(Taken from thecommonwealth.org)

An independent study detailing the collective contribution of the 87 non-profit organisations accredited to the Commonwealth was launched last week by the Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC.

This took place during the 15th staging of the annual structured dialogue between the accredited organisations (AOs) and the Secretary-General.

The study outlined how these groups – which span associated organisations, civil society, professional bodies, academic institutions and other networks – are advancing the values and principles of the Commonwealth Charter, touching millions of lives across various sectors in the process.

Addressing the delegates at the Commonwealth headquarters in London, the Commonwealth Secretary-General said: 

"The Commonwealth Charter places the greatest importance on the vital role of civil society in our Family of Nations, and I continue to be deeply humbled by - and grateful for - the work that you all do."

The report, titled ‘The Contribution of Commonwealth-Accredited Organisations to Advancing the Commonwealth Charter’, was authored by Vijay Krishnarayan, a former Director-General of the Commonwealth Foundation.

It found that accredited organisations play a key role in "popularising" the Commonwealth while also reaching important and influential constituencies. Because they are nimbler than governmental institutions, AOs move faster to respond to new and emerging issues, as well as crises, while demonstrating inclusivity.

The research highlighted that many AOs often "punch above their financial weight" and manage to bring additional resources and partners into the Commonwealth's sphere.

The report stated:

"Accredited organisations are an essential component of the Commonwealth.  They have long been seen as central to any renaissance of the institution."      

Read the full report here: D19270 Collective Contribution Accredited.pdf