Royal Commonwealth Society - Ottawa

Strengthening Communities

The Commonwealth - Fast Facts

The Commonwealth is made up of 54 independent countries that work together to pursue common goals which promote development, democracy, and peace. Our combined population of 2.4 billion is almost a third of the global population.

The combined GDP is projected to surpass US$13 trillion in 2020.
Half of the top 20 global emerging cities are in the Commonwealth.
Seven of the top 10 countries in the Ibrahim Index of African Governance, which measures rule of law, human rights, participation, human development and sustainable economic opportunity, are Commonwealth members.
Seven of the top 10 countries for gender equality in Sub-Saharan Africa are Commonwealth countries, according to World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Report 2015.
Five of the best performing 15 countries in the Youth Development Index are Commonwealth members.
Since 1991, 12 Commonwealth member countries have moved to multi-party democracy from military or one-party rule.

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COMMONWEALTH - Insights, Inspiration, & Innovation

Harry, Meghan & Archie Returning to England for Commonwealth Day Service

Feb 9, 2020

Harry, Meghan & Archie Returning to England for Commonwealth Day Service

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are currently based in Canada, but their official royal duties haven't concluded just yet. According to The Sunday Times, "The couple are to bring Archie back to Britain for a final round of royal duties after enjoying a big payday," referring to their recent secret appearance in Miami at the JPMorgan-sponsored Alternative Investment Summit. Commonwealth Day takes place on March 9 in 2020, and the royals annually attend a service at Westminster

Applications for Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth #Scholarships are now open!

@commonwealthsec

Dec 1, 2019

Applications for Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth #Scholarships are now open!

Applications for Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth #Scholarships are now open! #QECS give talented students from the #Commonwealth the opportunity to gain a Master's Degree, while developing new skills, experiencing life in another country and building their global networks. Full Story #youth #Commonwealth

"Women Mediators across the Commonwealth"

Sep 11, 2019

Canada gives $2.7 million boost for Commonwealth Blue Charter

September 5, 2019 – The Commonwealth Secretariat New funding from the Government of Canada will help protect marine health and promote good ocean governance, aligned with the Commonwealth Blue Charter’s action group on ocean observation. The Commonwealth Blue Charter is an agreement made by the 53 member states to actively co-operate to solve ocean-related problems and achieve sustainable ocean development. Full Story #Environment #Commonwealth

Commonwealth War Graves guided tours

Africa is leading the world in plastic bag bans

Aug 30, 2019

Africa is leading the world in plastic bag bans

In 2017 Tanzania’s anti-plastic initiative to “protect the youth and environment,” banned the manufacture of plastic bags and in-country distribution. As of June visitors to the country will have to leave their plastic bags at the port of entry. Tanzania aims to be plastic bag free, and it’s just one of 34 African nations fighting against single-use plastics with such bans. Read more ... #Africa #Commonwealth

The #Commonwealth will assist the East African Community

75th Anniversary of D-Day

70th anniversary of the modern Commonwealth

101st Anniversary of Vimy Ridge

@Canadian_Crown

Apr 12, 2019

101st Anniversary of Vimy Ridge

Today in 1917, Canadians launched their attack on Vimy Ridge. In 2017, to mark the 100th Anniversary Prince William placed the last pair of boots at the Canadian National Vimy Memorial marking the 3598 Canadians who died at the Battle of Vimy Ridge. #cdncrown #cdnhist #cdnpoli Full Story #leadership #security #Commonwealth #youth

Protect the environment through sustainable agriculture

@queenscomtrust Scholarship

@StVincentsActon tree planting

#ConnectedCommonwealth

What do you think are the key issues young people are facing today?

Cape Town delayed its Day Zero but South Africa’s water woes are far from over.

Jan 20, 2019

Cape Town delayed its Day Zero but South Africa’s water woes are far from over.

This time a year ago Cape Town’s residents were in panic over tightening water restrictions as it looked to become the world’s first major city to run out of water. But, climate change’s arid reach is extending to other South African cities and towns. Read more . #Commonwealth #Africa

Nigeria’s middle class is trying to leave in droves for Canada.

Jan 19, 2019

Nigeria’s middle class is trying to leave in droves for Canada.

Despite Nigeria’s vast oil wealth, electricity supply is far from regular and makes life miserable and expensive. Middle-class Nigerians can end up spending up to three times more running petrol or diesel power generators than they do on electricity bills. Read More #Newsletter #Africa #Commonwealth