The 56 member countries of the Commonwealth have approved a comprehensive five-year strategic plan for the Commonwealth Secretariat to provide focused support for the 2.7 billion people it serves. Covering the period from 2025 to 2030, the plan was developed through extensive consultations with member states, development partners, sister organizations, and stakeholders.
Outlined by Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey, the plan aims to make the Commonwealth more targeted and impactful in its service delivery. It is built around three key pillars: democratic resilience, economic resilience, and environmental resilience, all with a cross-cutting focus on youths, women, and small states.
A major component of the plan is the expansion of youth digital skills via distance education, support for youth entrepreneurship, and STEM education for girls. The plan also prioritizes partnerships, technology adoption, and Secretariat reforms to strengthen program delivery.
The Commonwealth countries also committed to tackling complex and interconnected challenges, including education, health, and the needs of persons with disabilities. Secretary-General Botchwey underscored the urgent need for the Commonwealth to evolve in response to global disruptions and the multifaceted challenges facing its members.
The plan is expected to fast-track development and empower marginalized groups across the association’s member states, reinforcing the Commonwealth's enduring values while meeting present-day demands.