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.

Achieving the Goals - 2009

Steve Packer

Commissioned by the Commonwealth Secretariat for the 17th Conference of Commonwealth Education Ministers meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in 2009, this report explores progress towards achieving good quality basic education for all.

  • Format: Paperback
  • ISBN: 9781849290128
  • Publication Date: Feb 2010
  • Availability: In Stock - Despatched Within 5 Working Days

Small States

This unique annual collection of key economic and statistical data on states with fewer than five million inhabitants is an essential reference for economists, planners and policy-makers working on issues of concern to small states. This volume contains 54 tables covering development indicators and 3 articles focusing on trade in services.

  • Format: Paperback
  • ISBN: 9781849290166
  • Publication Date: Jul 2010
  • Availability: In Stock - Despatched Within 5-7 Working Days

Supporting Investment and Private Sector Development in Times of Crisis

Dirk Willem te Velde

Documents the effects of the global financial crisis on investment and private sector development in small states. It uses case studies (St Lucia, Vanuatu and Mauritius) to draw lessons from policy responses and propose further support required at both the national and international level to support the private sector through the economic crisis.

  • Format: Paperback
  • ISBN: 9781849290173
  • Publication Date: Apr 2010
  • Availability: In Stock - Despatched Within 5 Working Days

Social Policies in Grenada

Patsy Lewis

This paper assesses developments in social policy approaches and delivery in Grenada, including the economic strategies pursued and their effects on social policy, particularly in respect of children. It looks at the challenges faced by governments and presents a brief case study of Hurricane Ivan.

  • Format: Paperback
  • ISBN: 9781849290258
  • Publication Date: Nov 2010
  • Availability: In Stock - Despatched Within 5 Working Days

Resource Guide on Decentralisation and Local Government

Zoë Scott

This topic guide provides practical guidance for designing, implementing and evaluating decentralisation reforms and local government practices to ensure they are as effective as possible. It includes summaries of key texts and provides links to cutting edge research and recent case studies.

  • Format: Paperback
  • ISBN: 9781849290296
  • Publication Date: Jul 2011
  • Availability: In Stock - Despatched Within 5 Working Days

Small States

This unique annual collection of key economic and statistical data on states with fewer than 5 million inhabitants is an essential reference for economists, planners and policy-makers working on issues of concern to small states. This volume contains 68 tables covering development indicators and 3 articles focusing on public private partnerships.

  • Format: Paperback
  • ISBN: 9781849290371
  • Publication Date: Jul 2011
  • Availability: In Stock - Despatched Within 5-7 Working Days

The Contract System of Employment for Senior Government Officials

Faamausili Dr Matagialofi Lua'iufi

This publication reviews the effects of the reforms implemented under the 'new public management' programme on the roles and conditions of service of permanent secretaries and directors in the Cook Islands, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga and Vanuatu.

  • Format: Paperback
  • ISBN: 9781849290531
  • Publication Date: Jul 2011
  • Availability: Temporarily out of stock: Usually despatched in 14-18 days

Handbook of Best Practice for Registrars of Final/Appellate, Regional and International Courts and Tribunals

This user-friendly, practical handbook is designed to assist Registrars in the day-to-day performance of their duties, thereby contributing to improving the administration and efficiency of courts/ tribunals. It provides examples of good practice to help Registrars benefit from the challenges faced by others, from the Commonwealth and worldwide.

  • Format: Paperback
  • ISBN: 9781849290579
  • Publication Date: May 2012
  • Availability: Temporarily out of stock: Usually despatched in 14-18 days

Macroeconomic Policy Frameworks of Small States

Gérard Adonis

This book reviews the implementation of macroeconomic policies in Malta, identifying the key issues, lessons learnt and best practices which could be adapted by other small states. It also sets out the country's challenges for the future, including attending to the conflicting demands of environmental conservation and economic development.

  • Format: Paperback
  • ISBN: 9781849290630
  • Publication Date: Sep 2011
  • Availability: In Stock - Despatched Within 5 Working Days

Social Policies in Seychelles

Liam Campling

This book provides comprehensive analysis of social policy development in Seychelles, focusing on the political and economic developments that have led to the current situation. The challenge now is to maintain current levels of social policy interventions in the face of severe indebtedness and the stagnation of economic growth.

  • Format: Paperback
  • ISBN: 9781849290654
  • Publication Date: Dec 2011
  • Availability: In Stock - Despatched Within 5 Working Days

Seychelles Presidential Election, 19-21 May 2011

The Report of the Commonwealth Observer Group for the Seychelles Presidential Election. The Group was led by Dr Julian R Hunte, the former Foreign Minister of St Lucia, and comprised five eminent persons in total.

  • Format: Paperback
  • ISBN: 9781849290678
  • Publication Date: Sep 2011
  • Availability: Temporarily out of stock: Usually despatched in 14-18 days

Trade Effects of Rules on Procurement for Commonwealth ACP Members

Peter Trepte

This Economic Paper assesses the potential trade effects of rules on procurement policies in Commonwealth ACP countries. It provides a practical guide for policy-makers and negotiators to determine the impact of government procurement rules and policies taken at the national level or negotiated in trade agreements.

  • Format: Paperback
  • ISBN: 9781849290692
  • Publication Date: Nov 2011
  • Availability: In Stock - Despatched Within 5 Working Days

Zambia General Elections, 20 September 2011

The Report of the Commonwealth Observer Group for the Zambia General Elections. The Group was led by former Nigeria Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, and comprised 12 eminent persons in total.

  • Format: Paperback
  • ISBN: 9781849290753
  • Publication Date: Jan 2012
  • Availability: Temporarily out of stock: Usually despatched in 14-18 days

Social Policies in Solomon Islands and Vanuatu

Biman Chand Prasad

Solomon Islands and Vanuatu are two small states that have struggled to develop successful social policies since independence. This study traces their social histories and examines factors that have hindered progress. Future development requires a move away from traditional social structures and a focus on political stability and economic growth.

  • Format: Paperback
  • ISBN: 9781849290838
  • Publication Date: Jul 2012
  • Availability: In Stock - Despatched Within 5 Working Days

Guidebook to Education in the Commonwealth

Guidebook showcasing successful, innovative education initiatives to help meet the MDGs and Education for All targets from around the Commonwealth, in a concise and easy-to-use format. Provides policy-makers with examples of solutions that will assist them in devising strategies to counter their own educational challenges.

  • Format: Paperback
  • ISBN: 9781849290845
  • Publication Date: Aug 2012
  • Availability: In Stock - Despatched Within 5 Working Days

Education for Sustainable Development in Small Island Developing States

Matthew Hiebert

This study analyses good practices and gaps in education for sustainable development (ESD) implementation in ten small island states vulnerable to climate change. It provides practical and realistic recommendations on how ESD may be better integrated in education policy and strategy and delivered more comprehensively.

  • Format: Paperback
  • ISBN: 9781849290906
  • Publication Date: Feb 2013
  • Availability: In Stock - Despatched Within 5 Working Days