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T h e P o r t a l s o f E P A C H A F o u n d a t i o n – P h a s e I I a r e O p e n :
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Must See Video
Video Courtesy, The Commonwealth
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Special Announcement
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Historic Coronation
of
King Charles III
6th MAY 2023
"The Family of Humanity"
Around the World
CONGRATULATES
"A New King"
Who Sits Amongst The People!
Courtesy, The Coronation / The Commonwealth of Nations
United Nations - Congratulations &
Best Wishes!
Learn more on the following web page:
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Additional Special Announcements
Included Further Below!
Commonwealth and United Nations
Sign New Agreement
[L] United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed and [R] Commonwealth Secretary-General Baroness Patricia Scotland
13 December 2019
Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland and United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed have formally committed their organisations to work more closely together.
The two leaders signed a Memorandum of Understanding today at the Commonwealth’s headquarters in Marlborough House, London. The document outlines how the two organisations will work together on pressing global issues such as governance and peace, sustainable development, inclusive growth, climate change, ending violence against women and girls and sports for development and peace.
In a joint statement, the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth and the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations said:
“The United Nations and Commonwealth have long shared a genuine relationship based on shared goals and values.
“We are today proud to enhance this friendship and take it to a new level which the delivery of the 2030 Agenda demands."
“As we turn to a new decade of action, the challenges we face in order to deliver on the world that we want by 2030 demand we address sustainable development, climate change, improving governance and promoting peace.”
The Commonwealth is committed to the delivery of the Sustainable Development Goals and has made particular progress on the goals of gender equality and tackling climate change.
Across the Commonwealth, gender parity is close to being achieved in primary schools. According to research undertaken by the Commonwealth Secretariat in 2018/2019, a girl is as likely to attend primary school as a boy, and in some Commonwealth countries, more likely to.
Working on tackling climate change and ocean conservation is also an area where the Commonwealth has had a significant influence. Last year, all 53 nations in the Commonwealth, covering one third of the world’s oceans, signed the Blue Charter a landmark agreement to actively co-operate on ocean governance. So far 12 nations have stepped up to lead action groups on areas such as marine pollution, ocean acidification and coral reef protection.
The agreement stresses that ‘prevention’ will underpin each of the collaborative areas and leaves the door open for additional areas of co-operation at a later date.
Above Text Courtesy, Commonwealth of Nations and United Nations
Celebrating the Life of
Queen Elizabeth II
21 April 1926 – 8 September 2022
Eternal, Consummate Diplomat!
Longest Serving British Monarch!
Humanity's Queen . . .
B
E
L
O
V
E
D
Forever!
Learn more on the following web page:
statement by
commonwealth secretary-general,
the rt hon patricia scotland kc
It is with the greatest sorrow and sadness that we mourn the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. After a long life
of faith, duty and service, a great light has gone out.
Her Majesty was an extraordinary person, who
lived an extraordinary life: a constant
presence and example for each of us,
guiding and serving us all for
as long as any of us can remember. Throughout
her reign, and seven decades of extraordinary
change and challenge, Her Majesty was the
epitome of duty, stability, wisdom and grace.
read full statement on the following web page:
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Special Announcement
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Queen Elizabeth II
A Royal Celebration
7Oth Jubilee: Unprecedented Reign!
A "Beloved Queen for The People:"
yet faithfully serving
through 70 years.
A "Dearly Beloved Wife, Mum,
Grand &
Great Grandmother!"
A Successful, Historic & Memorable Reign Likened Unto None Other!
Congratulations from the Whole
Family of Humanity Around the World!
This year Her Majesty The Queen became the first British Monarch in history to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee. From 2-5 June, 2022 events are taking place across the United Kingdom for an extended bank holiday weekend to reflect on HM The Queen's unprecedented anniversary.
Learn more about the Reign of HM Queen Elizabeth II
and 70 years of service to the Commonwealth
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A Prince to Remember!
Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh
Gone . . But Never Forgotten!
10 June 1921 – 9 April 2021
Courtesy, The Commonwealth
"May His Royal Humanity Shine Brightly in Eternity!"
Learn more about Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh at:
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The Commonwealth and
GLOBAL ISSUES!
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Special Announcement
Commonwealth Secretary-General to intensify climate finance campaign at Africa Climate Summit
4 - 6 September 2023
Image / Text Courtesy, The Commonwealth
The Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, will seek to ramp up global support for greater climate finance commitments at the Africa Climate Summit, which takes place 4 to 6 September in Nairobi, Kenya.
The summit, held under the theme ‘Driving Green Growth and Climate Finance Solutions for Africa and the World’, is a critical juncture for the African continent to mobilise action in the lead-up to the UN Climate Change Conference COP28 in November.
Vulnerable countries and populations in Africa are particularly exposed to the impacts of climate change, such as unpredictable weather patterns and more extreme weather, which affects millions of lives, livelihoods and homes.
In Nairobi, the Secretary-General is scheduled to meet with various Heads of State from the region as well as world leaders, including the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, to advocate actions that will unlock billions in climate finance to support vulnerable nations, as well as improve access to those funds.
This includes delivering on the annual commitment of US$100 billion in climate finance promised to developing nations since 2009, and the operationalisation of an inclusive and fit-for-purpose Loss and Damage Fund, which was agreed last year at COP27 to help vulnerable countries cope with the devastating impacts of climate change.
The Secretary-General said:
“I urge leaders, the international community, the private sector and civil society – together, we must all step up and drive this transformation. The means and the solutions to realise our ambitions under the Paris Agreement are already available to us – there is no excuse for a delay in action. Ignoring the consequences of inaction will hurt the most vulnerable the hardest, not to mention the generations that follow.”
The Secretary-General leads a delegation of senior experts from the Commonwealth Secretariat, who will also be sharing key insights and best practices garnered from flagship programmes such as the Commonwealth Climate Finance Access Hub (CCFAH), the Commonwealth Blue Charter, the Commonwealth Sustainable Energy Transition Agenda and the Commonwealth Living Lands Charter: A Call to Action on Living Lands (CALL), including their enhanced focus in supporting the Africa region.
On Tuesday 5th September, the Secretary-General will take part in a high-level panel alongside the President of Somalia, H.E. Hassan Sheikh Mohmaud, the President of Mozambique H.E Filipe Jacinto Nyusi and the Vice President of Colombia H.E Francia Elena Marquez Mina focusing on unlocking the potential of a “regenerative blue economy” in Africa and globally.
During the mission, the Secretary-General will also hold a dialogue with environment and climate ministers from across the region, to discuss expectations and key concerns ahead of the UN Climate Change Conference COP28.
Discussions will feed into the first-ever Commonwealth Environment and Climate Ministers’ Meeting, to take place in the margins of the United Nations General Assembly meetings in New York on 21 September.
Read full text on the following web page:
See Also:
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Special Announcement
Commonwealth and Bahamas
Celebrating 50 Years
10 July 1973 - 10 July 2023
“It is truly remarkable that in an era marked by racism, inequality and economic challenges, the Bahamas made a conscious decision to join
the Commonwealth on the very day it gained its independence.
This act of alignment with the right side of history
exemplifies its commitment to a community of
equals, united in the pursuit of
peace, liberty, and progress."
“Today, as we celebrate this historic milestone, the Bahamas and the Commonwealth stand as a testament to the enduring strength of collaboration and the profound impact that a united community can have on the world.”
Quotes Courtesy, Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC
Learn more on the following web pages:
Images Courtesy, The Commonwealth
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Special Announcement
Trinidad and Tobago: July 3 - 5
Commonwealth Secretary-General commends CARICOM on 50th anniversary and pledges continued support
5 July 2023
Images / Text Courtesy, The Commonwealth
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Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, joined Caribbean leaders and eminent guests yesterday to celebrate the 50 years of CARICOM’s leadership, unity and progress, while pledging her continued support to the organisation.
Speaking on CARICOM’s 50th anniversary, the Commonwealth Secretary-General expressed her pride and admiration for the Caribbean, adding:
"Today is a great day for the Caribbean and a special day for the Commonwealth, as we come together to celebrate CARICOM’s golden jubilee. The Caribbean, despite its relatively small size, has consistently been at the forefront of tackling the most significant challenges of our time.
"Their contributions have enriched our Commonwealth family in immeasurable ways, and today our partnership, grounded in principled and practical action, on a wide array of initiatives is stronger than ever before.”
During the establishment of CARICOM, Caribbean leaders confronted a period marred by racism, inequality, climate change and economic issues. Secretary-General Scotland, acknowledging their visionary leadership and unwavering dedication, commended their efforts in building a brighter future for generations to come.
She also applauded the Caribbean’s leadership in advocating for the reform of the global financial system, particularly through the Bridgetown Initiative, spearheaded by Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados, while reiterating the Commonwealth’s full support for the effort.
Read full text on the following web page:
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Special Announcement
Commonwealth Heads of Government to Meet in Samoa in 2024
22 June 2023
Images / Text Courtesy, The Commonwealth
The Prime Minister of Samoa, Hon. Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa, and the Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, have announced that the next Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) will be held in Apia, Samoa, beginning on 21 October 2024.
CHOGM – customarily held every two years – is the Commonwealth’s primary political meeting. Building on progress since CHOGM 2022, leaders will deliberate on global economic, environmental and security challenges, and discuss how the contemporary Commonwealth can work together to build resilience, boost trade, innovation, growth, and empower the Commonwealth’s 1.5 billion young people to build a more peaceful, sustainable future.
Commonwealth Leaders selected Samoa as the incoming Chair-In-Office and host of the next CHOGM at last year’s Heads of Government Meeting in Rwanda. It will be the first CHOGM to be held in a Pacific Small Island Developing State and the first since Gabon and Togo officially joined the Commonwealth, increasing the number of member nations to 56.
Prime Minister Mataʻafa said:
“We look forward to welcoming the Commonwealth family to our home. We are weathering unprecedented times as the Commonwealth and the world in general; the adaptive response is anchored in solidarity and building resilience as a matter of survival.
“Already, we are hard at work, hand-in-hand with the team from the Commonwealth Secretariat, and counting on the support of our partners and the Commonwealth Family, to ensure a successful, productive and unique event. We look forward to the transformative change, renewed purpose and the strengthening of the spirit of cooperation that will come out of this CHOGM.”
Read full text on the following web page:
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Special Announcement
Health Ministers pledge to work together
to transform care systems and ensure
equal access to quality
care across the Commonwealth
22 May 2023
Images / Text Courtesy, The Commonwealth
Commonwealth Health Ministers and Heads of Delegation have reaffirmed their commitment to achieving universal health coverage (UHC) and ensuring the most vulnerable and marginalised have equal access to health services across the 56 member countries by 2030.
They joined the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, and health experts for the 35th Commonwealth Health Ministers Meeting (CHMM) on Saturday 20th May in Geneva, Switzerland.
Images / Text Courtesy, The Commonwealth
They agreed to work together to accelerate efforts to achieve UHC by 2030, in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), recognising that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused setbacks to hard-won UHC gains and exposed rife health inequalities within and between countries, including inequities of access to quality care.
Critically it was highlighted that the increasing daily threats of climate change continue to have an impact on the health of countries, their communities and their loved ones, and this needs collaborative action from all across health, finance, environment and climate ministries.
Opening the meeting, the Secretary-General said:
“If we have learnt anything from the pandemic, it's that investing in health for all is not optional – it is essential.
Despite the Commonwealth making significant progress on universal health coverage before 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the vulnerabilities of many of our health systems and significantly eroded our hard-won health gains, putting the delivery of universal health coverage in the Commonwealth at risk…
We need to convert our focus and urgency into hard-headed action right now. If we fail, we risk losing the impetus to transform our health systems for the better.
If we succeed, we will have transformed the lives and prospects of millions of people in our Commonwealth Family.”
Read full text on the following web page:
Images / Text Courtesy, The Commonwealth
Special Announcement
Footballer Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang tells Commonwealth youth to
believe in their dreams
19 May 2023
Images / Text Courtesy, The Commonwealth
You must dream, believe in them and work tirelessly to achieve them, said world-renowned Gabonese footballer Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in his powerful message to the Commonwealth’s 1.5 billion young people.
Speaking at a Marlborough House Get-Together event on 19 May 2023 in London, held as part of the Commonwealth Year of Youth 2023, Aubameyang told a gathering of young leaders, scholars and changemakers from across the Commonwealth that “you are the future”.
Reflecting on his own challenging journey, Aubameyang shared:
“The beginning of my career was very tough; I had many bad moments. Everyone was telling me that I was not a goal scorer. Those words gave me the power to work even harder to achieve my goals. Today, I am very happy where I am.”
He emphasised the importance of perseverance, continuous self-improvement, a support system and mentorship as crucial factors for personal and professional success.
Read full text on the following web page:
Special Announcement
Ahead of the Coronation, Leaders of Commonwealth Member States
met with
His Majesty King Charles III
at Marlborough House,
the Headquarters of
the Commonwealth Secretariat
5 May 2023
Images / Text Courtesy, The Commonwealth
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After their meeting with the King, leaders from the Commonwealth's 56 member states then met privately to discuss issues of mutual interest, including initiatives to support the empowerment of young people, as this year has been designated the Commonwealth Year of Youth.
The King has described the Commonwealth as a ‘cornerstone’ of his life, expressing his unwavering support for the values, people and countries of the Commonwealth. At their Heads of Government Meeting in 2018, Commonwealth Leaders decided that he would succeed Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II as Head of the Commonwealth, and he acceded to the role upon her death in September 2022.
Images / Text Courtesy, The Commonwealth
During Friday's meeting, the King greeted the leaders warmly and posed with them for a commemorative family photograph. Later that day, leaders will also attend a reception at Buckingham Palace hosted by the King.
Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon. Patricia Scotland KC, said:
"I can think of no stronger signal of His Majesty’s deep connection to our Family of Nations than taking time to meet with Commonwealth Leaders at Marlborough House ahead of his Coronation. Earlier this year, the King highlighted the Commonwealth’s 'near-boundless potential as a force for good."
Read full text on the following web page: