Nigerian Conversation Launched

Inspired by the success of the Commonwealth Conversation, the Commonwealth Youth Organisation of Nigeria (an affiliated branch of the RCS) has launched the 'Nigeria Conversation'.

The Nigeria Conversation is a national public consultation designed to stimulate debate on the future of Nigeria after 50 years of independence.

The recommendations of the Conversation will be compiled and a report presented to political leaders, policy makers and the public for consideration and implementation.

The Conversation will gather opinions through a range of off-and online methods, from consultation events to text message polling.

An event at the RCS on 27 July will mark the UK launch of the Nigeria Conversation and is designed to encourage engagement and contributions from the diaspora community.

To find out more, visit: www.nigeriaconversation.com

UK and Channel Islands Branches meet in London

Before the Royal Commonwealth Society's Annual General Meeting - held in London on 24 June - branch representatives from across the UK and Channel Islands met for their annual consultation.

Representatives attended from Bath, Bristol, Cambridge, Jersey, Oxford and Wales.

Topics of discussion ranged from major developments at the RCS and Commonwealth Club in the last 12 months to recent and upcoming projects, branches reports and future challenges.

RCS Director, Danny Sriskandarajah emphasised his commitment to strengthening relations with branches around the world and highlighted some of the valuable work they do.

Looking beyond the UK, thanks were expressed to all the branches around the world who had completed their review questionnaires. The results of these surveys are in the process of being collated amd evaluated.

Gurinder Chada to award Competition prizes

The film and photography categories of our Young Commonwealth Competitions close today! Thanks to all those branches who helped to spread the word and came forward with offers of support.

The Photographic Awards will be judged by a new and impressive panel of experts, including a professional photographer, artist and journalist.

In our Vision Awards contest, three seed grants have been awarded to aspiring young filmmakers in Nigeria and Pakistan.

We are currently raising funds to enable us to fly our Competition winners to London. They will take part in a week of workshops and visits before attending a Gala Awards Dinner on 14 October 2010. We are delighted to announce that film director, Gurinder Chada - most famous for her hit films 'Bend it like Beckham' and 'Bride and Prejudice' - will be our Guest of Honour.

Contact Competitions Manager, Catherine Clark, for more details (catherine.clark@thercs.org / 020 7766 9204).

Can you support a future Commonwealth leader?

After a highly competitive selection process, 35 young delegates from around the Commonwealth have been chosen to take part in this year's Nkabom Commonwealth Youth Leadership Programme.

Nkabom will be held in Rwanda from 5 to 15 September 2010 and will offer its 18-25 year old participants a unique opportunity to exchange ideas, gain exposure to practical peacebuilding projects and join an alumni network of emerging leaders.

Before the final list of delegates can be confirmed, top-up funds are needed to secure six candidates' flights. If sponsorship is not found soon, youth advocates from Malaysia, Nigeria, Fiji, Cyprus, the Gambia and Tanzania may miss out on a life-changing opportunity.

If you, or your organisation, are able to sponsor - or part-sponsor - an Nkabom participant's flight, please get in touch with Youth Programmes Manager, Claire Anholt (claire.anholt@thercs.org / 020 7766 9202).