Civil
society representatives gathered in Perth today for the start of the three-day
Commonwealth People’s Forum to discuss and debate key issues facing Commonwealth
People. The Forum was officially opened by the Hon. Julia Gillard MP, Prime
Minister of Australia in a ceremony also addressed by Premier of Western
Australia, The Hon. Colin Barnett MLA, Commonwealth Secretary-General H.E.
Kamalesh Sharma, Commonwealth Foundation Chair, Madam Simone de Comarmond and
Commonwealth People’s Forum Chair, Ms Sue Ash.

Representing Soroptimist International is International Past President Margaret Lobo, and South West Pacific Federation Programme Director, Robyn Cain. They attended the opening ceremony last night and had this to report:

"There
were at least 4 Soroptimists at the Opening Ceremony of the CPF – it was a
wonderful ceremony. We had many opportunities to interact with other people from other
organisations. We hope to continue the contacts during the week. The
atmosphere is very positive for ‘robust’ discussion and for this CPF to make the
change the Commonwealth needs – we are ready!"

Western
Australian Premier Colin Barnett said the mark of any civil society was how it
treats its most vulnerable in society. “Despite Australia’s relative prosperity,
there are people in this country and this state who are  vulnerable and they
need support. I’m proud of the way we support those most in need but forums like
this are important because they provoke debate and remind governments that we
can always do better."

Commonwealth
Secretary-General H.E Kamalesh Sharma described the Forum as a “vibrant
expression of the Commonwealth family in action.”

The
Forum continues to be a crucial part of the interface between governments and
civil society. Central to these discussions is a powerful statement from civil
society representatives of the 54 member association calling on Heads of
Government to act urgently to strengthen the role of civil society so that the
Commonwealth can become a “meaningful vehicle for change.” Soroptimist International has contributed to this statement through the regional consultations which took place earlier this year. 

The
statement draws attention to the disconnect between the Commonwealth’s stated
aims, goals, and high level policy and the realities facing many citizens’
organisations on the ground.

Civil
society leader Mr. Phiroshaw Camay of the Cooperative for Research and Education
in South Africa said: “The global challenges that Commonwealth citizens
experience individually every day, from poverty to HIV and AIDS demand that our
governments work together – not just with each other, but with the very
citizens’ organisations that are leading the way on so many fronts.”

Over
the next three days, 300 accredited delegates from Australia and the wider
Commonwealth will debate the issues raised in the statement in preparation for a
round table dialogue between civil society representatives and Commonwealth
Foreign Ministers on Thursday 27 October in Perth.

For
more information visit www.cpf2011.org.

To read the Civil Society Statement, click here.