Blog by Pat Dale, SI Representative to the Commonwealth.
The Commonwealth Forums provide an important space for civil society, governments, and other stakeholders to discuss shared priorities across the Commonwealth and contribute to wider policy dialogue. As preparations continue, the forums are expected to offer opportunities to explore key issues affecting Commonwealth communities, including governance, inclusion, peace, democracy, innovation, and sustainable development.
The Secretariat confirmed that planning for the forums is ongoing and that several colleagues would join later in the process. The overarching themes under consideration include governance, innovation, democracy, peace, and cross-cutting issues such as gender equality and inclusion. Participants were assured that no decisions had been finalised and that feedback from this consultation would directly inform the next stage of programme development.
Concerns Regarding Format and Engagement
A significant portion of the discussion focused on the revised forum format. Participants expressed concern that the new structure reduces opportunities for civil society to engage directly with government representatives. In previous years, dedicated half-day or full-day sessions enabled meaningful dialogue and the presentation of recommendations. Several speakers emphasised that while national chapters exist, they do not replace the collective voice of Commonwealth-wide networks.
Delegates stressed that the removal of structured engagement risks weakening the impact of civil society contributions. They urged the Secretariat to reconsider how interaction with officials could be preserved or strengthened.
Requests for Clarity
Participants sought clarification on several operational matters, including the expected timeline for receiving draft communiqués and the criteria that would be used to select organisations to participate in high-level sessions. Questions were also raised about the meaning of “value” in the context of selecting contributors, particularly whether this referred to financial contributions, policy-based input, or relevant expertise.
Speakers emphasised that clear guidance is essential for effective preparation and meaningful participation.
Secretariat Response
The Secretariat reaffirmed its commitment to early and informal engagement. Draft documents would be shared as soon as they were ready, and the team remained open to exploring adjustments to the format. However, they noted that logistical and resource constraints were influencing the design of the forums.
They also explained that the current reforms stem from decisions taken at previous ministerial meetings, which aimed to streamline processes while maintaining strong thematic focus.
Key Thematic Priorities
Several thematic areas were highlighted throughout the meeting. Gender equality was raised as a central driver of sustainable development, with reference to working with other organisations, including Soroptimist International. Disability inclusion was also emphasised, with calls for the Disability Action Plan to be reflected in the final outcomes.
Youth engagement was another key area of discussion, including updates from the Commonwealth Youth Task Force. The Task Force reported that it is still finalising its themes, with early interest in issues such as violence, mental health, climate change, and strengthening youth participation. This year’s youth outcome document may take the form of an action plan rather than a traditional declaration.
Governance and democracy were also discussed, particularly in relation to civil society participation and the need to ensure that civil society voices remain meaningfully included in the forums.
Cross-Forum Collaboration
Participants encouraged stronger mechanisms for collaboration across forums. Suggestions included sharing proposals, identifying overlapping interests, and coordinating expertise across sectors. There was also a clear emphasis on ensuring that cross-cutting issues are addressed consistently, rather than being treated separately within different parts of the programme.
The Secretariat welcomed these suggestions and expressed willingness to work with other forums and side-event organisers to enhance coherence and reduce duplication.
Programme Development and Civil Society Input
The People’s Forum team outlined their programme development process, which includes regional civil society consultations, advisory groups representing Commonwealth regions, and an open call for session proposals.
They emphasised that civil society voices are shaping the agenda and that the themes reflect the most pressing issues across the Commonwealth.
Side Events and Partner Contributions
Organisers of several side events presented their plans, covering a range of areas including eye health and access to care, sports, inclusion, and the future of the Commonwealth Games, ocean conservation and innovative financing, and youth leadership and community engagement through the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.
Each group invited collaboration and encouraged participants to propose ideas or sessions.
Managing Event Volume and Ensuring Impact
Participants noted that previous Commonwealth gatherings featured an overwhelming number of side events, which diluted participation and overshadowed core forum activities. The Secretariat acknowledged this challenge and expressed a desire to focus on fewer, higher-quality events with clearer legacy outcomes.
Conclusion
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to cooperation, transparency, and meaningful engagement. Participants were encouraged to submit written questions, proposals, and session ideas to support the next phase of planning. The Secretariat reiterated that the programme remains under development and that stakeholder input will play a critical role in shaping the final structure and outcomes of the Commonwealth Forums.
