Thursday 26 March, 6.15pm

Spotlight on Japan in Africa

In 2008, Japan pledged to double its aid to Africa by 2012 to inspire growth and attract private investment. Japan's latest move to inject more aid into Africa comes as its neighbour China expands its presence on the continent through massive aid and oil-linked investment. This event will explore the role of an important - and often overlooked - donor to Africa. A drinks reception, kindly sponsored by JICA, will follow the event. To book, please call 020 7766 9202.

Wednesday 8th April, 6.15pm

A speech by President of the Maldives, Mohamed Nasheed

After thirty years of authoritarian rule, in 2008 President Mohamed Nasheed won victory in the Maldives' first multi-party democratic elections. At 42 years old, he represents a new generation of Commonwealth leader. Don't miss the opportunity to hear him share the lessons of his past and his vision for the future. A drinks reception, kindly sponsored by Mackwoods, will follow this event. To book, please call 020 7766 9202.

Wednesday 22 April, 1pm - 5pm

The Caribbean-EU EPA: A Model Agreement?

This conference will assess the nature of the Caribbean-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) and the 6 year diplomatic negotiation process behind the final agreement. Speakers will explore its implications for other ACP members in Africa and the Pacific, currently negotiating similar deals with the EU. Refreshments at this event are kindly sponsored by JN Money Transfer. Click here for more...

Tuesday 12th May, 6.15pm

South Africa: The Way Forward

F.W. de Klerk

With the emergence of ANC splinter group, the Congress of the People, a realignment of forces is taking place in South African politics. F.W. de Klerk, the State President who oversaw the dismantling of apartheid in South Africa, will outline his vision for the country's future. Click here for more...

Date to be confirmed

Spotlight on Indigenous Peoples

Only four members of the UN voted against the Declaration on Indigenous Rights in 2007. Three of these - Australia, Canada and New Zealand - are members of the Commonwealth. In Commonwealth countries as far afield as Bangladesh and Botswana, diverse indigenous groups still face marginalisation and discrimination. Full details of this event will be on our website shortly.

Watch this space!

Vince Cable

The nation's favourite recession guru, Vince Cable, MP, Shadow Chancellor and Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats, is due to speak at the RCS in the next few weeks. Keep your eye on the website for more details...

 

Watch this space!

Lord Malloch-Brown

Minister of State at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office and a former Deputy-Secretary General of the United Nations, don't miss the opportunity to hear Lord Malloch-Brown speak at the RCS. Check our website and the next edition of our e-newsletter for confirmed details of this event.