Facts and Figures

* Namibia joined the Commonwealth in 1990 * The modern Commonwealth comprises 53 independent member states across the globe.

Thirty-two of them are small states. * The 1.8 billion citizens of the Commonwealth make up almost a third of the world’s population.* Don McKinnon of New Zealand is the Commonwealth Secretary General.He took office in 2000.* Commonwealth countries all share a commitment to fundamental values such as development, democracy, good governance and human rights.* The Commonwealth works to build global consensus on debt relief for heavily indebted poor countries; fairer trade rules for poorer nations; and the special needs and vulnerabilities of small states.* Commonwealth countries’ celebrate diversity through their shared heritage of language, history, and administrative and legal frameworks, making it easier to work together for peace, progress and prosperity.* The Commonwealth promotes dialogue among its citizens, and with the international community, and employs diplomacy in conflict prevention and resolution.* The Commonwealth provides training for thousands of its citizens and places hundreds of experts on assignment in member countries each year under the Commonwealth Fund for Technical Co-operation (CFTC).* Commonwealth Day is commemorated on the second Monday in March.* The 1.8 billion citizens of the Commonwealth make up almost a third of the world’s population.* Don McKinnon of New Zealand is the Commonwealth Secretary General.He took office in 2000.* Commonwealth countries all share a commitment to fundamental values such as development, democracy, good governance and human rights.* The Commonwealth works to build global consensus on debt relief for heavily indebted poor countries; fairer trade rules for poorer nations; and the special needs and vulnerabilities of small states.* Commonwealth countries’ celebrate diversity through their shared heritage of language, history, and administrative and legal frameworks, making it easier to work together for peace, progress and prosperity.* The Commonwealth promotes dialogue among its citizens, and with the international community, and employs diplomacy in conflict prevention and resolution.* The Commonwealth provides training for thousands of its citizens and places hundreds of experts on assignment in member countries each year under the Commonwealth Fund for Technical Co-operation (CFTC).* Commonwealth Day is commemorated on the second Monday in March.

In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.

The Namibian uses AI tools to assist with improved quality, accuracy and efficiency, while maintaining editorial oversight and journalistic integrity.