News

The Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC), represented by Charlotte Bailey, Director of Programmes, was pleased to participate in the first official dialogue between Commonwealth Accredited Organisations (AOs) and the newly appointed Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Honourable Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey.

The Commonwealth is supported by a network of more than 90 Accredited Organisations, which form an integral part of the Commonwealth family. Ranging from international networks to grassroots initiatives, these organisations drive progress across key areas including peace, inclusion, trade, human rights, and sustainability. CWEIC has proudly served as an Accredited Organisation since our establishment in 2014.

In her opening remarks, the Secretary-General reaffirmed the essential role of Accredited Organisations within the Commonwealth ecosystem, stating:
“Our Accredited Organisations are not an accessory to the Commonwealth — you are its lifeblood. We must deepen our engagement”

The dialogue provided an overview of the Commonwealth’s evolving strategic direction, including introductions to newly accredited organisations and interactive discussions to provide feedback on the strategic priorities under consideration. The current strategic planning cycle is set to conclude in 2025, with a new five-year plan now in development.

CWEIC particularly welcomed the Secretary-General’s commitment to elevating trade within the Commonwealth’s core priorities. She emphasised the need to rethink economic models to better harness the full potential of the Commonwealth’s 2.7 billion citizens:

“We need to make trade a win-win for our businesses and economies by changing the business model that caters to our proportionally small middle class and makes the 2.7 billion people a consumer market, powering profits and investments”.

Reflecting on the session, Charlotte Bailey said: “It was a pleasure to see such a broad and committed group of Accredited Organisations convene to advance shared Commonwealth priorities. The diversity and collaboration within this community is unlike any other intergovernmental network. At CWEIC, we’re particularly encouraged to see trade recognised as a central and unifying force for opportunity across the Commonwealth.”