Revamping The Commonwealth Of Nations Post-Covid-19

The Commonwealth (CW) is a political arrangement that is very diverse and consists of 54 member states encompassing over 30% of the world’s population, most of which were British colonies. It is considered the third most consequential organization globally after the NonAligned Movement (NAM) and the United Nations (UN). It came into existence with the proclamation of the sovereignty of the state from the colonial rule of the British Empire and was later given self-governance. The CW has encouraged member nations to create inclusive establishments, vitalize governance and support justice and human rights. The CW Secretariat instituted in 1965 assists member nations to realize development, democracy and peace. The Secretariat with international representation whose official Centre is in London has stood at the vanguard of the global response to the COVID-19 crisis.

Uday Nagaraju* And Preethi Amaresh**

Global Scenario Post-COVID

COVID-19 is the defining global health crisis of our time and the biggest hurdle of the 21st century since World War II. There are three-ply hurdles for the CW such as economic, climate and pandemic crisis. There is a shift from globalization and the fading of liberal policies that have been generally endured for decades. The ghastly COVID has resulted in the closing of international borders and a drop in trade bolstering the shift from globalization.

Role of the CW post- COVID-19

There are 10 strong features, which support the relevance of the CW in the post-COVID era with a few initiatives, which are as follows:

1. ‘Fostering multilateralism’ through sustained efforts in dealing with the COVID pandemic commonly can increase the pertinence of Commonwealth as a stand for multilateralism and partnership for advancing.

2. The role of ‘Small states’ where CW is likely to remain a voice of small states that could be useful in this process of recovery and relevance where the importance of CW could only amplify.

3. Increased importance of ‘Young people’ aged between 15-29 (essential assets to the nation’s growth) should be empowered to recognize their potential is stated in the Charter. Since pandemic is likely to hit young people in terms of their career opportunities, there is an increasing concern about the lack of jobs for fresh graduates this year and the long-term repercussions. A new innovative CW platform for young diverse talent who can contribute to smart solutions using limited resources in different fields can be formed contributing to their empowerment.

4. Strengthening the commonwealth networks where the CW system is an inherent connection of networks can work at various levels that give an advantage of people’s participation.

5. ‘Climate change’ can serve to strengthen the CW through the ‘Paris Agreement’ on Climate Change, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs). The CW can collectively form a core and ameliorate development policies to support energetic and sustainable blue and green economies because the majority of the CW nations have a coastline and depend on the ocean for livelihood and sustenance. The CW Blue Charter is one of the most efficient platforms for international ocean action in the multicultural panorama in the contemporary world.

6. Enhancing the participation of women in local government which is the priority of CW Local Government Forum (CLGF) that could further strengthen the ‘Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)’ that have been the most affected in some of the CW nations.