“SHEER BRAIN POWER”
While some critics question the relevance of the Commonwealth in a post-colonial era and say it is “a leftover of empire”, Scotland said this was far from true.
The last two countries to join the Commonwealth in 2022 – Gabon and Togo – were former French colonies.
King Charles, who leads the Commonwealth, said in Canberra on Monday that the bloc played a “significant role” on the world stage.
“It has the diversity to understand the world’s problems, and the sheer brain power and resolve to formulate practical solutions,” he said.
The summit also provides countries with an opportunity to meet without being overshadowed by “geostrategic anxiety or competition”, said Tess Newton Cain of Griffith University’s Asia Institute.
“There is no question that the tension and competition between the US and China plays out in Commonwealth counties,” she said.
“I imagine there is a bit of relief that the US and China aren’t there throwing their weight around.”
CHANGING OF THE GUARD
Nonetheless, the legacy of empire will loom over the summit, in particular when leaders select a new secretary-general nominated from an African country – in line with regional rotations of the position.
All three likely candidates to succeed Scotland have called publicly for reparations for slavery and colonialism.
One of the three, Joshua Setipa from Lesotho, told AFP that a resolution that goes beyond a “narrow perspective of financial compensation” was needed.
Instead, countries could be given funding to help them adapt and build resilience to climate change, said Setipa, who is vying for the post with rival candidates Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey from Ghana and Mamadou Tangara from the Gambia.
“We can find a solution that will begin to address some injustices of the past and put them in the context happening around us today,” he said.
“This should not be seen as a north and south issue – there is collective interest in discussing this and collective gains to be had.”
