Transforming Societies, Changing Lives

Book excerpt: This report covers the work of the 53-nation Commonwealth and its principal intergovernmental organization, the Commonwealth Secretariat, from July 2005 to June 2007. Over these two years, the Commonwealth Secretariat has carried out its mandate of democracy and development in a robust manner. It has delivered expertise to governments and delivered projects with high added value. The report is divided into five sections covering all aspects of the Commonwealth Secretariat's work: building a democratic culture; sustainable development; meeting social development goals; empowering young people; and multiplying the Commonwealth's impact and reach. The report includes a foreword by Commonwealth Secretary-General Don McKinnon and was presented to Commonwealth leaders before their biennial summit in Uganda in November 2007.