 The Commonwealth is an association of 53 independent states consulting and co-operating in the common interests of their peoples and in the promotion of international understanding and world peace. The Commonwealth's 2 billion citizens, about 30 per cent of the world's population, are drawn from the broadest range of faiths, races, cultures and traditions.
The association does not have a written constitution, but it does have a series of agreements setting out its beliefs and objectives. These Declarations or Statements were issued at various Commonwealth Heads of Government Meetings.
The first, fundamental statement of core beliefs is the Declaration of Commonwealth Principles which was issued at the 1971 summit in Singapore. Among other things, it stresses the need to foster international peace and security; democracy; liberty of the individual and equal rights for all; the importance of eradicating poverty, ignorance and disease; and it opposes all forms of racial discrimination.
The Commonwealth has three intergovernmental organisations: the Commonwealth Secretariat, the Commonwealth Foundation, and the Commonwealth of Learning. |
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Commonwealth Health
Video Series: Fight for Life (Women's Health issues)
Maternal Health
The health of mothers has long been acknowledged to be a cornerstone of public health.
HIV/AIDS
More than 65 million people worldwide have become infected with HIV and over 25 million have died since the start of the pandemic over two decades ago.
Human Resources for Health
Responding to the global shortage of health workers
Infant Health
Infant mortality is one of the greatest challenges facing the Commonwealth today. 30,000 children under the age of five die every day.
Commonwealth Health Links:
About Us
What We Do
Commonwealth Health Challenges
News Archive
Health Ministers Meetings (CHMM)
 Message to Commonwealth Heads of Government from the Commonealth Health Ministers Meeting, Geneva 2007
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