News & Events
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A bold, innovative and ambitious new direction envisaged for the Commonwealth
The Commonwealth Secretariat has concluded a series of consultations with its 97 accredited organisations and Board of Governors to shape its strategic priorities for 2025-2030.
Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey outlined her vision for the next five years, emphasizing the need to make democracies and social development more responsive to citizens’ expectations, with key focus areas including driving inclusive economic growth by reforming trade models to benefit a wider consumer base, leveraging distance education to equip Commonwealth youth with digital and entrepreneurial skills, and accelerating the renewable energy transition across member states.
To achieve this vision, the Commonwealth Secretariat will strengthen its advocacy in global forums around three key pillars: democratic resilience by supporting human rights, the rule of law, and electoral integrity; economic resilience by ensuring equitable access to finance and sustainable debt; and environmental resilience by promoting climate action and sustainable resource use. These pillars will be underpinned by initiatives to enhance social inclusion, particularly for youth and women.
The strategic planning process involved input from member countries, staff, and other stakeholders. Proposals under consideration include establishing regional centres and centres of Excellence, as well as reforming high-level government meetings.
Read the original article here: https://thecommonwealth.org/news/bold-innovative-and-ambitious-new-direction-envisaged-commonwealth
Alpha Ladder patents carbon stablecoin framework
Singapore-based Alpha Ladder Group (ALG) has received patent protection for its innovative CNT Carbon Stablecoin framework, developed by its AI subsidiary MVGX Tech. This blockchain system converts verified decarbonization activities into programmable carbon-backed stablecoins.
The technology uses IoT sensors and AI to authenticate real-time decarbonization data and transform it into tradeable carbon credit assets. The framework addresses regulatory requirements, including Paris Agreement commitments, through a structure similar to American Depository Receipts.
The system’s first proof-of-concept launched in September 2021 under Singapore’s Securities and Futures Act, backed by Chinese Certified Emission Reduction credits from a wind power project in Zhangjiakou City.
With global carbon emissions reaching 41.6 billion tonnes in 2024, ALG positions this technology as essential infrastructure for carbon-linked digital finance. The patent strengthens ALG’s role as a regulated digital green infrastructure provider, offering solutions for cross-border payments and foreign exchange trading while promoting verified net-zero efforts.
The framework aims to transform carbon credits from a niche asset into a mainstream financial instrument, supporting the transition to a more sustainable financial system.
Read the original article here: https://www.theasset.com/article-esg/54579/alpha-ladder-patents-carbon-stablecoin-framework
Solomon Islands PM Jeremiah Manele to visit New Zealand to deepen ties
Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele is scheduled to visit New Zealand this week, marking his first official visit as head of government. The visit aims to strengthen bilateral relations and discuss regional cooperation ahead of the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in September, which Solomon Islands will host.
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon emphasised the importance of the partnership, noting the historic connections between the two Pacific nations. During his stay, PM Manele will meet with Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters and Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones to discuss bilateral cooperation and regional challenges. The visit builds on existing development partnerships in education, infrastructure, and climate resilience.
The diplomatic engagement comes at a crucial time for Pacific regional cooperation, with both nations seeking to strengthen their partnership amid increasing geopolitical attention in the region.
Read the original article here: https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/law-order/3519701-solomon-islands-pm-jeremiah-manele-to-visit-new-zealand-to-deepen-ties
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Bangladesh’s Fashion Startup Evolution | Webinar Recording
The webinar explores how Fabraex, a budding Bangladeshi fashion startup, bridges the gap between traditional and modern fashion by empowering locals with unique designs. CEO Saqlain presents on Fabraex’s challenges and opportunities, highlighting their stylish, ethical, and affordable fashion fabrics.
Bangladesh’s Fashion Startup Evolution
Join us for an exciting webinar that will take you on a journey through the world of Fabraex – a budding Bangladeshi fashion brand with a fresh perspective on blending cultural heritage with contemporary style. Founded by the visionary Fahim Khandkar and driven by the leadership of CEO Saklain bin Salim, Fabraex is a young startup on a mission to empower individuals to embrace their authentic identities through fashion.
Fireside chat with Dr Indrajit Coomaraswamy: Lessons to be learnt from Sri Lanka’s recent economic crisis | Webinar Recording
The ongoing economic crisis in Sri Lanka offers important lessons for policymakers globally. In a thought-provoking fireside chat, Julia Charlton chair of the Commonwealth Chamber of Commerce speaks with Dr. Indrajit Coomaraswamy, former Governor of Sri Lanka’s Central Bank, to analyse the origins and impacts of the crisis, along with Sri Lanka’s path to recovery.
Reimagining the Commonwealth Continuum Revolutionising Commonwealth Trade
The Trade Review investigates the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Commonwealth trade performance and outlook on recovery. It also offers policy revisions and guidelines for policy-makers and businesses.
Islamic Banking Overview
This newsletter and presentation is an overview of Islamic Banking which is particularly relevant to the 730 million or so members in the Commonwealth, and a guide for non-Muslims to Islamic banking practices.
Commonwealth Secretariat report on impact of COVID-19 on maritime trade and post-pandemic recovery policies
On 26 June 2021, the Commonwealth Secretariat released a study on oceanic trade and port rankings. It surveys impacts of the pandemic and other factors, and highlights policy gaps for effective trade growth.
An Ode to Mussels
In June of 2020, the World Economic Forum held their 50th annual meeting amidst the early days of the coronavirus pandemic. Normally the World Economic Forum focused on improving market efficiencies, business innovations, and global trade, but this meeting was particularly different.
Guardians of the forests
Earlier this month, over 120 world leaders gathered in Glasgow, Scotland, to attend the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) which Prince Charles described as “the last chance saloon” to save the world from runaway climate change.
Advancing gender equality in Africa
Gender equality has been thoroughly misconstrued in Africa. However, it should be clarified that gender equality does not undermine one gender and make the other weaker. Rather, it denotes that there should be equal opportunities for men and women and sex should not be a prerequisite for who should qualify for opportunities.