PM Hasina proposes Commonwealth’s comprehensive reform

FT ONLINE

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday proposed a comprehensive reform of the Commonwealth to meet evolving needs and expectations of the member states in current global context.

“We recommend formation of an Eminent Persons Group (EPG) to undertake a comprehensive reform of Commonwealth,” she said.

She said it while delivering her speech at the first executive session of the 25th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) at Lancaster House in London.

The PM also called for reorientation and reorganisation of the roles and functions of various Commonwealth bodies to make it more active and influential.

“The roles and functions of various Commonwealth bodies need reorientation and reorganisation to meet the constantly evolving needs and expectations of the member states,” she said.

She underscored the need for revitalisation of the Commonwealth Secretariat through a comprehensive reform to achieve the goals identified in this conference.

Hasina appreciated the Strategic Plan 2020-21 of the Commonwealth Secretariat in line of the objectives with the Charter and the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.

The Prime Minister said the annual delivery plan should be considered as a beginning and part of the broader and comprehensive reform of the Commonwealth to make it more people- and development-centric one.

She suggested that the Secretariat should continue to intensify its focus on development issues, capacity building, technology transfer, aid for trade and investment related issues.

She expressed her belief that a positive engagement for supporting development of the institutions of democracy and good governance, rather than a punitive approach, is the best way to protect democracy, peace and stability in the Commonwealth member countries.

She said that the 25th CHOGM can help the association take a leap forward in realising the vision and shared responsibility for a poverty-free, progressive, prosperous, vibrant and visionary Commonwealth of nations.