Commonwealth

Commonwealth health ministers demand equal access to COVID-19 vaccines for the world

In the statement on behalf of the 54 Commonwealth member countries, they expressed deep concern over the stark gaps in access and delivery of doses, especially in poor countries, and called for “fair and transparent” pricing for the vaccine.

Only 0.3 per cent of the life-saving vaccine doses have been administered in 29 poor countries. About 84 per cent of shots have been given in high and upper-middle-income countries.

Commonwealth Heads of Government adopt marine conservation charter

The Blue Charter maps out efforts to protect oceans and marine environments throughout the Commonwealth, from threats such as climate change, pollution and over fishing.

Vanuatu and Fiji have been nominated by the United Kingdom as countries to champion the Blue Charter's cause in their region.

Representatives of the two Pacific countries spoke about the Charter at a press conference on the sidelines of this week's Commonwealth summit in London.

Commonwealth citizens can now apply to join British Army

The British Army has welcomed soldiers from Commonwealth countries for many years; however, under previous rules, people could only join if they had lived in the UK for five years.

Commonwealth nationals will now be able to apply for positions including Medical Technician, Logistic Supply Specialist, Chef, Vehicle Mechanic, Metalsmith and Gunner Logistics Specialist.

Forum and Commonwealth will observe Nauru elections

The team from the Forum will comprise three representatives from Forum Member states and two Forum Secretariat staff.

The Commonwealth team will comprise three observers and two staff members.

The electoral observer mission will arrive on Nauru a week prior to polling day and will remain until official results are announced.

Commonwealth says no invite yet to observe Nauru poll

But it said it had not been formally asked to send observers to Nauru, where the international agency last monitored voting 12 years ago.

Earlier this week, two former presidents called on the Commonwealth and the Pacific Islands Forum to step in to monitor what they considered controversial changes to the electoral process.

Commonwealth urges Pacific to engage youth

Commonwealth youth ministers are meeting in Samoa next week to discuss the issues and challenges facing the region's youth.

The programme manager Sushil Ram says at 60 percent, the Pacific has the highest youth population of any commonwealth region and engaging young people in development is simply common sense.