The Royal Commonwealth Society
* issue 9 | November 2008 | View as a webpage*
update... The monthly e-newsletter from The Royal Commonwealth Society
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October Round-Up

 
  Kamalesh Sharma
The Commonwealth - The Way Forward
A keynote address by the Commonwealth Secretary-General

"The Commonwealth must identify where it can add value to integration and where it can apply balm to collision."

On 2 October, it was six months to the day since Kamalesh Sharma took up office as Commonwealth Secretary-General. In this fascinating and wide-ranging keynote address, he outlined his vision for the future of the organisation.

He spoke of the Commonwealth's key strengths, the contributions it can make in the future, its responsibilities and ideals. Referring to its 60th anniversary, which will be celebrated in 2009, Kamalesh Sharma remarked that, far from retiring, the Commonwealth is "starting again".

Click here to download the full speech and here to read an edited version.

 

 
     
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  UNIFEM event poster
Helping Women, Helps the Planet
Panel Debate

This unique debate, held in partnership with UNIFEM UK, explored different routes for engaging and empowering women through environmental protection projects and climate change mitigation schemes.

Speakers, including Tim Yeo MP, Chairman of the cross-party Environmental Audit Committee and London Assembly member, Jenny Jones, discussed the role of women in relation to climate change schemes in London and across the UK. Whilst Sarina Jesudason of Water Aid explored the importance of engaging women in enviornmental regeneration schemes in the developing world.

A full recording of this event will soon be available to download from our new website.

 
     
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  Designing Eco-cities poster
Designing Eco-cities
A keynote address by Dato Dr Ken Yeang

Chairing this event, Sunand Prasad, President of RIBA, told us that, in the western world, buildings account for 50% of all our carbon emissions. "Ken Yeang", he said, "has been a pioneer in the field of eco-design and architecture ever since 1971". Today, Yeang is the world's leading green architect and listed as one of The Guardian's '50 people who can save the planet'.

He specialises in creating tall buildings which are just as energy efficient as small houses. These bioclimatic skyscrapers mimic the environment they are built in, balancing the organic with the inorganic and achieving bio-integration with their surrounding habitat.

A full recording of this fascinating event will soon be available to download from our new website.

 

 
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Coming soon

     
 

Tuesday 25th November, 6.15pm

Panel Debate
Ireland & the Commonwealth: an end to 60 years of separation?

The Rt Hon Dr Ian Paisley, MP, former First Minister of Northern Ireland

Des O'Malley, former Irish government Minister

Chair: Dame Veronica Sutherland, DBE CMG Former British Ambassador to the Republic of Ireland & former Commonwealth Deputy Secretary-General

Ian Paisley

In 1949, the Irish Free State declared itself a republic and left the Commonwealth. After 60 years, and with the prospect of lasting peace in Northern Ireland, the question of its return to the Commonwealth has been raised by leading political figures, both within and beyond Ireland.

Come and hear the views of Ian Paisley and Des O'Malley as they debate whether rejoining the Commonwealth would represent a positive step for the future of Ireland.

To book, email Public Affairs or call on 020 7766 9202.

Andras House logo

This event will be followed by a reception, sponsored by Andras House (The Lord Rana of Malone).


 

Wednesday 26 November, 12-2pm

Keynote address
Legal Rights & Social Wrongs: justice for those with HIV/AIDSCommonwealth Magistrates & Judges Association logo

Baroness Kennedy of The Shaws, QC

The SOPHIA Forum Inaugural Lecture, marking World Aids Day 2008

Baroness Kennedy

Almost 75% of all women living with HIV globally are Commonwealth citizens.

Rising rates of sexually transmitted infection in the UK, coupled with the ongoing stigma faced by people living with HIV in this country, point to the urgent need for the human rights dimension of these issues to be seriously addressed.

At this event, jointly hosted by the SOPHIA Forum and RCS, Baroness Helena Kennedy QC will speak about the human rights dimensions of HIV and AIDS in relation to women and girls, both in the UK and globally.

The SOPHIA Forum is the UK branch of the UNAIDS-led Global Coalition on Women & AIDS. www.sophiaforum.net

Commonwealth Magistrates & Judges Association logo

To book, email wad2008event@sophiaforum.net

 

 
     
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Art Exhibition

 
  Mary Tempest painting
Friday 28 November, 6.30pm
Private View
An exhibition of paintings by Mary Tempest

An enchanted world of sun-filled landscapes, exuberant foliage, brilliant flora and beautiful natives...

The figures, birds and animals in Mary Tempest's paintings live in harmony. In harbours of sparkling reflections, boats stir gently at their moorings. Trees sprout and their leaves spread across the sky; flowers and fruit offer scent and flavour. The places she paints wait for us to enter them, inviting, peaceful and close to perfection.

Come along to the private view, enjoy the exhibition and meet the artist...

RSVP Christine Cunnold or call on 020 7766 9209

 

 
     
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Come and join us for a wonderful Christmas celebration...

 
  St Martin-in-the-fields, Trafalgar Square
Wednesday 17 December, 6.30pm
Commonwealth Carol Service
One City, One World

Start your Christmas celebrations in style...Join us for this spectacular free carol service in the beautiful surroundings of St Martin-in-the-Fields, Trafalgar Square.

Celebrity readers will include Tim Campbell, winner of The Apprentice & founder of The Bright Ideas Trust; Lord Bill Morris, former President of the TUC; Sky News presenter, Gillian Joseph;The Rt Hon David Lammy MP, Minister of State for Higher Education; critically acclaimed young MC & rap artist, Bashy; Eastenders actress, Diane Parish; poet and performer, Patience Agbabi; and Commonwealth Secretary-General, Kamalesh Sharma.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu will give the final blessing via video-link.

Trumpeters from the Grenadier Guards, the Haringey Youth Steel Orchestra, the choir of St Mary Abbots, Kensington and Hornsey Girls Gospel Choir...this is an event not to be missed!Commonwealth Magistrates & Judges Association logo

Our generous sponsor for the Carol Service is Jamaica National.Commonwealth Magistrates & Judges Association logoCommonwealth Magistrates & Judges Association logo

Our media partners include Ben TV and Colourful radio.

RSVP Public Affairs or call on 020 7766 9205.

Caribbean Christmas Party

The carol service will be followed by a Caribbean Christmas Party in the Commonwealth Club. Live music, featuring calypso, reggae and other Caribbean beats - will be provided by The Keith Waithe Calypso Quintet

To book your ticket for the Caribbean Christmas party, email Public Affairs or call on 020 7766 9235. Tickets cost £2Commonwealth Magistrates & Judges Association logoCommonwealth Magistrates & Judges Association logo0 and include free rum cocktails, tropical fruit juices, Caribbean bowl food and, of course, live music to dance to all night long...

Christmas Cocktails will be sponsored by Appleton Estates Jamaican Rum & soft drinks by Rubicon.