Dr Josephine Ojiambo, Deputy Secretary-General (Political) at the Commonwealth Secretariat, details the synergies and linkages between Commonwealth initiatives and innovations and the Sustainable Development Goals, highlighting areas in which member states can benefit from the Commonwealth’s unique advantages.
The Commonwealth has taken an active role in the preparation of the 2030 Agenda. In the run up to this landmark, Commonwealth leaders came together, more than a year ago, in New York and issued a Commonwealth Statement on the post- 2015 Development Agenda. The perspectives of the leaders reflected in the statement were based on the shared values and principles of the Commonwealth. The leaders’ statement recognised poverty eradication as the overarching focus of the post-2015 Development Agenda and reaffirmed their commitment to sustainable development.
Commonwealth leaders noted: “The new agenda must tackle the causes of poverty, exclusion and inequality. We acknowledge the importance of sustainable development for all individuals, and have committed ourselves to eliminate disparities and make growth more inclusive for all, including women and girls, youth, vulnerable groups and people with disabilities…
*Statistics within article correct at original publication date of CHOGM 2015 Report.
Dr Josephine Ojiambo
Deputy Secretary-General (Political) at the Commonwealth Secretariat
