More than 50 diplomats and senior civil servants from across the Commonwealth gathered in London today to map out how the Commonwealth Secretariat can best tailor its development assistance to the needs of member countries.
22 Jul 2009
Commonwealth Deputy Secretary-General says technical assistance “not poor cousin” to direct funding
More than 50 diplomats and senior civil servants from across the Commonwealth gathered in
With the help of these officials - ‘primary contact points’ responsible for requesting technical assistance from the Commonwealth – the Secretariat will explore new priorities for the Commonwealth Fund for Technical Co-operation (CTFC), the Secretariat’s arm for delivering some £30 million in assistance each year.
Deputy Secretary-General Ransford Smith, opening the three-day session at Marlborough House, spoke of the “overwhelming need” to increase the level of expert co-operation between Commonwealth developing member states to help them address the development challenges of the twenty-first century.
Strengthening co-ordination
“Many Commonwealth countries face significant human resources and knowledge restraints which limit their capacity for sustainable development and poverty reduction,” he said.
Mr Smith said he hoped the meeting will “strengthen the co-ordination and communication” between primary contact points, whom he said are “vital links” between the Secretariat and member countries.
Mr Smith added that technical co-operation “must not be viewed as a poor cousin” of direct funding assistance.
“Through your engagement in identifying and communicating your countries’ development priorities the Commonwealth is able to achieve consensus and to provide practical assistance for the benefit of its citizens.”
The meeting, held between 22 and 24 July, follows a recent review of the CTFC, which found that the primary contact point system is still not functioning “optimally” in all member countries.
