Introduction The Commonwealth of Nations has played a significant role in shaping global affairs for the past five decades. It has helped many countries make the transition from dependence to state-hood, assisted with the process of national development, and provided the "peoples of the Commonwealth" with information, skills, and tools to better their lives and the lives of their children. As a multilateral organization of 53 sovereign states, the Commonwealth promotes tolerance, justice, sustainable development, and economic development in a rapidly changing world. On the advent of the 3rd Millennium, therefore, it is timely to appraise and project how the Commonwealth can continue to be an effective multilateral organization. In response, the Ottawa Branch of the Royal Commonwealth Society (RCS), in collaboration with the RCS National Council of Canada, is hosting an event of singular importance entitled: "The Commonwealth in the 3rd Millennium; A Colloquium on the Commonwealth as an Effective Multilateral Organization." Objectives The Colloquium will serve as a forum to: Profile the accomplishments of the Commonwealth as an organization; Solicit the views of informed and knowledgeable participants as to how the Commonwealth can be an effective organization in the 3rd Millennium; Offer considered opinion to Commonwealth governments and the Commonwealth Secretariat in terms of the organization's focus and priorities in the years to come . Focus The Colloquium is scheduled to begin on the afternoon of Friday, February 20, 1998, and conclude at noon on Sunday, February 22 at the Ottawa Conference Centre. It has been designed around four major program components: Participants The Colloquium is bringing together over 100 participants; individuals well respected for their expertise, as well as representatives from leading Commonwealth organizations. Participants in the Colloquium will reflect a mix of backgrounds including academics, development practitioners, policy-makers, diplomats, and business people, among others. The gathering will include participants of all ages and reflect inter generational views of the Commonwealth. Background Papers Background Papers and discussion briefs prepared by eminent commentators and practitioners will be made available for each workshop prior to the conference. Projected outcome of the Colloquium It is hoped that the Colloquium will heighten awareness about the Commonwealth and its work and produce some original thinking about its future. The Colloquium is expected to reach conclusions on various key issues and make recommendations to be presented to Commonwealth governments and the Commonwealth Secretariat. Thus the net product of the Colloquium should be a significant contribution to shaping the direction of the Commonwealth in the 3rd Millennium. Return to RCS Home Page. Click here to return to the Colloquium main page.