25/02/2026
'The Commonwealth Foundation operates in a very particular space, between governments and civil society, helping ensure that people’s voices influence how decisions are made. That role matters deeply today.'
'Across the Commonwealth, civil society is navigating a rapidly changing environment: widening inequality, climate pressure, shrinking civic space, economic uncertainty, and the growing influence of digital technologies on public discourse. These trends do not occur separately; they reinforce one another and reshape the conditions for participation itself.'
Yesterday in Kingston, Director-General Razmi Farook joined civil society leaders at the 2026 Caribbean Regional CSO Conference to reflect on why investing in civil society, and ensuring access to decision-makers, is more important than ever.
The morning session was co-organised with the Caribbean Development Bank and focused on the impact generated when civil society is supported to engage meaningfully in governance.
The CSO conference continues today. Watch the livestream here:
Caribbean CSO Conference & World NGO Day Celebration Participant Portal