On Commonwealth Day 2013 the Commonwealth Charter was signed by the Queen, Head of the Commonwealth, at our headquarters in Marlborough House. In developing it, consultation took place throughout the Commonwealth, among the public, among civil society and among elected representatives. It is most appropriate therefore that its opening words are: ‘We the people of the Commonwealth’. Under the heading ‘Good Governance’, Article 8 of the charter states: ‘We reiterate our commitment to promote good governance through the rule of law, to ensure transparency and accountability and to root out, both at national and international levels, systemic and systematic corruption.’ The studies and articles in this handbook give examples of how the governments and people of our member countries are making good that promise. They set our collective Commonwealth priorities of democracy, development and respect for diversity firmly within the context of governance. It is by combining vision with examples of good practice and supporting one another with practical action that Commonwealth governments and public institutions raise standards and delivery of services to the expectations of our citizens. Our goal is to build national resilience where progress and growth lead to stable, inclusive and harmonious societies. This is advanced through fairness and transparency in a responsive public administration, with the rule of law upheld with integrity by officials and political leaders, together with accountability through broad participation in democratic processes and a vibrant civil society. This handbook draws attention to examples of how current concerns can be addressed and new opportunities opened up: for the well-being of our citizens; for the welfare of the global community; and for the stewardship of finite natural resources. It is to be warmly welcomed. Commonwealth Governance Handbook 2013/14 5 Foreword Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma
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