 00:00:00 -0800

This report is the Climate Finance Strategy for Belize which has been supported and developed under the Climate Action Enhancement Package (CAEP). The CAEP is led by the NDC Partnership along with several other partners providing technical assistance to Belize to update its NDC. It encompasses several interlinked subelements including a Climate Finance Strategy,
climate finance options report, studies on mobilising private sector finance and MDB finance, etc. to facilitate the implementation of the updated NDC. The Commonwealth Climate Finance Access Hub (CCFAH) of the Commonwealth Secretariat has led the component of developing this strategy, which is aiming at providing a strategic framework within which the financial resources from different sources and channels can be used to address the climate change issues of the country.

Pakistan's Export Opportunities in the UK and EU in the Post-Brexit Era

Commonwealth Secretariat — Wed, 22 Dec 2021 00:00:00 -0800

The United Kingdom withdrawal from the European Union Single Market will have implications for Pakistan’s exports. The UK has largely adopted the same trading regimes as the EU and, as a result, Pakistan was included in the UK Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) Enhanced Framework (equivalent to the EU GSP+ – its Special Incentive Arrangement for Sustainable Development and Good Governance). The objective of this assignment is to analyse the situation and advise the Government of Pakistan on developing trade policies to meet the evolving post-Brexit UK import regime, to ensure it maintains its market access and position.

Climate Finance Landscape of Belize 2015-2019