The commonwealth Foundation and international cooperation

Abstract

Global interconnectedness is not only evident in the economic domain but in virtually every aspect of contemporary social life. In this new context, states and societies are becoming increasingly interdependent and therefore less able to manage their own domestic and foreign affairs without resort to international cooperation. As a consequence there is a proliferation of international institutions and regulatory regimes alongside a whole range of actors. This research focuses on the Commonwealth Foundation, an international institution. It appraises the organization's value to the Commonwealth, considers its role, and what implications (if any) it offers to studies of international cooperation. Despite the importance of the intergovernmental links, it was recognized that the Commonwealth is as much an association of peoples. Many individuals and organizations within it have a special rapport. None of this is possible without cooperation between Commonwealth governments that is encouraged by Commonwealth Heads of Governments Meetings, the Secretary General and the Commonwealth Secretariat. It is thirty-three years since the Commonwealth Foundation was established by Commonwealth governments in 1966 to support the non-governmental, 'people's', 'unofficial' side of the Commonwealth. The Commonwealth Foundation is an unusual intergovernmental organization with a hybrid role, given that it is a governmentally funded official body of the Commonwealth, mandated to support the non-governmental sector of the international organization. Through the provision of travel grants and specific awards, the Foundation fosters individual skill building, organization development and sharing of skills, experience and information among the people of the 54 Commonwealth member countries. The organization's programmes and grants also benefit non-governmental organizations, which are a main concern, professional associations and cultural bodies that contribute extensively to Commonwealth cooperation and understanding. The Commonwealth Foundation encourages activities that facilitate cooperation between developing countries in priority areas. It works in a collaborative and supportive fashion characteristic of Commonwealth partnership. Guided by the above principles and characteristics, the Commonwealth Foundation over the next few years will strive to implement and improve its programmes in accordance with evolving Commonwealth priorities and needs of the sectors concerned, and in complementarity with other Commonwealth organizations and international development bodies. As an intergovernmental body working directly with NGOs Commonwealth-wide, the Foundation is uniquely placed to play a significant role in improving the capacity of NGOs and professional bodies to effectively meet emerging challenges, as well as promoting constructive working relations between the NGO sector and governments. This study: a) discusses and evaluates the Commonwealth Foundation; b) considers whether the intergovernmental organization's nature, efforts and achievements fit the precepts of four named approaches to international cooperation; and c) makes recommendations to improve the Commonwealth Foundation, and enhance understanding of international cooperation.