"The Commonwealth has much to offer the G20," according to the economist Stephen Pickford, who wrote an article in a reference report presented to Commonwealth Finance Ministers at their meeting in Washington, DC on 7-8 October 2010.
"Its members include a broad range of countries at very different levels of development, in particular small and vulnerable states," he wrote. "And the Commonwealth has developed considerable expertise on the issues facing its members."
The economist noted that the Commonwealth's relationship with the G20 is not starting from scratch as its members countries make up one-quarter of the total membership of the G20 (a grouping Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors).
According to Mr Pickford, while the G20 may be an effective mechanism, it should become more representative - especially for developing countries - if it is to play a greater role in the system of global governance.
Stronger and deeper
Mr Pickford, a former UK board member at the IMF and World Bank, acknowledged that the Commonwealth-G20 relationship could be stronger and deeper, and that increased co-operation would be beneficial for both groupings.
The G20, he noted, would benefit from the Commonwealth's analysis and also derive greater legitimacy and representativeness, while the Commonwealth can benefit by ensuring all its members' interests have a fair hearing in the discussions and decisions of the G20.
However, he cautioned that closer Commonwealth-G20 co-operation will need stronger processes and will require a commitment by the Commonwealth to deepen its analysis of issues under consideration by the G20.
Mr Pickford, the former International Monetary Fund and World Bank board member, highlighted trade, development and climate change as three priority issues on the G20 agenda where the Commonwealth can make a significant contribution.
Source:http://allafrica.com/stories/201010190848.html
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