The Commonwealth

The Commonwealth

The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 56 independent and equal countries. It is home to 2.5 billion people, and includes both advanced economies and developing countries. 33 of our members are small states, including many island nations. Our member governments have agreed to shared goals like development, democracy and peace. Our values and principles are expressed in the Commonwealth Charter.

The Commonwealth Secretariat is the intergovernmental organisation that supports member countries to achieve the Commonwealth’s aims of development, democracy and peace. It publishes authoritative, evidence-based research and knowledge products for policymakers, academics, professionals and wider publics across the world. Our areas of focus and expertise include small and developing states; environment and climate change; democracy, law and government; and social issues concerning young people, gender, health and education.

Sri Lanka Presidential Election, 8 January 2015

These were important elections in Sri Lanka as an incumbent president was seeking an unprecedented third term in office under a recent constitutional amendment. The group found that the outcome election reflected the will of the people of Sri Lanka, but the electoral contest did not comply with all the key benchmarks for democratic elections.

  • Format: Paperback
  • ISBN: 9781849291385
  • Publication Date: Apr 2015
  • Availability: In Stock - Despatched Within 5 Working Days

Small States in the Multilateral Trading System

Teddy Y. Soobramanien

This study provides a fresh perspective on how measures can be taken to enhance the participation of small states and least developed countries (LDCs) in the multilateral trading system. It contributes to the ongoing general debate about reforming the World Trade Organization and global trade governance.

  • Format: Paperback
  • ISBN: 9781849291392
  • Publication Date: Nov 2015
  • Availability: In Stock - Despatched Within 5 Working Days

Small States

This annual collection of key economic and statistical data is essential reading for economists, planners and policy-makers working on issues of concern to small states. This volume covers overseas development assistance and Post-2015 financing for development in small states; and contains 17 tables covering development indicators.

  • Format: Paperback
  • ISBN: 9781849291439
  • Publication Date: Nov 2015
  • Availability: In Stock - Despatched Within 5 Working Days

Election Management

Election Management: A Compendium of Commonwealth Good Practice is a guide for policy-makers and EMBs to the democratic values, principles and practices of the Commonwealth. It will assist governments, political parties and civil society to understand the role, functions and responsibilities of those tasked with delivering credible elections.

  • Format: Paperback
  • ISBN: 9781849291477
  • Publication Date: Aug 2016
  • Availability: In Stock - Despatched Within 5 Working Days

Uganda General Elections, 18 February 2016

The report of the Commonwealth Observer Group for Uganda presidential election held on 18 February 2016, chaired by former president of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo. The group concluded that Uganda has fallen well short of meeting many of the key democratic benchmarks for the conduct of credible elections.

  • Format: Paperback
  • ISBN: 9781849291538
  • Publication Date: Jul 2016
  • Availability: In Stock - Despatched Within 5 Working Days

Marine Renewable Energy

This fourth volume in the Commonwealth Blue Economy Series, Marine Renewable Energy, explores the potential for the development of the blue economy by providing a high-level review of actions needed to progress marine renewable energy generation in SIDS.

  • Format: Paperback
  • ISBN: 9781849291552
  • Publication Date: Sep 2016
  • Availability: In Stock - Despatched Within 5 Working Days

A Sustainable Future for Small States

Resina Katafono

This publication reviews seven sectors that can catalyse economic development in the Commonwealth Pacific: political governance; development effectiveness and co-ordination; oceans governance; non-communicable diseases; ICT and connectivity; migration and climate change; and energy, and offers policy solutions to address these challenges.

  • Format: Paperback
  • ISBN: 9781849291637
  • Publication Date: Sep 2017
  • Availability: In Stock - Despatched Within 5 Working Days

Youth Mainstreaming in Development Planning

A compendium of concepts to initiate dialogue, and mobilise consensus around visions and strategies for young people. Includes tools and techniques that support initiatives to mainstream youth rights, voices and capabilities across government and other institutions. It is aimed policy-makers and practitioners engaged in development planning.

  • Format: Paperback
  • ISBN: 9781849291644
  • Publication Date: Jul 2017
  • Availability: In Stock - Despatched Within 5 Working Days

Enhancing the Contribution of Sport to the Sustainable Development Goals

Iain Lindsey

This guide builds on the work of previous Commonwealth publications analysing the role of sport in achieving sustainable development. Aimed at governmental policy-makers and other stakeholders, it provides evidenced and balanced policy options supporting the effective contribution of sport towards six prioritised Sustainable Development Goals.

  • Format: Paperback
  • ISBN: 9781849291651
  • Publication Date: Apr 2017
  • Availability: In Stock - Despatched Within 5 Working Days

Emerging Trade Issues for Small Developing Countries

Teddy Y. Soobramanien

This publication seeks to help Commonwealth developing countries adapt to emerging trade issues such as climate change, e-commerce, implementation of the SDGs, and the role of Micro, Small and Medium-sized enterprises and GVCs . It addresses systemic issues that impact on the participation in the multilateral trading system and WTO negotiations.

  • Format: Paperback
  • ISBN: 9781849291729
  • Publication Date: Sep 2017
  • Availability: In Stock - Despatched Within 5 Working Days

A Guide to the European Market for Medicinal Plants and Extracts

This guide describes the growth and development of the European herbal industry and includes a wealth of practical information for producers and exporters of medicinal plants and extracts. It is an indispensable tool for anyone wishing to do business with the European Union – the world's largest market for herbal medicine.

  • Format: Paperback
  • ISBN: 9780850926613
  • Publication Date: Dec 2000
  • Availability: In Stock - Despatched Within 5 Working Days

Zimbabwe Presidential Election, 9-11 March 2002

The Election Observer Group Reports are the observations, conclusions and recommendations of Commonwealth Observer Groups. The Secretary-General constitutes these observer missions at the request of governments and with the agreement of all significant political parties.

  • Format: Paperback
  • ISBN: 9780850927184
  • Publication Date: Jun 2003
  • Availability: In Stock - Despatched Within 5 Working Days

Commonwealth Guidelines for the Treatment of Victims of Crime

The victims of crime are sometimes overlooked when reforming the criminal justice systems of countries. These guidelines set out best practice in this area.

  • Format: Paperback
  • ISBN: 9780850927252
  • Publication Date: Jan 2003
  • Availability: In Stock - Despatched Within 5 Working Days

Citizenship Education in Small States

Patricia Ellis

These books focus on the outcomes of this project in the respective countries, providing valuable insights into the strengthening of values in a society. They set out the strategies and actions needed to support small states wishing to promote the values of good citizenship.

  • Format: Paperback
  • ISBN: 9780850927306
  • Publication Date: Jan 2002
  • Availability: Temporarily out of stock: Usually despatched in 14-18 days

Citizenship Education in Small States

Una M. Paul

Identity and diversity in all its forms present major challenges to countries seeking to best equip citizens with the skills to participate effectively in their diverse societies. They set out the strategies and actions needed to support small states wishing to promote the values of good citizenship.

  • Format: Paperback
  • ISBN: 9780850927313
  • Publication Date: Jan 2002
  • Availability: In Stock - Despatched Within 5 Working Days

Kenya General Election, 27 December 2002

Report of the Commonwealth Observer Group for Kenya's general election held on 27 December 2002. The group was chaired by Professor Adebayo Adedeji and was comprised of 9 observers in total.

  • Format: Paperback
  • ISBN: 9780850927856
  • Publication Date: Aug 2006
  • Availability: Temporarily out of stock: Usually despatched in 14-18 days