The Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, the Commonwealth Secretary-General, will pay her first official visit to Pakistan from 28 July to 2 August 2024 at the invitation of the Government of Pakistan.
During her five-day visit, Secretary-General Scotland will meet with Pakistan’s leadership, members of the Cabinet, youth leaders, civil society representatives, and other stakeholders.
The Commonwealth Secretary-General, who has been a staunch advocate for supporting Pakistan in meeting the adverse impacts of climate change, will reaffirm her solidarity with Pakistan, as it marks the second anniversary of the catastrophic 2022 floods that submerged a third of the country and caused more than $30 billion in damage. She is also likely to tour some of the areas that were affected by the floods.
During the Secretary-General’s visit, the two sides would also discuss avenues to enhance cooperation between Pakistan and the Commonwealth in other areas of shared interest, including supporting Pakistan’s national development plan, empowering youth, and boosting trade and investment.
With 2023/24 designated the “Year of Youth” by the Commonwealth and Pakistan chairing the Commonwealth Youth Ministers Meeting, the Secretary-General will receive extensive briefings on the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme and highlight the opportunities Commonwealth membership brings to young people.
As one of the organization’s founding members, Pakistan values the Commonwealth as an important forum for forging consensus on global issues and challenges. The visit of the Commonwealth Secretary-General would provide an important opportunity to further strengthen the longstanding partnership between Pakistan and the Commonwealth.
The Commonwealth of Nations, commonly known as the Commonwealth, is a political association of 56 member states, most of which were former territories of the British Empire. It was formally established by the London Declaration in 1949, with the aim of fostering international cooperation and trade links between people all over the world.
Background and Formation
The origins of the Commonwealth date back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as the British Empire began to transition towards a more cooperative and voluntary association of its former colonies. The Balfour Declaration of 1926 marked a key step, recognizing the autonomy of dominions within the British Empire. This was followed by the Statute of Westminster in 1931, which further solidified this autonomy. The modern Commonwealth was officially formed in 1949 with the signing of the London Declaration, which established member states as “free and equal.”
Membership
As of now, the Commonwealth comprises 56 member countries spanning Africa, Asia, the Americas, Europe, and the Pacific. These member states range from some of the world’s largest countries like India and Canada to small island nations such as Malta and Tonga.
Aims and Objectives
The Commonwealth’s primary objectives are to promote democracy, human rights, and the rule of law; to support economic development and trade; to foster cooperation in areas such as education, health, and culture; and to advance social equity and environmental sustainability. The organization seeks to enhance the prosperity and well-being of its member states, encouraging mutual assistance and collaboration on a wide range of global issues.
Benefits and Facilities
Member states benefit from a variety of programs and initiatives aimed at improving governance, sustainable development, and economic growth. The Commonwealth provides a platform for cultural exchange, educational opportunities through scholarships and partnerships, technical assistance, and capacity-building programs. It also offers a forum for dialogue and collective action on global challenges such as climate change, poverty, and health crises.
Pakistan’s Role and Contribution
Pakistan has been a significant member of the Commonwealth since its independence in 1947, although its membership has been intermittently suspended and reinstated. Pakistan plays a proactive role in the Commonwealth’s initiatives, contributing to peacekeeping missions, participating in educational and cultural exchanges, and engaging in collaborative projects aimed at sustainable development and economic growth. Pakistan’s active involvement demonstrates its commitment to the Commonwealth’s values of democracy, peace, and prosperity.
The Way Forward
Looking ahead, Pakistan aims to deepen its engagement with the Commonwealth, leveraging this platform to enhance trade, attract investment, and foster technological and educational exchanges. By strengthening its role within the Commonwealth, Pakistan seeks to project a positive image on the global stage, promote regional stability, and contribute to collective efforts addressing global challenges.
In summary, the Commonwealth of Nations is a unique international organization that fosters cooperation and development among its diverse member states. Pakistan’s active participation underscores its commitment to the Commonwealth’s ideals and its aspiration to contribute positively to global progress and stability.
Source:- https://mofa.gov.pk/press-releases/visit-of-commonwealth-secretary-general-to-pakistan