ISSUE 726 JUNE - AUGUST 2021
REACHING THE SUMMIT International cooperation takes centre stage in 2021 22715 Steinway ROSL JUN/AUG21 Kravitz.qxp_Layout 1 15/04/2021 11:03 Page 1
WELCOME
KRAVITZ GRAND LIMITED EDITION The Royal Over-Seas League is dedicated A COLLABORATION WITH WORLD-RENOWNED MUSICIAN to championing international friendship and understanding through cultural and education “Whilst travel has AND MODERN-DAY RENAISSANCE MAN LENNY KRAVITZ activities around the Commonwealth and beyond. A not-for-profit private members’ organisation, we’ve been bringing like-minded people been restricted, it's together since 1910. OVERSEAS EDITORIAL TEAM business as usual on Editor Mr Mark Brierley: [email protected]; +44 (0)20 7408 0214 Design the international stage” zed creative: www.zedcreative.co.uk Advertising [email protected] By the time this edition hits the doorstep, ROSL will have reopened its [email protected] doors. After what has been a long and difficult time for members and staff, ROYAL OVER-SEAS LEAGUE we’ll be into a wonderful spring and summer. We’re bursting into action Incorporated by Royal Charter Patron HM The Queen with the addition of two key new members of the team following our Vice-Patron HRH Princess Alexandra KG GCVO decision to take catering back in house – highly experienced Food and President The Rt Hon The Lord Geidt GCB GCVO OBE QSO PC Beverage Manager Serge Pradier, and Executive Chef Elliot Plimmer, who Chairman The Hon. Alexander Downer AC has Michelin starred experience. We will welcome members back to our Deputy Chairman Anne Wilkinson Hon Treasurer Richard Harbord FCA wonderful garden with facilities that are better than ever, and the usual Over-Seas House, Park Place, St James’s Street, London SW1A 1LR; +44 (0)20 7408 0214; cornucopia of music – Artistic Director Geoff Parkin will also be curating Fax +44 (0)20 7499 6738; [email protected]; a ROSL Recitals: Edinburgh Fringe in London concert series here in the www.rosl.org.uk ROSL clubhouse in August - and ongoing public affairs series, including CENTRAL COUNCIL Anjola-Oluwa Adeniyi, Paul Arkwright CMG, President of the CBI, Lord Karan Bilimoria, former Governor of HK Lord Ruth Bala, The Hon. Alexander Downer AC, Chris Patten (who will give our inaugural ROSL Annual Lecture), and Nabeel Goheer, Richard Harbord FCA, Alistair Harrison CMG CVO, Anthony Teasdale, former Australian PM Julia Gillard. The latter two speakers have, of course, Susan Walton, Helen Prince, Atholl Swainston-Harrison, Anne Wilkinson been regulars at International Summits, the topic of this edition. I have Director-General Dr Annette Prandzioch: +44 (0)20 7408 0214 x201; a personal passion for international relations – something I know our [email protected] members share, given our ethos of ‘promoting international friendship in Chief Finance Officer Alexis Corzberg FCMA: [email protected] the Commonwealth and beyond’. And whilst our own international travels Director of Membership, Marketing and Communications have been restricted, it’s good to see business as usual on the international Jon Kudlick: +44 (0)20 7408 0214 x204; stage. This year includes two major summits in the UK, the G7 in Cornwall [email protected] Director of Education Projects and COP26 in Glasgow. Sandwiched between is CHOGM in Kigali, Margaret Adrian-Vallance MBE: +44 (0)20 7408 0214 x307; [email protected] Rwanda. The UK will hand over the baton as Chair-in-Office of the Artistic Director Commonwealth at this next biennial Commonwealth Heads of Geoff Parkin: +44 (0)20 7408 0214 x325; [email protected] Government Meeting. I’m delighted that this edition includes articles by Resident Manager Warren Miller: +44 (0)20 7408 0214 x203; our Chairman, the Hon. Alexander Downer AC, quite the veteran of the [email protected] international stage as the longest-serving Australian Foreign Minister; two Director of HR Sarah Banner: [email protected] more of our Council Members, Paul Arkwright CMG, who until recently Membership +44 (0)20 7408 0214 x214; [email protected] was the UK government’s COP26 Regional Ambassador for Sub-Saharan For more contacts visit www.rosl.org.uk/the-team Africa and CEO of the UK-Africa Investment Summit; Nabeel Goheer, Print Gemini Print Group: +44 (0)127 346 4884 The journal is published by the Royal Over-Seas League, who, as Assistant Secretary General of the Commonwealth Secretariat, Over-Seas House, Park Place, St James’s Street, London SW1A 1LR. Any views expressed in editorial has been closely involved with several CHOGMs; and Honorary Member “I see design and music as being the same thing: and any advertisements included are not necessarily you start with inspiration and at the end you have a piece of art.” endorsed by the Central Council. of ROSL, the UK’s Commonwealth Envoy Philip Parham CMG. ISSN 00307424 LENNY KRAVITZ Dr Annette Prandzioch DIRECTOR-GENERAL
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From the EDITOR Accusations of vaccine nationalism are the latest flashpoint in what has been a febrile few years in the world of international diplomacy, thanks to the combative nature of Donald Trump’s presidency and Brexit negotiations, among many others. But with three large international summits taking place in 2021; G7, CHOGM, and COP26, the need for effective international cooperation is more pressing than ever. In this issue of Overseas, we look at these summits from a variety of angles, asking contributors from the very highest levels of international relations and diplomacy what their success means for the world. Turn over to page 6 to meet the people who will guide us through. On page 8, ROSL Chairman Alexander Downer AC asks if summits matter. Multilateral diplomacy in which the agreement many parties must agree, or at least compromise, on a way forward, is front and centre at these summits, and their success is critical to finding solutions to today’s global issues. With a population of 2.4 billion across the Commonwealth, 16“An opportunity both for finding that compromise can be difficult. That’s why the Commonwealth Foundation's Critical Conversation events continuity and for new endeavour ask – and try to answer – the questions that really matter. Their Director-General Anne Gallagher explains all on page 12. – for Leaders to recommit to With the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) taking place in Rwanda later this year, the UK Commonwealth values” Government’s Commonwealth Envoy, Philip Parham, discusses what has been achieved during the UK’s time as Chair-in-office ahead of the next summit, on page 16. While Nabeel Goheer, the Commonwealth Secretariat’s Deputy Secretary-General, explains what will be covered at this year’s Secretariat, explains the Maldives as Foreign poorer countries. But be launching in the WELCOME 12 It's time to talk – about CHOGM in Kigali on page 18. the Commonwealth his role promoting the Minister Abdulla Shahid could more be done by Autumn, an introduction 3 From the D-G Director-General of prinicipals of the tells Alexander Downer AC rich nations to ensure to people behind ROSL's Elsewhere, the next climate change summit, COP26, is due to As the clubhouse reopens, take place in Glasgow in November, and the progress made in The Commonwealth Commonwealth and that recovery from the new food and drink, Annette looks forward to the Paris five years ago needs to be built upon, with solutions fit for Foundation Anne how this will be achieved WORLD pandemic is more a look back at ROSL's summits taking place in 2021 the whole world, no matter the size or prosperity of the country Gallagher AO asks the at this year’s CHOGM equitable? Natalie Healey that will shape the world artistic output during involved. On page 20, Paul Arkwright CMG discusses the questions that really 28 Oceans apart together investigates Sharing similarities lockdown and our search challenges facing sub-Saharan countries specifically. matter to the 20 Global issues, local like language, culture, for ROSL's first ever ROSL PEOPLE Commonwealth’s solutions NEWS & EVENTS And with Britain’s divorce from the EU finally complete as of history, democracies, and Artist-in-Residence 2.4 billion citizens Paul Arkwright CMG, 2021, is it time for the country to start forming new alliances? 6 Meet the contributors 36 former COP26 Regional liberalised economies, Literacy and the One suggestion is CANZUK, which would see the UK join Discussing this year's pandemic 40 ROSL around 16 Passing the baton Ambassador for Sub- could Canada, Australia, forces with Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, taking summits, experts from the Margaret Adrian-Vallance the world Ahead of CHOGM Saharan Africa, tells Mark New Zealand, and the advantage of the shared history, language, culture, liberalised world of international explains how our bursary News from our branch in Rwanda, the UK's Brierley what the challenges UK be a rival to the EU economies and more. Abi Millar discusses the merits and relations and diplmacy alumni are helping to network, which is slowly Commonwealth Envoy, facing the region are when in tomorrow’s world? potential pitfalls of the idea on page 28. have their say explain Covid in areas getting back to normal Philip Parham, reflects it comes to climate Abi Millar looks at the with low literacy rates Bringing things right up to date, the unequal speed of the 8 Do summits matter? on Britain’s time as arguments for and against 42 Event highlights vaccine rollout across the world is under the spotlight on First up, ROSL Chairman Chair-in-Office 24 Minister to minister 37 News & views Rescheduled AMC dates, page 32 as Natalie Healey looks at the COVAX programme. Navigating the dual storm The Hon. Alexander 32 Nobody is safe until Incognito has raised garden parties, garden Supposed to ensure equitable access to vaccines for all, is of Covid and climate Downer AC explains why 18 The common touch everyone is safe another £4,300 to plays and more international cooperation failing to save the most vulnerable? international relations are so Nabeel Goheer, Assistant change as a small island COVAX is the international support our education important and what it takes Secretary-General at the nation reliant on tourism effort for sharing Covid projects, a new Australian 43 Events calendar Mark Brierley to make summits a success Commonwealth has been a challenge for vaccines with the world’s print exhibition will Upcoming events [email protected]
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The Hon. Alexander Downer AC, ROSL Chairman, was born in Adelaide, South Australia. He has served as I DLER a career diplomat in the Australian Dr Anne Gallagher AO, Director- Paul Arkwright CMG was, until Diplomatic Service and with the General of The Commonwealth recently, the UK Government’s United Nations. He was a member of Foundation, spent several years COP26 Regional Ambassador for SLOW DOWN, HAVE FUN, the Australian Parliament for 24 years teaching in the law school of the Sub-Saharan Africa. Having left and spent nearly 12 of those years as Australian National University, before the FCDO, he has set up his own Australia’s foreign minister. Mr Downer being recruited to the United Nations, business consultancy focusing on is currently the Executive Chair of the where she served for 12 years, (and save money) Africa. He was previously CEO for the LIVE WELL. International School for Government including as special adviser to the UN UK-Africa Investment Summit, British at King’s College London. High Commissioner for Human Rights, High Commissioner to Nigeria, and Mary Robinson. From 2003, Anne UK Ambassador to the Netherlands, worked with the Association of South- and has served in senior posts at East Asian Nations and its ten Member the FCDO in London, including as MEET THE States to strengthen legislative and Director for the Commonwealth. criminal justice responses to human He has extensive ties throughout CONTRIBUTORS trafficking and related exploitation. Africa as well as in London. Discussing this year's summits, Her recent appointments include; experts from the world of President of the International Catholic international relations and Migration Commission, Co-Chair of the International Bar Association’s diplomacy have their say Presidential Task Force on Human Trafficking, and member of the Asia Dialogue on Forced Migration.
Philip Parham is the UK’s Commonwealth Envoy. He served previously as Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, Ambassador and Deputy Save 50% on cover price Permanent Representative to the UN His Excellency Abdulla Shahid is the in New York, and High Commissioner Minister of Foreign Affairs of the to Tanzania. He has also been posted Maldives, having held this position Subscribe to the Idler for just £27 a year* to the British Embassies in Riyadh since 2018. Having studied at Canberra Nabeel Goheer, Assistant Secretary and Washington DC. At the FCO (as College of Advanced Education, General of the Commonwealth it then was), he served as Head of the Australia, and the Fletcher School of Secretariat, has a pivotal role Go to webscribe.co.uk/magazine/idler Counter-Terrorism Policy Department, Law and Diplomacy in the US, Shahid within the organisation, and a wide Head of the Iraq Operations Unit, a joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs global network both throughout member of the Policy Planning Staff, in 1984, eventually rising to Director. the Commonwealth and beyond, or call 01442 820580 Private Secretary to one of the Ministers, He served as the 16th Speaker of the in addition to a background in “The Idler’s appeal and relevance and Head of the Pakistan/Afghanistan People’s Majlis from 2008 to 2014, consultancy involving restructuring seem to increase by the day,” Use code ROSL01 when ordering Section. Before joining the FCO, he was playing a key role in the country’s of organisations, and a PhD in an investment banker for ten years, transition to democracy, and as Management from Judge Business Michael Palin *UK Direct Debit only offer. Reverts to standard price of £39.95 in second year. six of which were in Japan. an MP since 2008. School of University of Cambridge. Overseas customers get 25% off standard price with same code when paying by card.
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IDLER_ad_ROSL01_0421.indd 1 01/04/2021 14:18 PEOPLE
ut in very broad terms, there are That is what makes diplomacy a serious impact. The challenge is to try to DO SUMMITS two types of diplomacy: bilateral complicated and it explains why multilateral make multilateralism more effective and diplomacy and multilateral diplomacy often struggles to be effective. one of the best ways to do that is to engage diplomacy. Bilateral diplomacy The institutions of multilateralism like the the leaders by holding multilateral summits. is pretty straightforward but United Nations and the Commonwealth, are Summits of several leaders, which were once when diplomacy requires a large number staffed with officials inspired by the idealism rare events, have become an important part MATTER? Pof countries to get together to address an of a world working more closely together. So of the annual diplomatic calendar. issue or a series of issues, that is no easy often, that idealism comes up against this 2021 is going to be a year of such task. What even career diplomats often brutal political reality. Within individual summits – and so it should be. We have ROSL Chairman The Hon. Alexander Downer forget is that foreign policy is an extension countries, there is seldom a constituency been through one of the most alarming of domestic policy. Political leaders and which matches the idealism of international periods in world history since the Second AC looks ahead to some of the important their ministers operate within the context officials. World War. The Covid crisis far from of their own domestic politics. If they stray This does explain why many multilateral bringing countries closer together, has international summits coming in 2021 and too far from that, they could, in time, lose institutions, including those within the led to a fragmentation of the international what it takes to make them a success their jobs. United Nations system, struggle to make community in various ways.
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WHEN WHEN WHEN 11-13 June 2021 21-25 June 2021 1-12 November 2021
WHERE WHERE WHERE Cornwall, UK Kigali, Rwanda Glasgow, UK
DETAILS DETAILS DETAILS The UK will use its G7 Presidency to The theme is ‘Delivering a Common The COP26 summit will bring parties unite leading democracies to help the Future: Connecting, Innovating, together to accelerate action towards world fight, and then build back better Transforming’. Leaders will discuss the goals of the Paris Agreement and from coronavirus and create a greener, how to deliver the things which were the UN Framework Convention on more prosperous future. discussed at CHOGM 2018 in London. Climate Change.
It is true the WHO was slow to show we have summits. So there you have it. Summits have leadership in advising governments on how This year, there will be two key summits in their value. But that doesn’t mean they to respond to the Covid outbreak. Why it the UK. The first, in June, is the G7 summit, always work well or, for that matter, that was slow is a debate for another time. But as a which will also include India, South Korea, they’re always very interesting. A summit result, governments took it upon themselves and Australia. This is an opportunity for the needs two things to work. First, it needs a to develop their own national responses. This major democracies of the world to work out very specific agenda. I’ve sat in summits was natural enough and short of a dramatic how to stimulate economic recovery without where there is no particular agenda and multilateral initiative it was all they could do. destroying fiscal responsibility and creating the leaders are just meeting for the sake of It might have been better, had a summit been hyperinflation. It’s far better that these major meeting. Rambling prepared speeches are convened immediately the Covid outbreak economies meet together rather than act in made, which generate little interest from was recognised and a multilateral response an uncoordinated way. the other participants. Leaders can be seen developed. In particular, a summit, properly Later in the year, British Prime Minister playing with their mobile phones as they led, could have led to an internationally Boris Johnson will host the climate change surf through their SMS, WhatsApp, and Camera category coordinated effort to stem international summit, known as COP 26. This is a classic email messages, ignoring the pereration of winner 2020: travel. That alone would have had a major case of where summitry is a sine qua non. the president of some far-flung land! Holding Hands by Isabella Agbaje impact on the spread of Covid. Climate change caused by excessive CO2 Secondly, a good summit needs a good Then there has been the issue of the vaccines. emissions, cannot be addressed by one leader, like everything. With a strong Several governments such as the UK and US country alone. It has to be a total global agenda and a good leader, a summit can have invested heavily in vaccine development, effort. The best way to do that, is to get heads be a truly effective way of achieving an others have just hoped distribution would of government together around the table – or outcome. Summits have made real progress SHOWCASE THE CONTEMPORARY CULTURE come their way. In the end, nations have put in this case a series of tables – to thrash out on climate change, they have been effective their own interests ahead of the broader global measures that will be painful economically. in addressing terrorism and from time to community. Short of a multilateral response, Because they will be painful economically, time they have achieved good outcomes OF THE COMMONWEALTH again they had no choice. But once more, an the pain will have to be shared in an on economic coordination. That was early summit to discuss funding for vaccine equitable way. particularly the case during the global The Royal Over-Seas League is pleased to announce the 2021 theme development and the distribution of vaccines financial crisis in 2008. would have made the process a good deal more We can expect summits to become an of the ROSL Photography Competition as ‘International Friendship’ manageable than that has been. The Covid crisis, far increasingly important component of These two examples, so stark to us today, from bringing countries diplomacy. Globalisation – which is not very Prizes of up to £2,000 available do demonstrate that multilateral approaches together, has led to a popular just at this moment – is irreversible to global issues are needed. And to drive and to make the wheels of globalisation turn, The competition has two categories: Camera and Mobile Phone those multilateral approaches, heads of fragmentation of the multinational summits are going to be an government have to be engaged. That’s why international community essential component of statecraft. Enter now: www.rosl.org.uk/photography The deadline for entries is 5pm GMT on Monday 6 September 2021
10 OVERSEAS JOURNAL JUNE - AUGUST 2021 PEOPLE PEOPLE
s a veteran of responsibilities is the our institutions so that they the United Commonwealth People’s support a world that leaves no Nations, the Forum, which brings civil one behind? Commonwealth society into the biennial Heads We are currently putting was something of of Government Meeting finishing touches on the sixth IT’S TIME TO TALK a mystery to me when I joined (CHOGM). When CHOGM event which will deal with the Atwo years ago. Since, I have 2020 was postponed because right to health and attempt come to appreciate the strength of the Covid-19 pandemic, we to shed light on what we have and complexity of this unique started thinking about how learned over the past year, organisation: a grouping of to maintain momentum— as well as the challenges and – ABOUT THE very different states that would and, more importantly, how opportunities that lie ahead. were united in their view that otherwise rarely find themselves to ensure that the voice of Below are some highlights the Commonwealth needs to in close proximity. Commonwealth civil society from a few previous events adapt and change to meet the Much of what I learnt during could be heard during these which, taken together, have demands of our new world. All my first weeks in post surprised extraordinary times. We knew reached many thousands of agreed that the Commonwealth me: for example, that most what was at stake: our world people across all regions of the could do much more to promote COMMONWEALTH Commonwealth citizens are is in a state of instability and Commonwealth and beyond. justice, freedom, and equality, under 30; that most Member change, unprecedented in and to actively fight the States are republics; and that human history. Crises create discrimination that blights so Director-General of The Commonwealth Foundation, Anne Gallagher, the Commonwealth is growing unimagined opportunities, but A Commonwealth for All: many lives. All welcomed the Young Leaders Speak discusses the organisation’s Critical Conversations online events series, to include countries that were they also bring disruption and Commonwealth’s increasing never a part of the British uncertainty. Better ideas are Building on a previous focus on young people, and their which asks - and tries to answer - the questions that really matter Empire. needed—and more powerful, Conversation that addressed the inclusion in policy platforms. to the Commonwealth’s 2.4 billion citizens And the Commonwealth diverse voices—if we are to adapt issue of the Commonwealth’s But there was a strong warning is, to my knowledge, the only and lead the transformation colonial legacy, this against tokenism: it’s not enough intergovernmental grouping of systems and attitudes event brought together a to invite one young person in existence to have created that entrench inequality and group of inspiring young to join a meeting, a panel, or an agency explicitly mandated marginalise so many. leaders to discuss what the discussion. What is needed is to advance the interests The result of our thinking was Commonwealth means to them; a wholesale rethinking of how of civil society. Enter the People of the Commonwealth: what they hope for its future; we include young people when Commonwealth Foundation. Critical Conversations, an and what might be done to decisions are made and policy is My job, in effect, is to be the online event series that began make the Commonwealth more formulated. Ambassador for the People of in October 2020 and will accessible to its people, and the Commonwealth: to work hopefully continue as a pillar of more relevant for today’s world. ‘We are the Commonwealth with Member States in ensuring the Foundation’s work. Critical Thousands signed up to this so we need a say in our history.’ that this Organisation is—and Conversations asks—and tries event and the interaction from – Kavindya Thennakoon during is seen to be—much more than to answer—the big, important participants was intense. Critical Conversations: a club of States. In many ways, questions of our age. How do we While speakers provided A Commonwealth for All: the existence of the Foundation harness the best of humanity— very different perspectives, all Young Leaders Speak is an affirmation of the the forces of love, compassion, Commonwealth Charter itself, equality, and justice—to Better ideas are ‘Young people have the which begins with those fine and advance our common future and needed - and passion, desire and drive, but stirring words, ‘We the people’. protect our planet? How do we we sometimes forget about Among the Foundation’s acknowledge the past in ways more powerful, consultation, which should that advance a common vision diverse voices - if come from somebody with for the future? How do we work we are to lead the experience… Learning and together to build or re-fashion transformation of drawing from experiences systems and attitudes is necessary so that we don’t make the same mistakes going that entrench forward.’ – Darrion Narine inequality during Critical Conversations: A Commonwealth for All: Young Leaders Speak
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understanding of the impact of plastic partners conduct cyber security audits, call for open and inclusive trade. Last year, pollution on marine ecosystems in South identifying weaknesses and steps to address Commonwealth leaders agreed a wide-ranging East Asia. Under the Blue Charter Fellowship them. Forty Commonwealth countries have statement on the global response to the programme, 20 researchers have been placed developed National Computer Security Covid-19 pandemic; Foreign Ministers issued a in Commonwealth universities to support the Incident Response Teams. united call against racism; and the investigation of marine plastics. With UK support, the Commonwealth Commonwealth, for the first time, made a joint To build a more prosperous future, Secretariat’s team for countering violent statement in the UN Human Rights Council. we funded the establishment of the extremism has provided training and built Commonwealth Standards Network. This the capacity of several Commonwealth SOLIDARITY now comprises the national standards bodies governments from Tanzania to Trinidad We have encouraged awareness among of 50 Commonwealth members. By increasing & Tobago. Commonwealth members of each others’ awareness and adoption of international We have also funded work by the UK needs and objectives in multilateral standards, it reduces non-tariff barriers and Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary organisations, including candidates for PASSING THE BATON eases trade. Similarly, our Commonwealth Association and the UN Office on Drugs & international positions. We have arranged for Trade Facilitation Programme, with the Crime to tackle modern slavery – helping Commonwealth members of the UN Security With CHOGM set to take place in Rwanda later this year, World Customs Organisation and the UN Commonwealth members strengthen Council to discuss its business regularly with the UK Government’s Commonwealth Envoy, Philip Parham, Conference for Trade & Development, legislation, increase parliamentary scrutiny and other Commonwealth members. The UK and reflects on the nation's time as Chair-in-Office has helped 18 countries implement improve enforcement; establishing a network others have supported the Commonwealth the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement of parliamentary champions, and developing Permanent Joint Office in New York and the and so reduce the costs of trade. a handbook on legislating against modern Commonwealth Small States Office in The UK and South Africa have led the slavery, human trafficking, and forced labour. Geneva, where we also fund trade and human s Commonwealth Chair-in-Office assistance to governments on tackling supporting development of 59 projects with Digital Connectivity cluster of the Thanks to this work, Malawi, for example, rights advisers – enabling smaller members to since 2018, the UK has tried to do domestic violence, hate crimes, discrimination, a finance requirement of $650million Commonwealth Connectivity Agenda for has seen a clear increase in the numbers protect and pursue their interests in four things: sexual violence, and online abuse. The in eight Commonwealth countries. Trade & Investment – exploring how to of victims rescued from modern slavery. international organisations. A• lead, support, and encourage delivery of Alliance has supported the government of Our Commonwealth Marine Economies develop digital connectivity in ways that will the commitments and aspirations set out St Lucia in fulfilling its reporting obligations Programme is collaborating with help us towards the target of $2trillion intra- VOICE REFORM by Commonwealth Leaders at the 2018 under the Convention on Elimination of Commonwealth island states in the Pacific and Commonwealth trade per year by 2030. We At the UN General Assembly in 2018, Prime Following reports by a High Level Group Commonwealth Heads of Government All Forms of Discrimination Against Caribbean to map and analyse their maritime have also supported Barbados’s chairing of Minister Theresa May addressed UN members on the governance of the Commonwealth (CHOGM) in London Women, developing progressive domestic economies, so that they can develop bespoke the Regulatory Connectivity cluster. as Chair-in-Office of the Commonwealth on Secretariat and its collaboration with other • boost the voice of the Commonwealth violence legislation, and increasing sustainable national maritime economy plans: Finally, to build a more secure behalf of its (then) 53 Heads of Government organisations, we reached agreement among in the international community parliamentary scrutiny and public these will increase prosperity and economic Commonwealth future, we have taken – the first time this had happened. In 2019, all Foreign Ministers on a set of reforms - • enhance the sense and practice of solidarity engagement on new legislation. resilience, while conserving and enhancing forward the Commonwealth Cyber Commonwealth Trade Ministers, meeting in to be endorsed by Heads of Government among Commonwealth members We have funded the establishment of the maritime resources and biodiversity. Antigua Declaration – helping Commonwealth London under their UK Chair, issued a strong at their meeting this year. • reform and strengthen the Commonwealth Women Mediators Across the Commonwealth & Barbuda have just launched their plan. institutions. Network, which now counts 46 members in Also through the Marine Economies CHOGM 2021 Programme, 13 Commonwealth island states We look forward to the CHOGM in Kigali, DELIVERY are now able to undertake seabed mapping, where Rwanda will take over from us as In 2018, leaders pronounced ambitions This will be an opportunity for monitor acidification and sea level rise, or Chair-in-Office. The theme is Delivering for fairness, sustainability, prosperity, and both continuity and for new collect tidal data. The mapping of 32 islands a Common Future: Connecting, Innovating, security. Here are just some examples of endeavour to recommit to and atolls of Kiribati have enabled safe Transforming. And the policy framework is: what we have done in each of those areas. Commonwealth values navigation for maritime trade, and catalysed Governance & The Rule of Law; Sustainability To build a fairer future in the a £30million World Bank and Asian (Economy, Trade, Environment); Health; Commonwealth, the UK’s Equality & Development Bank project. In Guyana, the Youth; Technology & Innovation. Human Rights Commission has built up 21 countries. Through the UK Branch of the shrimp industry has been revitalised This will be an opportunity both for the network of National Human Rights Commonwealth Parliamentary Association sustainably with support from the UK Centre continuity and new Commonwealth Institutions in the Commonwealth, so that and the Westminster Foundation for for Environment, Fisheries & Aquaculture. endeavour – for Leaders to recommit to they can support each other through peer-to- Democracy, the UK-funded Commonwealth Under the Commonwealth Blue Charter, Commonwealth values, the Blue Charter, peer learning, including an online learning Partnership for Democracy has supported the the UK and Vanuatu have co-led the the Connectivity Agenda and the Cyber programme on LGBT rights assisted by the updating of the Recommended Benchmarks Commonwealth Clean Ocean Alliance to KIGALI, RWANDA Declaration; and to promote new initiatives UN Independent Expert on Sexual for Democratic Legislatures, and helped 12 tackle the scourge of plastic pollution. which will help us build back better from the Orientation & Gender Identity Rights. parliaments assess themselves against them. Thirty-four Commonwealth member states The largest city and capital of Rwanda, Kigali is home to more than 1.1 million pandemic. Crucially, we will have the chance Our Pacific Commonwealth Equality To build a more sustainable future, the have joined the Alliance, committing people today, growing from just 6,000 people upon independence in 1962. Much to boost momentum towards an ambitious Project has helped our Pacific partners Commonwealth Climate Finance Access themselves to practical steps such as banning of that growth has taken place since the end of the Rwandan Civil War in 1994, with and successful COP26 – demonstrating the establish or strengthen National Human Hub, funded by the UK and Australia, has the manufacture and sale of microbeads in large parts of the city rebuilt. The centre of the Rwandan economy, Kigali accounts real value of the Commonwealth’s free and Rights Institutions. With UK funding, the helped to source $34million for 23 climate rinse-off personal care products by 2021. for 42% of the country's GDP. As well as CHOGM, the city also hosted the African incredibly diverse association of equal Equality & Justice Alliance of NGOs has, change projects in some of the most A £6million programme match-funded by Development Bank's 2015 General Assembly and 2018 African Union summit. sovereign states united by the values and among other things, provided technical climatically vulnerable countries. And it is the UK and Singapore has increased aspirations of its Charter.
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he Commonwealth of Nations 46 heads of government, 49 foreign ministers, forums and accredited organisations. member countries in meeting commitments was born on 26 April 1949. 10 members of the UK royal family, and 5000 Their proposals will be considered by Foreign under national, regional, and international The United Kingdom, Canada, delegates participated. Four for a (Youth, Ministers and leaders at Kigali to make policy frameworks such as the Paris Agreement, the Australia, New Zealand, South Women’s, Business and People’s) were held decisions and to forge common positions. Montreal Protocol, and Kigali Amendments. Africa, India, Pakistan, and before and alongside the official meeting. The following paragraphs provide a The Commonwealth is proud of outcomes Ceylon (Now Sri Lanka) decided to form an Their outcomes were presented to leaders. In Commonwealth perspective on these topics. achieved in this area, which include its Tassociation of ‘free and equal members’ for addition, Commonwealth parliamentary and collective contribution to the ambitions of the the ‘pursuit of peace, liberty and progress’. The professional networks made presentations to GOVERNANCE AND THE RULE Paris Agreement at the CHOGM 2015 (Malta) Commonwealth Secretariat was established senior officials of member states. The then OF LAW provides the context and the adoption of the Commonwealth Blue in 1965 ‘as a visible symbol of the spirit of Foreign Secretary of the UK (now Prime for the reaffirmation of the Charter at CHOGM 2018 (London). CHOGM cooperation which animates the Minister) along with other Foreign Ministers, Commonwealth’s fundamental values. 2021 is expected to build on progress and Commonwealth’. In the last seven decades, the also met with 90 or so Commonwealth As popular demands for democracy, bolster the Commonwealth’s global association has grown almost seven-fold. It has organisations to learn about their work, tolerance, inclusivity, equality, and prosperity leadership in this area. 54 members now. Other than the Secretariat, increase globally against the rise of there are two more intergovernmental nationalism and threats HEALTH is a standalone Sharing a cheerful moment associations, as well as eight to multilateralism, the sub-theme. It has been adopted with Commonwealth Secretary- associated and 80 professional Commonwealth must following the devastation wrought General and President Kagame organsiations. In essence, it is a continue to show by the global Covid-19 pandemic. Since the system of 54 governments, and global leadership announcement of the pandemic by the 88 parliamentary, professional, THE as a values-based World Health Organisation in March 2020, so far includes: dedicated support to member continue to prioritise access to ICT for all, civil society, and private sector organisation in line with Covid-19, it has claimed approximately three countries in mainstreaming youth in national including through a gender and equity lens, networks. It is spread across its Charter. The Kigali million lives worldwide (as of 13 April, 2021). policies for the past 40 years; supporting in national development plans as highlighted five continents, represents CHOGM will coincide Countries, rich and poor, were not prepared youth-designed and led networks, of which by Heads in the 2018 Communiqué. 2.5 billion people, and has a with the start of the last to deal with this pandemic, raising questions there are currently nine including the National development plans must prepare combined GDP of approximately decade for the delivery of the about the state of public health systems. The Commonwealth Youth Council, the official citizens, especially young people, with the £8trillion. COMMON 2030 Agenda for Sustainable highly infectious nature of the coronavirus representative voice of more than 1.2 billion skills necessary to adapt and fully benefit I work for the Commonwealth Development Goals. Ensuring also highlighted the importance of having young people in the Commonwealth; the from a secure cyberspace. Additionally, Secretariat. It is the principal organ peaceful, just, and inclusive societies coordinated responses nationally, regionally, creation of a globally accepted measure of the Commonwealth must show leadership of the system (like the UN anchored in strong institutions will and globally, noting our interconnectedness. in the use of innovative practices and Secretariat in New York), and based TOUCH create a conducive environment Information and experience sharing among Our job is to promote common cutting-edge technology that ensures in London. Our job is to promote for attaining this agenda. countries remains key in strengthening public its relevance in the 21st Century. common values and principles, Such a commitment to health policies and systems. values and principles, facilitate Let me conclude by sharing my facilitate dialogue for consensus good governance requires dialogue for consensus experience of attending and helping building and cooperation, advocate transformational leadership that YOUTH has been a focus of building and cooperation convene CHOGMs. My story starts from for and influence global is accountable and transparent, Commonwealth action since Port of Spain in 2009. I participated as a mechanisms (in line with the Nabeel Goheer, Assistant Secretary-General at and that prioritises citizen 1970s. Two out of every five youth development, the Youth Development UN system official as the UN Secretary- agreed Commonwealth positions), the Commonwealth Secretariat, explains his role engagement. At CHOGM 2021, citizens of the Commonwealth are under the Index; advocating for the professionalisation General had been invited to join the and ensure system-level the Commonwealth will reiterate age of 30. The Commonwealth has a track of youth work, and sport for development meeting. I recall that the summit started coordination and coherence promoting the common values and principles and provide leadership on these record of advocating youth empowerment and peace. Kigali CHOGM will highlight the process of revitalising the (where possible). As the Assistant of the Commonwealth, and how this will be core Commonwealth values by on the global stage while supporting the youth entrepreneurship and employment Commonwealth system and network. Secretary-General, my role is to achieved at this year’s CHOGM in Kigali building on achievements in participation of young women and men at all - issues that affect a significant number of Perth CHOGM in 2011 was interesting support the Secretary-General in governance and the rule of law. levels of decision-making, including through member countries and pose a threat to young where the diversity of opinions in the family providing leadership to the system national youth networks. Progress achieved people’s ability to realise their full potential. tested the limits of dialogue and consensus and the Secretariat, represent the organisation appreciate the value of this unique network, SUSTAINABILITY is an overarching building. Colombo CHOGM in 2013 was externally, facilitate dialogue and consensus and to provide direct guidance. theme, encompassing ‘Trade and TECHNOLOGY another test of resilience. The association building in the governing boards, facilitate The upcoming Kigali CHOGM was delayed Environment.’ In light of the global AND INNOVATION passed the test as a majority of members system wide coordination, and supervise a for a year due to the ongoing pandemic. It is economic recession brought on by the is a cross cutting stuck to a Commonwealth’s core value of department that is responsible for Secretariat’s now scheduled to be held in the week of 21 Covid-19 pandemic, this sub-theme subtheme. Though the fourth ‘respect and understanding’. Malta CHOGM strategy, portfolio management, evaluation June, 2021. The entire Commonwealth system recognises that the Commonwealth cannot industrial revolution has of 2015 brought hope with consensus on and learning, strategic partnerships, as well is focusing on the theme - Delivering a continue doing “business as usual”. The contributed to closing major climate change and commitment to renewal. as technology and innovation. Common Future: Connecting, Innovating Commonwealth must realign its resources and access gaps related to London CHOGM of 2018 was able to set a The Commonwealth Heads of Government and Transforming. There are five sub-themes efforts towards a more sustainable model that information, knowledge, new direction. Kigali is going a step ahead Meeting (CHOGM) is held every second that are - Governance and the Rule of Law; is centred around people and the environment. services and business, the and focusing on delivery. The year. This year, it will take place at Kigali in Sustainability; Health; Youth; and, Since adopting the Langkawi Declaration on COVID-19 crisis has exposed Commonwealth’s journey of excellence Rwanda. CHOGM is a time when the entire Technology and Innovation. These sub- the Environment in 1989, Commonwealth the digital divide that still continues as it is providing new models Commonwealth system comes together. themes are being discussed by senior Heads of Government have continued to exists. To be future-ready, of network multilateralism and systemic The last meeting was in London in which government officials, participants of four advocate for multilateral solutions that support London CHOGM 2018: Assisting the Commonwealth must leadership by example. Foreign Secretary Johnson in the Foreign Ministers Meeting
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International cooperation will play a key part in our approach to tackling rising global emissions. ROSL Central Council member Paul Arkwright CMG, former UK High Commissioner to Nigeria and the UK’s former COP26 Regional Ambassador for Sub-Saharan Africa, tells Mark Brierley what the challenges facing the region are when it comes to climate change
With COP26 taking place later this year, how far do you think supermarket and looking at the labels, and working out for targets need to go beyond current agreements if we are to yourself what is harmful and what might benefit the planet. succeed in keeping global warming below 1.5-2 degrees? Spending power is one of those really big factors in moving GLOBAL We need to go quite some distance beyond the current things in the right direction. efforts that are being made internationally. If we continue on the trajectory from the Paris climate change agreement of COP26 had been planned as the largest ever international five years ago, then we would miss the 1.5-2 degree target by gathering hosted by the UK with 30,000 attendees. How a considerable margin. So, we need to make additional appropriate do you think this is given the subject of the efforts both in terms of NDCs (Nationally Determined summit and can the summit still work effectively remotely in a Contributions), which are set by governments, and through post-Covid environment? new commitments from business, industry, and civil society. There’s a valid criticism about flying in all of these It’s a whole of society effort to make sure that we make even participants and that’s something that needs to be looked at ISSUES, more ambitious plans. in terms of carbon offsets, for example. But it’s not just 30,000 gathering to have a chat, it’s about the working As you say, it’s not only governments, it’s the whole of society’s groups, the negotiators, the heads of government, coming responsibility. Do you think the weight of public opinion is together physically to come up with an agreement on a way swinging in the right direction? forward. That’s much more difficult to do in a virtual world. Yes, it’s moving in the right direction, I’m just not sure it has The other downside to an entirely virtual event is that it moved far enough quite yet. A lot of businesses are now penalises the smaller countries that might not have the realising they have a responsibility to do more and so, a lot of resources, perhaps not even the internet access, and fear that them are signing up to ‘Race to Zero’; an initiative for the they may be frozen out of the negotiations. private sector to go carbon neutral by 2050. We’re seeing more I can see some kind of hybrid event, where you would LOCAL businesses sign up, from SMEs to large multinationals. So, have a smaller number of delegates, perhaps two or three there’s a lot of momentum building, but the challenge is that negotiators per country and ministerial-level representation it’s easy to say we will be carbon neutral by 2050, but meeting physically. The political decisions and trade offs that implementing that commitment involves taking very difficult are needed are much easier to achieve if people are decisions that are needed to make it a reality. physically present. So, perhaps a high-level segment of In the run up to COP26 and after it, we’re going to need to leaders together towards the end of the summit, and then see some very hard-headed plans on how these targets are some kind of virtual conference for the majority. going to be reached in terms of the practical action they are going to take to decarbonise their activities. What will be the specifics discussed and SOLUTIONS In terms of civil society, you have the very agreements that will be thrashed out at the active NGOs and people like Greta summit to ensure global warming remains Thunberg, but what it needs is even more of Work out for below 1.5-2 degrees? Can we afford to wait a realisation amongst the wider public, the yourself what is another five years for international consumer, especially in the West and places harmful and what agreement if nothing is decided at COP26? like China, of the need to change personal might benefit the The bulk of the negotiation over what behaviour. Again, we are seeing that, but it planet. Spending should happen was completed five years ago needs to accelerate. People’s lifestyles will in Paris. There are a few small quite need to change, but just how much is the power is one of technical things that have not yet been question. People are waiting for the silver those really big agreed, such as the carbon trading bullet of technology to help get us out of factors in moving mechanism that needs to be established, and this, but I think people’s approach and things in the right a few other areas where COP26 should bring attitudes need to change radically pretty about agreement. This COP is not about early on in order for consumers to make a direction renegotiating the treaty, it’s about moving difference. You can do that by going to the forward with implementation with what has
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DESERTIFICATION IN THE SAHEL The semi-arid strip of land that runs across the continent along the GROUNDWATER southern border of the Sahara has seen increasingly variable rainfall SALINISATION IN since the late 20th century. The combined effects of inconsistent rains, COASTAL AREAS population growth, deforestation, continuous cropping and overgrazing Rising sea levels have caused have produced one of the most degraded environments on Earth coastal areas to experience increasing groundwater salinity. Safe drinking water will become increasingly scarce as sea levels continue to rise and salinity increases. Rivers such as the Niger, which is seeing salinity increase close to the coast, supports the lives of 100 million Africans
LOCUSTS IN EAST AFRICA Caused by unusually high rainfall in Arabia, locusts could breed in the wet sand and then fly westward to DROUGHT IN SOUTHERN AFRICA cause the first invasion in Kenya and Since late October 2018, several southern African states have been other East African countries in over experiencing a prolonged drought, as climate change has caused El Niño 70 years. Swarms of up to 80 million to disrupt the region’s annual rainfall. Described as the region’s worst locusts have destroyed crops and drought for 90 years, Windhoek has not had such low rainfall since 1891. could leave as many as five million Agricultural production has dropped by 17.5% and livestock numbers Africans facing starvation have declined severely due to starvation
already been agreed. That will be the key to the success. It’s the perfect opportunity for the needs of the continent to be put consequences of climate change. They understand the leading by example? And should they dictate the way in which both a chance to take stock; to see where we are, with each forward? impact that it is having on their citizens and their other countries develop when it comes to climate change policies? country coming forward with more ambitious NDCs; and also Africa is one of the regions that is most affected by climate livelihoods. They do have many of the answers themselves, I think they have to take responsibility for being among the to come to an agreement on a way forward in order to speed change but which is least responsible for causing climate we just have to make sure they are properly supported and top emitters in the world. This G7 in Cornwall will also see up the momentum. That will need some kind of roadmap change. They are directly affected by droughts, floods, financed to achieve those. India, South Korea, Australia, and South Africa invited, who where we can hold ourselves to account for progress that is desertification, and agricultural disasters such as the locust The combination of COP27 in Africa next year and are also large emitters. So the G7 needs to reflect global made over the next five years. If a country says it will halve infestation that devastated East Africa last year. They are also CHOGM in Rwanda later this year will throw a spotlight on climate change ambition as they discuss the overarching emissions by 2030, that should of course be applauded, but the impacted by lack of access to energy, so the question of how Africa. It will mean that the world is forced to face up to and themes of the global economic recovery from Covid. We now question remains: how will you achieve that? you get the energy to the vast number of people in Africa address these issues that are arising in the region. The have the new US administration, President Biden, providing who don’t have access is a tricky one. A number of countries Commonwealth can be a force for good in this respect, given global leadership on climate change that has been missing in And if agreement couldn’t be reached, could we afford to wait are producers of fossil fuels and are dependent on their that it represents something like a third of the global the last four years. It’s a coincidence, but a happy one, that the another five years? export to keep their economies going. African countries population and that there are 19 African countries as UK is hosting both COP and the G7: it’s a golden opportunity Scientists say we are at a crossroads every year in terms of need a lot of support in terms of adaptation and resilience, members. One of the key strengths of the Commonwealth is for the UK to take the lead in bringing us back from the brink. climate change, but I really do think, having looked at the climate financing, energy transition, and so on. The potential the networks that it builds, the way that it spreads best But crucially, the G7 can’t dictate to smaller countries what way the graphs are going, we need to move emissions for renewable energy is massive, in solar, wind and hydro, practice. It’s vital that the Commonwealth has a voice and they need to do. The G7 must set the right example by setting downwards on a fairly steep trajectory. but they can’t just flick a switch and turn uses that voice when it comes to issues like climate change. very ambitious targets for themselves. They can also lead the That needed to have started several years from fossil fuels to renewables. You have I’m sure the outcomes we will see from CHOGM in Kigali way when it comes to innovation and technology – and ago. There are signs that emissions are The G7 can't dictate to have an energy transition. So, there will reflect the importance of the issue: the meeting will be a sharing the benefits of that research – to allow the energy levelling off, but now we really need to to small countries are complexities to the situation in key milestone on the road to Glasgow in November. transition to become a reality. It’s a very strongly held view in start reducing emissions significantly. If Africa that need to be addressed in the It’s also worth mentioning the role of the Prince of Wales Africa that we in the West developed and industrialised on the we were to wait another five years, it what they need to COP discussions. And in my view, we in in this context. At the last CHOGM, it was agreed that he back of fossil fuels, so who are we to tell developing nations would be very difficult, if not impossible, do. The G7 must set the West have a responsibility to support would be the Head of the Commonwealth when the time that they can’t use the same methods to improve the lives of to bend that curve down. the right example Africa – after all, it’s in our interest to came, and as we know, he is very focused and passionate their people and help lift them out of poverty? So, it’s a matter by setting very ensure Africa thrives in the decades about the environment, so he could really help to galvanise of supporting and encouraging them to move in the direction What are the specific challenges facing ahead. action. of renewable energy without dictating or lecturing, providing ambitious targets Sub-Saharan Africa when it comes to Many countries in Africa are very the example ourselves in terms of policy and implementation climate change? The next COP27 is also for themselves ambitious when it comes to their climate With the G7 also taking place this year, what is their role in that shows we are serious about tackling the most pressing scheduled to be hosted in Africa. Is this change targets and are not denying the tackling climate change? Are the world’s leading economies global issue of our time.
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MINISTER TO MINISTER
Navigating the dual storm of Covid and climate change as a small island nation reliant on tourism has been a challenge for the Maldives. Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid plots the country’s course with former Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer AC
Alexander Downer: The Maldives has been a Maldives. In 2019, we reached the two tourism, so when the tourists stopped successful economy, driven in large part by, million a year tourist arrivals mark for the coming, the airport was shut down, people tourism. How are you weathering the Covid first time. Everything was looking very sunny. lost jobs there, people lost jobs at the resorts, crisis and what has the been impact on the However, no one was prepared for this huge in the transport system. The entire country industry? pandemic. came to a standstill. We were able to continue Abdulla Shahid: We have been very successful Our first Covid case was detected in March to sustain ourselves because of our in transforming and developing our economy 2020 and on 15 March, we were forced to international connections. from independence in 1965 up until 2004. close our borders. Overnight, the Maldives We import everything, from basic However, in 2004 the Indian Ocean Tsunami went from being a middle-income country to foodstuffs to essential medication, but we hit us and wiped away almost 60% of our a low-income country. The entire tourism were able to continue because we have GDP. So, we then had to start again, and have industry came to a standstill. 60% of our special relationships with our neighbours successfully rebuilt the tourist industry in the GDP, in some way or another, is connected to and international organisations. The World
24 OVERSEAS JOURNAL JUNE - AUGUST 2021 WWW.ROSL.ORG.UK 25 PEOPLE MALDIVES FACT SHEET POPULATION 557,426 inhabitants spread over 26 atolls, with a total land Bank looked sympathetically at the situation opposition at the time and we protested against of small developing countries and helped out. area of 115 square miles. it. Some of us were even jailed for protesting, We made painful but necessary steps, and as a but we passionately believed that the result, we were able to see positive signs of ELEVATION Commonwealth was telling us to do the right improvement in the Covid pandemic. But the Average elevation of just thing; get back into the fold internationally, socio-economic pandemic continued. 1.5m above sea level, with the start respecting human rights, promote good So, we decided to make a call on the highest point being just 5.1m governance, transparency and so on. The reopening of borders on 15 July after three things that come with modern day democracy. months. As an archipelagic nation, we have ECONOMY One of the first decisions the cabinet made tourist resorts on individual islands, so if we GDP (nominal) estimated to upon winning power, on the first day in office, could put in place strict protocols for ferrying be $4.5billion in 2021. Largest was to rejoin the Commonwealth. We are very tourists from the airport to hotels, then the sectors: fishing and tourism glad that by the time of the Kigala summit, we islands themselves are separate and very safe will once again be a full member. I was for tourists. By the start of 2021, all the beds COMMONWEALTH honoured to be at Marlborough House in in the Maldives were full again, despite major February 2020, in London, to raise the flag of Initially joined in July 1982, markets such as Europe and China still being the Maldives once again, and to be in the family closed. Instead, we received tourists from new before leaving in October of nations. We firmly believe it is a family. markets in Central Asia and India. 2016 and rejoining in Things are now starting to look brighter. We February 2020 You are the lowest lying country in the world. have also been able to start the vaccine rollout COP26 in Glasgow will be an opportunity for thanks to our special relationship with India. small island states such as the Maldives to After just 48 hours of the beginning of the push the threat of sea level rise quite strongly. Indian vaccination programme, we received When I was the High Commissioner in For the Maldives, climate change is reality. 200,000 doses. We have now been able to reach London for four years, the Maldives left the We see our shores being taken by the sea. The 67% of the population with the first dose. Commonwealth during that time and then ocean is encroaching on the small islands that We are now slowly starting to see the light rejoined. Does that suggest you value your we have. It’s very difficult to take a side because OFFICE SPACE at the end of the tunnel. From April, we are membership of the Commonwealth? we live from the ocean, but it’s the ocean beginning to allow inter-island transport for Yes, absolutely. It’s interesting in the case of the coming and taking away the precious land. For people who have had both doses of the Maldives that when we became independent in many countries, the concept of sea level rise vaccine. I think an international system needs 1965, we did not join the Commonwealth right would be difficult to comprehend. I was at one AT ROSL to be established by which all countries accept away, but in 1982, we decided we wanted to be of the sand banks last week with my family, a common system that allows vaccinated a part of the grouping, becoming a full member which was completely dry when we landed, We are adapting to these Covid times and are re-purposing some individuals to travel. We believe in opening in 1984. We have benefited immensely. Looking but within a couple of hours we were knee of our bedrooms into office spaces. We can provide an office for two to up, because for us it means survival. Shutting at the leadership of the Maldives; political, deep. It brought home to me the fate of many down borders forever is not an option. economic and academic leadership; many many island states. This is how vulnerable we three people, including an ensuite bathroom, Wi-Fi, and the option to hire of them are graduates of institutions in are. That’s why we will also make sure we raise meeting rooms when you need more space with colleagues and clients. Will you be pushing for the opening of borders Commonwealth countries. Australia, for the issue, we cannot be silent when it comes through multi-lateral institutions? You are a example, myself included, I studied in to climate change. We are looking forward to The Copper Tower, the small two-storey building on the right as you member of the Commonwealth, and CHOGM Canberra. Many cabinet members have studied COP26, especially as we now have the US and is taking place in June, will this be something there, in the UK, in India, in Fiji, and more. China discussing a common position on some enter ROSL’s courtyard, is also available as a self-contained office, you will bring up there? The benefits we have received from the issues pertaining to climate change. It shows with space for up to six people. At the moment, there are bilateral agreements Commonwealth have been outstanding, from the will of the people is being listening to. The between countries, but in the long term there institutions such as the Commonwealth democratic process does back good decisions. needs to be an international regime. One of Parliamentary Association. For a country like We are ambitious, the Maldives submitted Your business can take advantage of our wonderful Mayfair location the forums to raise this would be CHOGM. the Maldives, these are vital because we have our NDCs on 27 December 2020 to reach net with a garden overlooking Green Park, and beautiful Grade 1 listed One of things that has come to the attention a lack of institution-building capacity. These zero carbon emissions by 2030, keeping in line building. If you know of a small organisation looking for a new of the international community through the associations gave us that opportunity. with the timeline set at the Paris Agreement five pandemic is the importance and critical role However, in 2016 the then-government years ago. However, we will require the home, please contact Jon Kudlick [email protected] that the tourism industry plays in the decided to leave the Commonwealth. I was in assistance of the international community, our economy of not only small island nations but partners in the developed world, to achieve this. also larger countries. So far, the tourism The entire country came to Our future is also ocean, we need to save the industry has not been a major part of the oceans. Plastic pollution is killing the oceans. conversation vis-a-vis international a standstill. We were able to We have decided to ban the use of single-use cooperation. I believe the Commonwealth, sustain ourselves thanks to our plastics by 2023. It’s going to be tough but we the United Nations, and other international want to be an example, we want to be speaking international connections organisations need to deal with this. internationally from the moral high ground.
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OCEANS APART
Sharing similarities like language, culture, history, democracies, and liberalised economies, could Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK be a rival to the EU in tomorrow’s world? Abi Millar looks at the arguments for and against
n 23 June 2016 – a date that stirs very different countries aren’t enough. So how tenable is CANZUK really emotions in different people – the people of and what are the underpinnings of the idea? the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union. This verdict, delivered on the narrowest of margins, What kind of benefits would lead to four years of could it bring? political wrangling before the exit finally CANZUK James Skinner is the chief executive O came into force. of CANZUK International, a lobby group As of 31 January 2020, the UK is no he founded in 2015 to promote the alliance. longer a member of the EU. Standing alone Born in the UK, he relocated to Australia on the world stage, it must begin to Have a population of and then to his current home of Canada, and negotiate new trading relationships and 129 million knows the challenges of immigration first- redraw the map of its allegiances. This, say people hand. He is a passionate advocate for free proponents of the idea, is the perfect time movement between the CANZUK countries. for a new trade alliance that would meld Rank #3 “I started off with just a simple online four English-speaking economies: Canada, in global GDP petition, which within the first couple of Australia, New Zealand and the UK. (US$6.26trillion) months had 100,000 signatures,” he says. CANZUK, as the hypothetical bloc is “So I realised there was a demand for Have a Per Capita GDP of known, was first proposed as early as the CANZUK and the benefits it provides. I 1950s, but has been revived in light of Brexit. US$47,225 started lobbying the government and doing It would cover more than 136 million people Have an inflation rate of advocacy work on social media and in and, according to neoconservative think- person at universities. And it’s just tank The Henry Jackson Society, would 0.97% snowballed since then.” spawn ‘the second-most-powerful Have an unemployment As Skinner explains, the idea of geopolitical union in the world behind the rate (of total population) of CANZUK revolves around three initiatives. EU, and quite possibly the fourth-largest 6.0% First, reciprocal migration between the four economic union behind China’. countries. Anybody living within the bloc Supporters say that CANZUK would Rank #3 would be able to freely live and work boost economic prosperity, while creating in global defence spending elsewhere in the bloc – building on the new travel and employment opportunities (US$104billion) existing Trans-Tasman Travel Agreement between the four countries. Detractors between Australia and New Zealand, and argue that the idea is unworkable and that Rank #5 paralleling the free movement Britons once the purported links between these far-flung in overall Quality enjoyed within the EU. of Life indices
Source: CIA World Factbook
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“This is appealing to people who wanted to Jamaica or Singapore. (CANZUK supporters, for also overstated. For one, the part of Canada agreement includes countries from all over the remain in the EU, because they still have the their part, tend to strongly resist any insinuations where I live happens to use French and civil law.” world, and the geographical distance between travelling work opportunities that they would CANADA that they want to revive an old world order.) He believes other members of the AUSTRALIA these countries doesn’t really make a difference.” have had anyway, but just with different English speakers (population) “CANZUK debates go back to the late Commonwealth should weigh in on CANZUK, English speakers (population) th countries,” says Skinner. % 19 century,” points out the political scientist since the two projects are effectively working at % The second objective would be free trade. This 58.7 Srdjan Vucetic, an assistant professor at the cross-purposes. 76.8 Support for the idea Life expectancy from birth would entail removing tariffs and other barriers Life expectancy from birth University of Ottawa. “Ever since the British “After all, the UK has the Foreign and Although CANZUK may sound far-fetched to to commerce, as well as introducing initiatives 81.9 years voted to leave the EU, a small group of Commonwealth Office, not the Foreign, 82.2 years some, polls have shown significant public like mutual skills recognition. conservatives in the UK and elsewhere – not all Commonwealth & CANZUK Office,” he says. support for the idea. In one online poll, Population Population “If you’re a plumber or electrician or architect of whom are upper-case Conservatives – has conducted by CANZUK International for the from the UK, you could come to work in Canada, 35,362,905 been trumpeting mutually beneficial ‘growth 22,992,654 rightwing Daily Express, 94% of respondents said Australia or New Zealand,” says Skinner. Population growth rate potential’ in relations between these four states. The geographic challenge Population growth rate ‘yes’ to the question: ‘should the UK form a “Instead of having to go back to an educational Brexit has given them a license to be bold and The other main challenge to the CANZUK % superpower alliance with Australia, Canada, and institution to recertify your credentials, your 0.74% think big. ‘Who needs Europe, when Australians, argument is a simple matter of geography. Apart 1.05 New Zealand?’. existing qualifications would be recognised in GDP (Official exchange rate) Canadians, and New Zealanders both like us and from Australia and New Zealand, the CANZUK GDP (Official exchange rate) More scientifically, a 2016 YouGov survey found those countries. You could work the very next $1.532trillion are so much like us?’ the argument goes.” countries are separated by thousands of miles. $1.257trillion that 70% of Australians, 75% of Canadians, 82% of day in a profession that you chose.” The UK and New Zealand, for instance, are GDP per capita New Zealanders, and 58% of Britons support free The third pillar of the plan is greater foreign GDP per capita 11,426 miles apart, making the idea of movement within the four nations. policy cooperation. While the CANZUK $46,200 CANZUK is an dramatically scaled-up trade links a non-starter. $48,800 Whether politicians would vote for CANZUK countries already have strong ties in this regard “The idea’s historical background is not Unemployment rate might depend on what they were being asked to Unemployment rate – notably via the Five Eyes intelligence alliance, troubling for everyone – it really depends on (of population) vote for. As critics have argued, it isn’t always (of population) endless pool a military intelligence sharing agreement with one’s politics,” says Vucetic. “But the key flaw is 5.8% clear what CANZUK actually means – is it a the US – Skinner thinks those links could be 7.1% that geographic distance no longer matters for ‘superpower alliance’ or is it just a loose grouping Inflation rate strengthened. Inflation rate of ideas that trade or human mobility.” of four separate governments? “CANZUK is an endless pool of ideas that Currently, the UK’s primary trading partner is 1.4% “Advocates are not pushing for the same people could choose from, with the three main 1.6% people could Europe, with nearly half its exports going to EU- thing,” points out Vucetic. “Different people and ones obviously being reciprocal migration, trade, 27 countries, according to 2018 figures from the organisations have put out different proposals. and foreign policy,” he says. “It’s incredibly choose from World Bank. Australia and New Zealand are Other proposals are still forthcoming – beneficial for everybody involved – not just Asia-Pacific economies, with the APAC region Canadian Conservatives’ CANZUK policy paper, employers and businesses, but also your average accounting for more than three-quarters of for example. We can’t speak of a CANZUK trade citizen like me.” The likeness between the four, say CANZUK Australian exports, while three-quarters of alliance until we have more than bullet points.” The Brexit vote, he feels, came as a major boost supporters, almost goes without saying. They Canada’s exports go to the United States. A recent survey showed that most UK to the campaign, adding credence to an idea that point to the fact these countries speak the same Just 2.94% of the UK’s exports go to CANZUK politicians (94%) support the free movement of would have been essentially impossible while the NEW ZEALAND majority language; have similar legal systems; countries, along with 4.83% of Australia’s and UNITED goods within the CANZUK countries, while 61% UK was part of the EU. have low unemployment rates and high GDP; 3.24% of Canada’s. Although the figure for New support the free movement of people. Far fewer English speakers (population) KINGDOM “People saw that we don’t really have a future are connected through the Commonwealth; Zealand is higher, at 19.87%, that is mostly due to (19% of Labour MPs and 16% of Tory MPs) back English speakers (population) with the EU or certainly not the type of 89.8% and share the same respect for democracy, its existing trade agreement with Australia. a political union between the CANZUK relationship that have had for the better part of 50 Life expectancy from birth human rights, and the rule of law. They share Whatever the geopolitical arguments for 90.1% countries – which CANZUK International says years,” recalls Skinner. “They started to ask what common cultural reference points and in CANZUK, these figures suggest that proximity is Life expectancy from birth falls in line with its own policy. else is out there, especially with the government 81.2 years many ways resemble old friends. the single most important factor when it comes It will fall to CANZUK supporters, then, to advocating for being a more global Britain.” Population “It’s very difficult, if not impossible, to find to deciding whom to trade with. 80.7 years really nail down the details of what they’re four other countries in the world that are so Skinner, however, is optimistic that geographic Population fighting for. Skinner is hoping to see more talks 4,474,549 closely aligned,” says Skinner. “The truth is, you distance is “nothing that can’t be overcome”. He between the four respective parliaments, Reviving the Anglosphere? Population growth rate could take your average person in the United points to the Comprehensive and Progressive 64,430,428 formulating joint strategies on how CANZUK can While the idea has amassed strong support in 0.8% Kingdom and land them in the middle of Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership Population growth rate be advanced and presented to Cabinet ministers. some quarters, CANZUK has also come under Canada, Australia, or New Zealand, and they (CPTPP) trade deal as an example of the ways the % He is also keen to frame CANZUK as a concept flak for what some see as its imperialist GDP (Official exchange rate) would still feel at home. We’re close allies on the world is getting smaller. The agreement includes 0.53 that transcends the usual left-right divide, undertones. It hasn’t escaped critics’ attention $179.4billion international stage, and we’ve worked together Canada, Australia, and New Zealand along with GDP (Official exchange rate) amassing cross-party support in all four nations. that Canada, Australia and New Zealand once through thick and thin, for many, many years.” eight other countries in the Pacific region. If the That said, it remains true that, for now, much GDP per capita $2.65 trillion formed part of what empire builders called Vucetic, however, sounds a note of scepticism UK is successful in its application to the CPTPP of the pro-CANZUK rhetoric stems from GDP per capita ‘the white dominions’. $37,10 0 about these apparent ‘familial ties’. (despite not being in the Pacific region) this Eurosceptic and Conservative sources. The idea of reviving the ‘Anglosphere’ – an idea Unemployment rate “CANZUK advocates have come up with could be a precursor to CANZUK. $42,500 “If we end up with Conservative or Conservative- with an uncomfortable historical precedent – (of population) criteria of affinity that include everything from “If we were talking about 1950s or 60s, I would Unemployment rate led governments in all four countries at once, won’t sit well with everyone. And certainly there the English language to common law to evidence see an issue, but we’re in 2021 and modern (of population) we may well see one or more CANZUK deals are questions to be asked about why these four 5.1% of public opinion support for various CANZUK technology and transportation means it’s really materialise. In most other scenarios, I don’t see countries have been picked, as opposed to say, Inflation rate deals,” he says. “These commonalities are real but not an issue anymore,” says Skinner. “The CPTPP 4.8% it advancing very far,” says Vucetic. 0.6% Inflation rate 0.5% 30 OVERSEAS JOURNAL JUNE - AUGUST 2021 WWW.ROSL.ORG.UK 31 WORLD
UNTIL EVERYONE IS SAFE COVAX is the international effort for sharing Covid vaccines with the world’s poorer countries. But could more be done by rich nations to ensure that recovery from the pandemic is more equitable? Natalie Healey investigates
hen Pfizer and BioNTech way to reduce the opportunity for Covid to of vaccines as a ‘catastrophic moral failure’.” announced successful mutate and potentially produce new variants Without a collaborative effort to manage results for their Covid-19 of concern is to reduce virus spreading as access and distribution for everyone, there vaccine in November last much as possible. Vaccination is the best tool could be hoarding in some places and year, the collective relief we have to do that. But only if everyone can shortages in others. That’s why a vaccine- was palpable. Experts access it. sharing scheme called Covid-19 Vaccines had warned that immunisations were likely Global Access Facility (COVAX) hopes to W the only way out of the crisis, but nobody Moral argument deliver more than two billion doses to people had expected a working jab to arrive so As well as preventing mutant super strains in 190 countries in less than a year. quickly. We now have several other vaccines of coronavirus, there is also a strong moral Although the world has not faced a health that have been shown to stop people argument for ensuring equal distribution challenge as severe as Covid-19 before, we contracting moderate or severe disease with of Covid-19 jabs around the world. can learn lessons about vaccine equity from Covid-19. And in some nations, vaccination Vaccinating all of one country before anyone previous epidemics, says Wouters. In 2009, programmes are well underway - half of from another receive a jab puts millions of swine flu killed nearly 285,000 globally. Israeli citizens had received two doses of a people at unnecessary risk. “It really doesn't Scientists quickly developed a vaccine. But Covid jab by mid-February. But it’s a make sense for a healthy individual in his high-income countries were able to secure different story in many other parts of the 30s to get vaccinated before a much higher contracts with pharmaceutical companies to world. Research suggests some low-income risk individual elsewhere,” sums up Olivier receive the jabs, and low-income nations countries may not receive sufficient supplies Wouters, Assistant Professor of Health were pushed to back of the queue. Many of coronavirus vaccines until as late as 2024. Policy at London School of countries did not receive the Everyone should care about equitable Economics and Political Science Research vaccinations until the recovery from the pandemic. An (LSE). But rich nations will suggests some epidemic was already over. International Chamber of Commerce always have more leverage in low-income Luckily swine flu was not as Research Foundation study found that if this situation. In December, The countries may deadly as first feared, but a Covid-19 vaccines aren’t distributed equally, People’s Vaccine Alliance, similar issue with HIV the economy could contract by up to a coalition of global health not receive treatment was a more $9.2trillion this year – around 7% of global organisations and charities sufficient sombre story for low-income GDP. “Science has given us the such as Oxfam and Amnesty supplies of countries. When effective exit strategy, but it will only work if its International, found rich coronavirus drugs for the virus were first benefits can reach the maximum number nations representing 14% of the vaccines until developed in the 1990s, of people around the world,” said Jeremy world’s population had bought as late as many developing nations Farrar, director of global research charity up more than half of all the 2024 couldn’t buy them because Wellcome Trust in a statement for the most promising vaccines. of the prohibitive costs. It Science Media Centre in mid-March. He was “If rich countries continue to monopolise was only several years later when generic talking about the emergence of new strains the world’s supply of vaccines, leaving low versions of the drugs were available at a of the virus, like ones first discovered in and middle-income countries behind, there much lower price that everyone gained countries such as South Africa and Brazil will be a huge number of avoidable deaths in access to the life-saving treatments. that may have evolved ways to evade countries that can’t receive widespread immunity gained from previous infection or vaccination coverage,” says Deborah Vaccine nationalism vaccines. If a vaccine-resistant strain arrives Gleeson, public health policy researcher at COVAX, which launched at the start of the in a country that has successfully inoculated La Trobe University in Melbourne, pandemic in April 2020, is intended to its population, all that hard work could be Australia. “This is why the Director-General ensure such medical inequity is not repeated for nothing. Health systems may be at risk of of the World Health Organization (WHO) during the coronavirus crisis. The scheme being overwhelmed all over again. The best refers to the current inequitable distribution was set up by WHO, the GAVI vaccine
32 OVERSEAS JOURNAL JUNE - AUGUST 2021 WWW.ROSL.ORG.UK 33 WORLD WORLD
SHARE OF PEOPLE WHO RECEIVED AT LEAST ONE DOSE OF COVID-19 VACCINE - 13 APRIL 2021 The nations who have developed vaccines domestically, and those rich enough to afford to buy up stocks from manufacturers were already beginning to pull ahead in the race to vaccinate their populations by April. Despite slow rollouts in some rich countries, such as the EU, poorer nations could still be waiting much longer, even until 2024, before they get access to the vaccines they need to safely protect their citizens.
alliance and the Coalition for Epidemic control the outbreak, have decided to Preparedness Innovations (CEPI). Richer essentially hoard vaccines before they countries buying vaccines agree to help left the vaccine production lines,” says finance access for poorer nations. The idea is Mosoka Fallah, a public health consultant that all participating countries will initially and lecturer at the University of Liberia. receive sufficient vaccine supplies to “Hence, there is limited access for other inoculate 20% of their populations. And that countries.” This approach becomes a vicious no country should vaccinate more than a circle as more countries procure vaccine fifth of its residents until all countries have doses directly, concerns about the COVAX done the same. “For lower-income funded supply increase and more nations panic buy nations, who would otherwise be unable to doses for themselves. Fallah believes COVAX afford these vaccines, as well as a number of is the best platform we have for equitable higher-income self-financing countries that access to Covid-19 vaccines, but he questions have no bilateral deals with manufacturers, whether the 20% figure will be enough. COVAX is quite literally a lifeline and the “Experts in Africa are saying we need to only viable way in which their citizens will vaccinate at least 60% of people on the get access to Covid-19 vaccines,” says GAVI. continent to achieve herd immunity,” he says. COVAX saw its first success story on 24 February, when 600,000 doses of the Share the know-how No data 0% 0.2% 0.5% 1% 2% 5% 10% 20% 50% 100% AstraZeneca/Oxford coronavirus vaccine COVAX might have greater impact if it used arrived in Ghana. its purchasing power to push corporations to Source: Official data collected by Our World in Data Not everyone is convinced that COVAX share the science, knowledge, and technology will succeed, however. There are several behind the vaccines which could lead to scaled challenges that need to be overcome with the up production, says the People’s Vaccine scheme. One hurdle is vaccine nationalism. Alliance. “As injections of hope are being should be on science and innovation, undoing control steps. Some pharmaceutical Even if the goal of getting Covid vaccine glimpse at the light at the end of the tunnel. “COVAX cannot fulfil its mission if rich administered at a rate of one a second in rich the very system that supports it is dangerous companies have been more forthcoming than doses to every country is reached, another But to truly expunge the pandemic, the countries continue to buy up the very limited nations, people in poorer countries are dying and counterintuitive,” said Thomas Cueni, others though. AstraZeneca has licensed hurdle that must be urgently addressed is coronavirus must be eradicated in every stock that’s available this year,” says from Covid-19 because they lack the basics Director General of the International production of its vaccine, developed at Oxford vaccine hesitancy. “It's not enough to have country. Wouters. But many high-income nations like oxygen and have little hope of a vaccine,” Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers University, to companies in India, Brazil and vaccines developed and produced at scale, Since the beginning of the crisis, WHO have opted not to purchase their jabs via says Anna Marriott, Oxfam’s Health Policy and Associations (IFPMA) in a statement at Argentina. And WHO’s Covid-19 Technology priced affordably and allocated globally so has stressed that a global pandemic requires COVAX and have instead struck advance Manager. “Rich nations have a chance to stand the end of last year. Access Pool (C-TAP) promotes ‘technology that they're available where needed,” says the whole world to end it, frequently quoting purchase agreements with pharmaceutical on the right side of history and support, not But intellectual property is not the only transfer’ (where companies license their IP Wouters. “If people don't take them, it's all the mantra that “no one is safe until companies to ensure there is sufficient supply block, calls made by developing countries problem. Vaccine supply chains are fragile. rights to third parties) so other institutions for nothing.” Vaccine hesitancy occurs in everyone is safe”. International solidarity to vaccinate their entire adult populations by for a temporary waiver of pharmaceutical Several regions, such as India and the are able to manufacture the vaccines. “I think all countries – rich and poor. But a report may be forged yet. Several world leaders have the end of this year. Perhaps unsurprisingly, intellectual property rights to unlock more European Union have announced restrictions we need to work on both in parallel,” says from the World Bank found that only called for a new global settlement to help the many countries have put widespread manufacturing capacity around the world.” on vaccine exports this year. And unlike some Wouters. “We need to make sure that around a quarter (27%) of low- and middle- world prepare for future pandemics. But inoculation their own populations ahead of In October, South Africa and India asked the medicines that are relatively easy to copy if COVAX is able to get its hands on doses and income countries are planning public whether unity will form in time to stop the protecting the vulnerable in poorer parts of World Trade Organization (WTO) to waive you have the right equipment, many of deliver them where needed. And in the information campaigns to encourage people current crisis remains to be seen. Fallah says: the world. IP rights related to Covid jabs until most Covid-19 jabs are difficult to replicate because meanwhile, governments need to figure how to get the Covid jab. Failing to invest in this “We need to find the means and the will to “Developed and wealthy countries, out of of the world has been vaccinated. Not they are made of biological material. Making to get companies to license their products area could undermine efforts to get the ensure that poor countries are not left poorer either personal survival or fear of backlash surprisingly, the pharmaceutical industry them is a complex process requiring hard-to- more widely to manufacturers across the pandemic under control. and the rich do not become richer after from their citizens if they do not effectively was unconvinced. “At a time, when the focus source ingredients and multiple quality globe to expand supply.” Effective vaccines offer the world a Covid-19 comes to an end.”
34 OVERSEAS JOURNAL JUNE - AUGUST 2021 WWW.ROSL.ORG.UK 35 N E W S & E V E N T S News & views The latest from our clubhouse; branches; and art, music, and education projects ROSL NEWS
their hands after eating or visiting of toilets, observe distancing of one meter, and wear masks when they are coughing or sneezing." In spite of the Namibian Government’s continued efforts to bring education to Literacy and the area, there are still older family members who did not have the opportunity to become literate, and so the pandemic Covid awareness in the 30 plus Nyae Nyae Education where literacy rates are village communities is greatly enhanced low has an additional challenge - in by the teachers and pupils in the area. some areas ROSL bursary alumni From Swakopmund, Vera Leech reports Incognito and project personnel are helping that tourist and related industries have 2020 was a challenging year but communities understand Covid and been hard hit in this seaside town, and the generous spirit of many people £4,300. Thank you so much to all that many of the hospitality workers from in these difficult times provided the creatives who donated and all where possible obtain vaccinations. the surrounding townships who were near hope for us all. This generosity the generous buyers who have Margaret Adrian-Vallance reports the breadline before the pandemic are was illustrated by our Charity helped us raise money to continue becoming reliant on Rotary and other postcard exhibition, not only with our education projects. The next espite the steady rise in literacy organisations providing food parcels. the 162 donated artworks but Incognito exhibition will take place rates over the past 50 years, there "However, in spite of difficult conditions, the astonishing sales that raised in 2022. Dare still 773 million illiterate adults the Mondesa Youth Opportunities centre around the world. continues to do well," she says. "Our "In the Commonwealth, only one third exam pass rate has settled at 100% for of children in developing countries have some years now and we really try to uplift access to early childhood education, our students in a moral and responsible AUSTRALIAN PRINT EXHIBITION approximately 17 million primary children way too". Indeed, some individual students remain out of school, and more than 400 here have been foregoing help with food million adults are illiterate," said Patricia recent update, Melanie Wolfson wrote, because other families need this more. Ecologies of change: Grief and Scotland, the Commonwealth’s Secretary- "I wanted to let ROSL know that Sreepur Maxine Hurley of the Commonwealth hope in a changing world General in 2018. Village, Bangladesh is making great efforts Our in-country monitors have Girls Education Fund (CGEF) has also had And, in a somewhat prophetic to ensure the health and safety of our been higlighting how illiteracy a challenging last few months with Ecologies of change is a ROSL-hosted statement, she went on to say, "The stark vulnerable beneficiaries and staff during presents additional difficulties internet connections being shut down in collaboration between artists from reality facing many of our Commonwealth the Covid-19 pandemic. one country during elections and late Australia and the Printmakers Council UK member countries is that they are having "We are pleased to say that 80% of our during this pandemic returns to schools in others. She reports to find funds to maintain and improve single mothers, staff members and their that the six girls supported in Namibia are The exhibition invites artists for the humans have altered the planet. education services on shoestring budgets spouses have now received their first bursary alumnus Cwisa Cwi is Principal doing well and that at a school in Belize, different countries to visualise their The Anthropocene identifies a new and sometimes after having their entire Covid-19 vaccine. This was not a simple of six bush schools. which has had to be paper based, response to a shift in consciousness period in which humans have become economy wiped out by a natural disaster". task as vaccination appointments are only Here, most of the schools are linked by teachers were distributing lessons for the as we recognise the impact and the dominant bio-geo-physical force In 2020, one of these disasters became available in Bangladesh via a government sunken sand tracks along which vehicles day by hand to individual homes so that consequences of human activity on shaping the world. the Covid pandemic, and our in-country app and not all the single mothers have may have to reverse due to elephants students did not miss out. Distance Earth's ecosystems. The exhibition At a time of profound change, education project monitors have been smartphones, and many cannot read and blocking the way and the only tourist learning, usually via radio, has come to the is looking to explore the creative Ecologies of Change forms a highlighting how illiteracy presents write. lodge is renowned for its midnight fore, and the fact that UNESCO has been response to the consequences of conversation across the hemispheres. additional difficulties during this pandemic "Our team will continue to work hard to leopards which come in to drink from the giving away laptops and tablets has been human-led ecological change. The The project brings together artists and what steps they are taking to improve ensure the remaining mothers and staff shower pipes when water holes are dry. much appreciated. "Sadly, we are also exhibition is taking place in the and invites them to take stock of the the situation. receive their vaccines and we hope to Cwisa says, "The schools have started seeing an increase in abuse and same year that the International Anthropocene and to share visions At Sreepur Village in Bangladesh, ROSL assist the surrounding community too." again and we are working hard with them unintended pregnancies during these Commission on Stratigraphy is set of both loss and hope for change. helps fund classes from reading and Challenging terrain also exists in at educating learners and parents of lockdown conditions," she says. "Overall, to formally define a new slice of writing to natural science for over 300 Namibia’s northern Kalahari Desert and Covid-19. So all the schools must have girls in many countries have been having a geologic record, the Anthropocene, The exhibition will be on at ROSL single mothers and their children. In a the Nyae Nyae Conservancy where ROSL sanitisers, they must always wash very difficult time indeed." to mark the profound ways in which in Autumn 2021.
36 OVERSEAS JOURNAL JUNE - AUGUST 2021 WWW.ROSL.ORG.UK 37 Support Us To allow ROSL to continue funding this and other education projects News & views around the Commonwealth, News & views ROSL NEWS please consider donating at ROSL NEWS www.rosl.org.uk/supportus
Artistic Director Geoff Parkin Introducing ROSL's reports on our musical output ROSL Searches for its First new catering team during lockdown Artist-in-Residence We are delighted to announce the appointment of In the summer of 2019 we ROSL's longstanding commitment to the arts and Serge Pradier as ROSL’s Food & Beverage Manager installed a new audio-visual education are being combined in a new role at ROSL and Elliot Plimmer as ROSL’s Executive Chef. In April, system in the Princess Alexandra and Riverley Primary School, which is generously Hall as the existing one from 2006 they sat down with Overseas to discuss their plans funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund was at the end of its working life and was in need of replacement. Splitting their time between Over-Seas House and ead on to find out more about their Club and in 4* and 5* restaurants in the Do you think there is a difference in the Alongside a new raised screen, Riverley Primary School in Leyton, East London, the careers, how they came to ROSL, UK and France. food and drink in a club environment brighter projector, and improved Artist-in-Residence will spend 10-12 weeks exploring Rand what plans they have for food compared with restaurants? sound for voice support, we the history and heritage of ROSL's clubhouse while and drink at the clubhouse from our Elliot Plimmer, Executive Chef, began his Serge: Clubs have in the past tended to included in the brief professional also working with pupils from Riverley, supporting them reopening on 17 May. Keep an eye out for career with Gordon Ramsay at the Savoy be different in terms of their food offering, grade microphones for sound to reflect on their own differing community experiences more news from Serge and Elliot, as new Grill working his way up from Commis but that's changed quite a lot in the past recording, and HD cameras for of heritage alongside that of Over-Seas House. menus are devised, food and drinks events Chef to Sous Chef within five years. He few years. The thing I like about Clubland filming and live-streaming to be With the pupils visiting the clubhouse, the Artist-in- are added to the calendar and more! was headhunted into contract catering is you know the members well and you able to broadcast concerts and Residence will create workshops on themes of heritage, at a large bank where he was tasked with really get to have a good relationship, by events online. community and home, with both the artist and pupils Serge Pradier, Food & Beverage producing a new menu, of a Michelin developing something new with them. But Little did we know then how creating artworks that will be showcased at ROSL and at Manager, brings to ROSL extensive standard for the bank's client dining. at the end of the day, professional, essential this equipment would the school as part of their Annual Griffin Arts Festival. experience of Food & Beverage His first Head Chef role was at Hoi Polloi passionate delivery of food is the same prove to be as we adjusted Many of the pupils have rarely left their own part of operations and members clubs having at the ACE Hotel and most recently he wherever you are: really good food, good to concert life without live East London or discovered the exceptional heritage of most recently worked as Director of Food led a large team at Harrods where he wines, and good staff. It will take a bit of audiences. We have been pleased Central London. They may not feel that buildings such & Beverage at the RAF Club. Prior to that, was Head Chef of three of their own time to get everything in place, but as we to be able to continue offering as Over-Seas House have a connection to their own he was General Manager at the Institute of inhouse restaurants. gradually build, it will get there. performance opportunities for our alumni during the lives, and we wish to share our heritage with the pupils Directors, where he led the team bringing Covid lockdowns, in 2020 with our “ROSL At Home” to enable them to gain information on these buildings, catering back in house after a number of What interested you about joining the Have you already started thinking about series, and more recently with our live-streamed concerts increase confidence in their knowledge over the histories years with an external provider. Previous Royal Over-Seas League? what you would like to do with the food from ROSL. and purposes of these types of buildings, and to increase experience includes restaurant Elliot: It's a really exciting opportunity and drink at ROSL? To date we have broadcast 12 concerts from the Princess their skills in making creative responses to Over-Seas management positions at the Hurlingham to be the first people in 16 years to take Serge: It will be great to sit down with Elliot Alexandra Hall, including recitals from guitarist Sean House and the purpose of ROSL in Central London. the catering in-house. properly when we start because everyone Shibe, saxophonist Huw Wiggin with pianist Noriko Ogawa It's going to be a long has their own idea of what makes great and violinist Emily Sun with Ashley Fripp on piano. The journey, it won't be an food. In my view, any food is good as long concerts have been viewed over 4,500 times in all corners easy task, but we'll be as it's done amazingly well. As simple as of the globe. able to please the that. It could be from anywhere in the world In many cases our performers had not performed members and introduce as long as it's something that is delivered a concert for quite a while, and were grateful for the things that have never well. That comes from the skills of the chef. opportunity to leave home for a concert engagement, been done before. Elliot: I think the way to start is to take even if the only person in the live audience was me! Serge: For me, it was what the menu already is and turn it into The pandemic has been particularly hard for the arts a simple decision. I've something that works. We don't want to community and like so many, musicians have suffered from brought catering in- shock the members too much and have both severe loss of income, and the worry of how and house before at the them come in and not recognise a single when the industry will be able to recover. Institute of Directors. thing on the menu! Starting with the I would like to express my thanks to all those who have It is such an exciting Brabourne Room, we'll look at what dishes donated to help us keep these concerts going. These time, it gives you work and grow it from there. It will be nice donations have directly supported the modest fees for ownership of your future. to have some home club classics, home these young musicians and have given them a boost I've already started work comforts, and more new things. For me, exactly when they needed it in these times. We look on a new wine list with a I'm all about ingredients and trying to forward to continuing to broadcast these wonderful young ROSL has a strong relationship with Riverley Primary School through its Commonwealth theme! keep it super simple. musicians to our members in the future. recent work with The Griffin Schools Trust in supporting music education.
38 OVERSEAS JOURNAL JUNE - AUGUST 2021 WWW.ROSL.ORG.UK 39 Clockwise from top left: Frances Nichols receiving her honorary life membership, The Christchurch branch bidding farewell to News & views Lyn Milne, Judith Leckie with musician Lixin News & views ROSL NEWS Zhang, lunch at the Angliss Restaurant. ROSL NEWS
will last two hours. Please see the CONTACTS ROSL Events calendar for details on ROSL around the world how to book. Alberta: Kenneth Munro British Columbia: Liz Murray AUSTRALIA Wessex [email protected] Coffee mornings and Garden party +1 604 922 1564 Tasmania Victoria Our Thursday coffee mornings began Tasmanian Pianist On Thursday 10 June, Victorian State again at the Mayfair Hotel in Bournemouth Calgary: Madeleine King [email protected] Luke Frost has Governor and Branch Patron Linda Desau last month when they reopened. The first been awarded AC will join us as our guest for dinner to took place on Thursday 20 May and Christchurch: Judith Leckie the $1,000 ROSL celebrate the life of His Royal Highness continue every Thursday at 10am. [email protected] Tasmania Branch Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh 1921 We have a joint Garden Party with the Ireland: Palmer Carter Prize in Classical – 2021. Please RSVP to Keir Starmer. ESU Salisbury and South Wilts Branch on [email protected] Piano. We also held a luncheon event on Saturday 26 June In Blandford Forum. Luke has 30 March for 50 members at the Angliss Contact Gordon Irving for more details. New South Wales: Contact tba performed in concert series in Kettering, Restaurant. The restaurant is attached to [email protected] Swansea, and the Huon Valley. In 2020, the William Angliss Institute, which is a Oamaru: Bruce Albiston Luke was invited to record Chopin’s government endorsed specialist training NEW ZEALAND [email protected] Etude op.10 no.4 at the Tasmanian provider (foods, tourism, hospitality and Ishrani Jaikaran Symphony Orchestra Studio, which events) and gives students the opportunity Christchurch Ontario: www.rosl-ontario-canada.ca featured in their Daily Dose online to put the skills for which they are training Music and morning meeting [email protected] concert series. The same year, he for, a ‘live’ testing environment. This was a Special Guest, Sir William Heseltine GCB On Wednesday 9 June, we are having UNITED KINGDOM +1 416 760 0309 performed works for solo piano and great post Covid-19 event, getting back to GCVO AC QSO, former Private Secretary a musical afternoon with performers piano four-hands alongside Jennifer the ‘new normal.’ to HM the Queen. London from NASDA at 2pm. Then on Queensland: Contact tba Marten-Smith in a pair of concerts. Our guest speaker was Beverley Moss The London Group looks forward to Wednesday 14 July, the speaker will [email protected]. In 2017, Luke performed alongside Fraser and she presented a most entertaining Young Musicians Recital with RSMC welcoming members back to the be Andrea Kraus on “Floristry” for our South Australia: Graham Beckett Reynolds in a series of three concerts speech about her life experiences, 13 June, 2.30pm, Calloway Auditorium, clubhouse, and also “Back to London”. morning meeting at 10am. We meet at [email protected] organised by Virtuosi Tasmania featuring travelling to Ireland, Scotland and finally University of WA. To that end, we have organised a talk on our usual venue of Holly Lea Retirement www.roslsa.org.au works for both solo piano and piano four- London at the age of 60. Beverley’s a specific part of London, followed a few Village, morning meetings cost $5 and Ann Burnett hands. He is currently studying piano purpose to travel was to work as a social Piano recitalists' Concert with RSMC weeks later by a guided walk of that area, our afternoon concert is $10 per person. Southland: [email protected] privately under Jennifer Marten-Smith, and worker, which she did but also worked at 10 July, 2.30pm, Calloway Auditorium, lead by our speaker. This is a theme we Contact Judith Leckie to join in. undertaking a Bachelor of Music with the various Royal residences. Her catch phrase UWA. may pursue over the coming months if it Switzerland: Jo Brown University of Tasmania at the Hedberg under 'Buckingham Palace in My Underwear' proves popular with members. The current At the end of last year we held a Musical +334 5040 6631 pianist and lecturer in piano, Shan Deng. related to her being sent to Buckingham ROSL awards heat: Bach Competition excellent Events programme organised by Concert at which four exceptionally talented Tasmania: Stephen Jones Palace for a uniform fitting. 3 August, 1.10 pm, Richard Gill Auditorium, the club is now very comprehensive in New Zealand artists performed from [email protected] Book Group The luncheon also gave us the Western Australian Academy of the offering talks, and wide ranging in terms of different genres. William O’Brien, a bass +61 (0)613 558 95 The Branch Book Group meets each opportunity to present an Honoray Life Performing Arts. subject matter. We feel the London Group baritone, who is involved in a Master month, usually on a Thursday to discuss Membership to centenarian Frances can best align by offering a different of Voice at San Francisco Conservatory Taunton: Neil Milne books shared by members around an Nichols, who was recently awarded an ROSL awards heat: Art Song experience: ‘tutored walks’. As buildings of Music, Emma McClean, a soprano, [email protected] +44 (0)1823 286732 agreed theme. The discussions are very Order of Australia Medal for services to Competition and institutions of interest “unlock” we completing her Honours in BMus in Classical social events and afternoon tea is served. the community. 10 August, 1.10 pm, Richard Gill will also look to organise visits, as we did Voice at University of Otago, Lixin Zhang, Victoria: Keir Watt Auditorium, WAAPA. previously. a concert pianist on a full scholarship at www.rosl.org.au Queen’s Birthday Luncheon We will email LG members as events Coburn School Conservatory of Music [email protected] To celebrate the Queen’s 95th birthday Western Australia ROSL Singing Competition with and dates are confirmed, if you have not in Los Angeles and Maria Shevchuk, a +61 (0)3 9654 8338 and in conjunction with the United Queen's Birthday Gala Dinner RSMC yet supplied an email address to ROSL, saxophonist, who was the recipient of our Sussex: David Kay Commonwealth Societies of Tasmania, 12 June – The Weld Club, Barrack Street, 15 August, 2.30, Calloway Auditorium, please do so via [email protected]. 2019 ROSL scholarship. We were lucky [email protected] a luncheon will be held on Tuesday 15 Perth, from 5.30 pm Sparkling Wine UWA. The first LG talk for 2021 will be on that two of these performers were stuck June at 12pm, at the Black Buffalo Hotel reception, followed by dinner. Guest Tuesday 6th July at 6 pm. The speaker in NZ due to Covid-19 – a great gain for Wessex: Gordon Irving in North Hobart. The Governor HE Speaker, The Governor of Western ROSL Awards heat: Chamber Music is Tim Potter and the subject is “A walk us! We took this opportunity at this well [email protected] +44 (0)1258 480887 Professor Honourable Kate Warner AC Australia, the Hon. Kim Beazley AC. Music Competition through London Docklands - a wander attended concert to farewell Lyn Milne as AM will be the guest speaker. by senior staff and students, Western 24 & 31 August, 1.10 pm, Richard Gill through Wapping”. The walk will take place we had not has the opportunity to do so Western Australia: Anthony Howes Please RSVP to Stephen Jones. Australian Academy of Performing Arts. Auditorium. WAAPA. on 24 August, starting from Tower Hill and before this date. +61 (0)8 9450 6050
40 OVERSEAS JOURNAL JUNE - AUGUST 2021 WWW.ROSL.ORG.UK 41 News & views News & views EVENT HIGHLIGHTS CALENDER
15 17 JUN8 JUN JUN
AMC RESCHEDULED FOR 2021 BOOK TALK: We are so happy to announce that we have THE BUILDINGS PUBLIC AFFAIRS successfully rescheduled the AMC live section DATES FOR OF GREEN PARK BY SERIES: TOM finals for 2021 to take place in September and ANDREW JONES TUGENDHAT MP October at Over-Seas House, in our beautiful YOUR DIARY… 15 June 17 June Princess Alexandra Hall. We have pushed back 22 JUN the dates as far as possible, ROSL GARDEN PARTIES - 28 JULY & 1 SEPTEMBER to make sure we can have as many audience Summer heralds the return of our ROSL Garden Parties. Join us for a members there as would like to attend. sparkling wine and canapé reception, accompanied by live music before For those uninitiated, our Annual Music an hour-long concert in the Princess Alexandra Hall, given by ROSL Competition, is one of cultural highlights of prizewinners. Commonwealth wines and sweet canapés will be served the year, celebrating the very best of young afterwards in the Central Lounge. This is both a great social event and classical musicians. Commencing on 14 a true showcase of ROSL’s renowned arts programme, which supports September, we will have a live final every young classical musicians as they develop their careers. Tuesday evening for seven weeks, starting with Friends of ROSL ARTS are entitled to one free ticket to one of the our solo sections, then onto our two ensemble Garden Parties. Tickets cost £30 for members, £40 for non-members. ROSL ART TALK & PROSECCO: sections and finally, ending with our Overseas FRENCH IMPRESSIONISTS IN LONDON LINOS PIANO TRIO CONCERT Final, which is a celebration of musicians who THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST – 1 JULY 8 June 22 June have come through our competition, who are not From the creators of The HandleBards, witness the entirety of Oscar Wilde’s
24 from the UK. Tickets start at £15 for members, classic play of manners, affairs and handbags being performed JUN JUL1 THE IMPORTANCE which includes a glass of wine during the judges by just two rather dashing entertainers. In the tranquility of ROSL’s garden OF BEING EARNEST ROSL BRINGS THE deliberation. Season Tickets are also available. you can savour a drink and a bite to eat, while enjoying this fantastically 1 July wild(e) new outdoor theatre production, ripping up the recipe book and ROSL COMEDY celebrating silliness. Seating will be provided, but do dress for the weather! NIGHT 24 June EVELYN WRENCH SUPPER - 2 JULY 30 28 JUN JUL Shadow State: Murder Mayhem and Russia’s Remaking of the West Luke Harding, journalist, writer and award-winning correspondent with TO LONDON The Guardian, will talk about his new book. A gripping non-fiction thriller, Three concerts a day at 11am, 3pm, and 6pm Shadow State begins with the poisoning of Sergei Skripal in Salisbury ROSL ANNUAL ROSL GARDEN GENERAL MEETING PARTY and describes how the Kremlin has used spies, hackers, and hit squads 11-15 August to subvert our democracy. “Dazzling and meticulous”, according to the 30 June 28 July
Observer columnist Nick Cohen. 14 28 SEP1 SEP SEP ROSL GARDEN PARTY AMC 2021 KEYBOARD 1 September SECTION FINAL AMC 2021 WIND 28 September MEMBER-LED EVENTS & BRASS SECTION FINAL ROSL BOOK GROUP UPCOMING BOOKS ROSL 14 September The ROSL Book Group meets 16 June The Liar by Stephen Fry BACKGAMMON CLUB 21 on Wednesdays, once a month, 14 July Charles Dickens. A Life The ROSL Backgammon Club SEP
to discuss primarily novels. The by Claire Tomalin meets on Wednesdays, 2-4pm. discussion starts at 6pm, but we 18 Aug The Odyssey by Homer The tables have specially designed meet beforehand for a drink and 15 Sept Where the Crawdads Sing Covid screens. AMC 2021 VOCAL afterwards for dinner (optional) by Delia Owens SECTION FINAL at 7.30pm. The June meetings GET INVOLVED 21 September will be on Zoom, but we will be ROSL BRIDGE CLUB To find out more and sign up to these 26 OCT5 OCT12 OCT19 OCT back at the clubhouse on 14 July. Meets on Mondays, 2-4pm, for clubs and groups, please contact Eve However, we hope to continue supervised play with professional at [email protected] BOOK ONLINE with Zoom for our overseas Tutor Ingar Kofoed Hansen. if you wish to join. Spaces are limited. AMC 2021 AMC 2021 AMC 2021 Go online to get members and those not able The cost is £10 payable to the Some members meet for lunch beforehand STRINGS SECTION STRING ENSEMBLES MIXED ENSEMBLES AMC 2021 full details and book FINAL SECTION FINAL SECTION FINAL OVERSEAS FINAL to meet in person. tutor on the day. and tea afterwards. your next event at 5 October 12 October 19 October 26 October www.rosl.org.uk/events
42 OVERSEAS JOURNAL JUNE - AUGUST 2021 WWW.ROSL.ORG.UK 43 THE PASS IT ON PLEDGE When you’re finished with your copy ofOverseas , please don’t throw it straight into the recycling, pass it on! We’re encouraging our members to spread the word, so if you know any non-members that might enjoy reading the articles and the great window they provide into the world of ROSL, please pass it on to them. If they end up becoming a member, you could even be entered into our prize draw to win a hamper from Davy’s if they mention you on their application, as part of our ‘Propose a Friend’ scheme. www.rosl.org.uk/proposeafriend