Commonwealth on global food and energy crisis

The Commonwealth Policy Studies Unit (CPSU) is hosting a workshop on 1st October to discuss issues facing Commonwealth Finance Ministers. Guests including experts in the field and Commonwealth High Commissioners will examine potential policy solutions to rising fuel and energy prices ahead of the Commonwealth Finance Ministers’ Meeting in Saint Lucia next month.

Taking place at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies in London , the meeting will hear from a range of speakers including policy experts and representatives from international development charities, Inter-Governmental Organisations and Commonwealth governments.

The workshop comes at a time when across the Commonwealth, but particularly in many poorer countries, individuals and communities are suffering due to increasing costs of food and fuel - fundamental to people’s well being and livelihoods.

The CPSU’s Director, Dr. Victoria teVelde said,

“Rising costs of fuel and food are causing immediate suffering and economic concern across the Commonwealth. CPSU welcomes the chance to organise this important discussion before Commonwealth Finance Ministers’ meet in St Lucia next month. This workshop and CPSU’s briefing document will inform the debate to help ministers find sustainable, practical solutions to the global fuel and food crisis.”

CPSU members will attend the Commonwealth Finance Minister’s Meeting from 6 – 8th October in St Lucia . Copies of CPSU’s policy briefings will be circulated to all Finance Ministers in advance of the meeting.