By Lisa LeRoy, Commonwealth Scholar, MSc Human Rights, London School of Economics and Political Science

On 20-22 March 2009, 70 Commonwealth Scholars and Fellows currently on award in the UK were brought together to celebrate the CSC’s 50th anniversary at Cumberland Lodge. The theme of the weekend’s discussions was 'Partnering for a More Equitable and Sustainable Future' and the event offered a unique opportunity to contribute to debates regarding the future of the Commonwealth and to examine how the Commission itself could contribute to these goals.

Another goal of the conference was to elect one award holder, who would be sponsored by the Commonwealth Foundation, to attend the Commonwealth People’s Forum, which immediately precedes the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Trinidad and Tobago this November. Participants prepared papers outlining their views, which the representative would be entrusted with feeding back into the meeting.

The weekend began with a passionate address by Professor Jeffrey Waage, Director of the London International Development Centre. He spoke of the importance and potential of partnerships for responding to development challenges and urged us to work outside of disciplinary ‘silos’. On Saturday, we worked in three breakout groups and discussed how both the Commonwealth and the CSC can contribute to partnering to achieve a more equitable and sustainable future. One representative was elected from each of these groups and, on Saturday evening, the three finalists delivered a speech on what they would do if they were Commonwealth Secretary-General. The speeches were engaging and all Scholars were really impressed by these future Secretary-Generals. On Sunday afternoon, the ballot results were announced – Commonwealth Scholar Carol Holness (MSc Human Rights, London School of Economics and Political Science) of South Africa was nominated to represent us in Trinidad. Each group’s report was finalised and will be handed to Carol to act as a basis for her representation.

This weekend was very special for all the Commonwealth Scholars and Fellows, as it gave us an opportunity to get to know one another much better on this special 50th anniversary occasion. A particular highlight was on Sunday morning, when most Scholars attended church at the Royal Chapel and afterwards had the incredible privilege of meeting Her Majesty the Queen and Prince Philip!! We were all delighted by this fortuitous encounter. Undoubtedly, we all now feel much more knowledgeable about the Commonwealth and have formed friendships and ‘partnerships’ with many other Scholars!