Commonwealth Organisations

Main administrative organisation

A intergovernmental organisation with a mandate from Commonwealth Heads of Government, the Foundation supports non-governmental organisations (NGOs), professional associations and cultural activities. Through grants and a range of programmes, the Foundation facilitates inter-country networking, training, capacity- building and information exchange.

The Institute's mission is to work with young people across the Commonwealth so that they grow up inquisitive about other cultures as well as their own, at ease with diversity and confident as global citizens.

The Commission maintains graves and memorials in some 150 countries throughout the world. Under arrangements with member and foreign governments, the Commission also maintains foreign and non World War graves, either through reciprocal arrangements or on a repayment basis.

The Commonwealth Games Federation

A partnership between Commonwealth governments and telecommunications businesses to promote ICT in the interests of consumers, businesses and social and economic development. Its Programme for Development and Training (PDT) is a unique programme of training and expert assistance in every aspect of telecommunications for Commonwealth developing countries.

Links trade union national centres, representing over 30 million trade union members, throughout the Commonwealth. It operates in close co-operation with other international trade union organisations and seeks to promote a democratic and prosperous Commonwealth in which international labour standards are observed.

An annual event during which all the fifty-four member countries of the Commonwealth celebrate their links with one another. Commonwealth Day is held on the second Monday in March, and the day is celebrated around the world

A guide to the Commonwealth for schools and young people