Commonwealth People's Forum

In the run-up to CHOGM (Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting), the Commonwealth Foundation organises a pan-Commonwealth civil society meeting, known as the Commonwealth People's Forum.  The purpose of the Forum is to provide a space for interaction among Commonwealth civil society organisations, and between such organisations and government.  The theme of the Malta Forum in November 2005 was "Networking Commonwealth People" and it included civil society meetings, exhibitions, and cultural activities. 

ComHabitat was an active participant in the Malta Forum.  Together with the Tsunami Recovery Network, we hosted a workshop on "Vulnerability, Disasters and Development – learning from recent experience".  Participants agreed that post disaster reconstruction is more successful when affected communities are able to play a key role in planning and implementing recovery programmes.  It was also recognised that professionals could play a valuable role provided they respected community knowledge and priorities.  The workshop developed three recommendations for plenary at the Forum.  The Workshop Report can be downloaded on the left.

ComHabitat also gave a presentation at a Forum workshop organised by the Built Environment Professionals in the Commonwealth (BEPIC). 

The final Communiqué of the Commonwealth People's Forum called upon Commonwealth governments to

"Recognise that one in six Commonwealth people live in slums and that adequate shelter, with secure tenure and access to essential services, is vital to the achievement of all the MDGs, including those on poverty, education, and health.  Ensure that planning for slum upgrading and sustainable urban development is a cross-cutting issue within poverty reduction and national sustainable development strategies."