ODI: What if the Commonwealth was really about common wealth?

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As Heads of Government gather in Rwanda, we asked ODI researchers to imagine what an equitable, relevant and fit-for-the-future Commonwealth could look like.

Their replies are based on recent and ongoing work, across our programmes, to examine and propose new forms of global cooperation.

Kathryn Nwajiaku-Dahou (Director of Politics and Governance)

Instead of being an outmoded vestige of the colonial past that is no longer fit for purpose, the Commonwealth could become a platform to champion a much-needed global redistribution agenda.

The starting point would be shared histories and patterns of extraction, that have enriched some Commonwealth members and impoverished others, leaving some members, particularly small island countries, vulnerable to the ravages of the climate crisis, whilst others are more resilient.

How do we get there? In an equitable Commonwealth all members’ inputs will be of equal value and weight, recognising that higher income countries don’t always know best. It will be vital to acknowledge, break with and repair enduring colonial legacies which have shaped how power relations, decision-making and mindsets are structured.

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Marta Foresti (Executive Director, ODI Europe)

An equitable Commonwealth will have a pragmatic and fair visa regime to facilitate labour mobility within the Commonwealth. Equally important is fostering a green transition and sustainable economic growth across all Commonwealth countries, with positive spill-over effects and impacts in neighbouring regions.

This would build on existing arrangements, such as the ECOWAS Free Movement Protocol in West Africa, the Pacific Labour Mobility Scheme or innovative initiatives such as the Mayors Dialogue (collaboration between cities in Sierra Leone, UK and Italy) to facilitate skills and talent development to create jobs.

This pragmatic approach to migration within the Commonwealth will require leadership and cooperation between low, middle and high income member countries.

How do we get there? Rather than the current deportation policy, there is an opportunity for the UK and Rwanda to lead the way within the Commonwealth. This could be done via the creation of true and meaningful economic development partnerships with widespread benefits for all involved.

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Sherillyn Raga (Research Fellow, International Economic Development Group)

An equitable Commonwealth will improve its shock financing in the face of compounded shocks. Commonwealth Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Low Income Countries (LICs) all have structural and capacity constraints that make them more vulnerable to the negative impact of external shocks and disasters that are beyond the control of policymakers.

These constraints are magnified by the global effects of the trade disruptions due to the Russia-Ukraine war, and many LDCs and LICs are now facing increased pressures from supply chain disruptions, accelerating inflation and growing public debts.

How do we get there? Ensure simpler and speedier allocation of shock financing that supports short-term stabilisation but also medium to long-term resilience of LDCs and LICs.

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Emily Wilkinson (Senior Research Fellow, Global Risks and Resilience) and Laetitia Pettinotti (Senior Research Officer, International Economic Development Group)

An equitable Commonwealth will be a platform for advancing climate justice. The climate crisis is deeply rooted in colonial history, industrialisation and wealth accumulation. To rectify this, and adapt to a changed climate, adequate and predictable climate finance needs to flow from richer Commonwealth countries to the most vulnerable member states, including SIDS like Jamaica.

This needs to be new and additional to existing climate finance, not just be existing aid money rebadged, particularly to address loss and damage.

How do we get there? The Commonwealth needs to become a progressive platform for moral leadership and solidarity, advancing fair and acceptable solutions to addressing loss and damage, and charting greater equity in climate finance.

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Claire Kumar (Senior Research Fellow, ODI Europe) & Judith Tyson (Research Associate, International Economic Development Group)

Commonwealth cities, the powerhouses of its economic growth, will have significantly enhanced access to international public finance and private finance at the scale, timeframe and cost needed to fund a just transition.

At the moment too little public finance (including climate finance) is channelled directly to cities and cities face major barriers in accessing private finance.

How do we get there? The Commonwealth could use its leverage to chart a new path, including via the creation of a collective fund dedicated to raising capital market finance for Commonwealth cities.

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Tom Hart (Senior Research Fellow, Development and Public Finance)

The Commonwealth styles itself as an association working towards shared goals of prosperity, democracy and peace. A forum for demonstrating global solidarity. Yet there has not appeared to be much evidence of this during the pandemic, leaving a bitter taste for many member countries. An equitable Commonwealth would be a forum for demonstrating global solidarity.

How do we get there? The rich Commonwealth countries should take steps to ensure Commonwealth SIDS and LDCs have access to vaccines, tests and treatments at the same time as them, working within existing global and regional mechanisms, and beyond them when necessary.

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