Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what was the contribution provided by the UK to (1) the Commonwealth Secretariat Fund, (2) the Commonwealth Fund for Technical Co-operation, and (3) the Commonwealth Youth Programme, in each of the last two years.

In the Commonwealth financial year 2014/15 the UK provided £5.4 million to the Commonwealth Secretariat, £8.9 million to the Commonwealth Fund for Technical Co-operation and £1.03 million to the Commonwealth Youth Programme. In the Commonwealth financial year 2015/16 the UK provided £5.4 million to the Commonwealth Secretariat, £8.9 million to the Commonwealth Fund for Technical Co-operation and £1.03 million to the Commonwealth Youth Programme.

Funding to the Commonwealth Secretariat has allowed it to promote democracy, rule of law, human rights, good governance and social and economic development, provide a voice for small states and also become a champion for youth empowerment.

The Commonwealth Fund for Technical Cooperation is the principal avenue for the Commonwealth to provide technical assistance to Commonwealth member countries. All Commonwealth regions benefit from technical assistance, with the largest share of support directed towards Africa, followed by the Caribbean and Pacific regions.

Funding towards the Commonwealth Youth Programme helps to empower young women and men to develop their potential, creativity and skills as productive and dynamic members of their societies.