THE COMMONWEALTH CONVERSATION

A lively online debate has emerged in a global public consultation on the future of the Commonwealth. Facilitated by the Royal Commonwealth Society, “The Commonwealth Conversation” seeks to gain input about the role of an organisation that celebrates its 60th anniversary this year. People are encouraged to follow the online debate and post comments. Topics of discussion have included the role of the monarchy, the relevance of the Commonwealth and suspending the membership of particular countries.

Results of the conversation will be presented to the world’s leaders at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Trinidad & Tobago in November 2009. The Royal Commonwealth society will publish a full report of findings in January 2010.

It’s an open discussion. Readers of Connections may wish to start a discussion on matters related to open and distance learning (ODL) in and for the Commonwealth, such as open schooling, learning for farming or the Virtual University for Small States of the Commonwealth.

www.thecommonwealthconversation.org

SECRETARY-GENERAL VISITS COL

Commonwealth Secretary-General His Excellency Mr. Kamalesh Sharma (right) visited COL’s office in Vancouver in September for an update about activities. He is seen here with COL Vice President Professor Asha Kanwar (left) and COL President Sir John Daniel.

CLOSER COMMONWEALTH COLLABORATION

Dr. Caroline Pontefract, Director of the Commonwealth Secretariat's Social Transformation Programmes Division (left), at the collaboration agreement signing in Vancouver in July with COL Vice President Professor Asha Kanwar

COL and the Commonwealth Secretariat have signed a Collaboration Agreement for 2009-2012. While COL and the Secretariat have worked together since COL’s inception, this is the first official agreement. It further harmonises their work in education to avoid duplication and ensure that synergies are achieved. It lists the organisations’ distinct roles, joint activities and how they will work together in four key areas: teacher development, the Virtual University for Small States of the Commonwealth, healthy communities and Civil Paths to Peace (the Commonwealth’s “Respect and Understanding” initiative).

www.col.org/col-comsec

STRONG TIES WITH INDIA

India’s High Commissioner to Canada, H.E. Mr. Shashishekhar M. Gavai (left), met with COL President, Sir John Daniel at COL’s office in Vancouver in July, along with other COL staff and Mr. Ashok Das, Consul General of India, Vancouver. COL’s strong ties with India include the country’s long-standing status as a major donor to COL and COL locating its regional agency, the Commonwealth Educational Media Centre for Asia (CEMCA), in New Delhi.