• Afghanistan
• Arms control
• Climate change
• The Commonwealth
• Commonwealth charter – UK consultations
• The Commonwealth: a history
• UK Commonwealth priorities
• Heads of Government Meeting
• Key speeches on the Commonwealth
• Minister for the Commonwealth
• Modern Commonwealth
• Foreign Secretary on the Commonwealth
• Conference on Somalia
• Conflict minerals
• Council of Europe
• Counter proliferation
• Counter terrorism
• Conference on Cyberspace
• European Union
• Growth and prosperity
• Human rights
• London 2012 Olympics
• Middle East and North Africa
• NATO
• Peacekeeping
• Piracy
• Polar Regions
• United Nations
• US - UK relations
• Women, peace & security

UK Commonwealth priorities

The UK government believes that the Commonwealth is a truly unique organisation and the world’s best soft power network. But we agree that, collectively, we must ensure the Commonwealth remains relevant, realises its great potential, and brings strong values, development and prosperity to all its citizens.

At the 2011 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Perth, which took place on 28-30 October, Heads agreed to a ‘Charter of the Commonwealth’ which will set out in one place, and in a straightforward way, the core values to which Commonwealth members are committed. Heads also agreed steps to reform the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group and demonstrated their support for real and tangible action on equality and development issues.

At CHOGM, Heads considerd the recommendations of the Eminent Persons Group’s (EPG) for reform of the Commonwealth.

The UK welcomed the EPG’s focus on Commonwealth values; enhancing the Commonwealth’s advocacy role for small and developing states; and making Commonwealth institutions more fit for purpose so that the Commonwealth can play a role in priority issues of the day.

Heads of Government Meeting

Every two years, the heads of government of Commonwealth member states convene at a meeting

   

CHOGM 2011

Read full coverage of the 2011 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) on the UK in Australia website.

Useful links

• The Commonwealth Secretariat
• CHOGM official website