The Commonwealth Secretariat and the World Bank’s South Asia Region have embarked on a new collaborative venture aimed at enhancing development efforts across South Asia. This partnership unites the expertise of World Bank officials newly positioned in South Asia with the regional experience of the Commonwealth Secretariat, creating a robust platform for knowledge sharing and cooperation.
Central to this initiative is the Building Resilience and Inclusivity in Development, Governance, and Empowerment (BRIDGE) programme, which serves as a foundation for collaboration between the two organisations. By fostering deeper engagement within the international development landscape, this programme is designed to improve the delivery and impact of development projects across the region.
The launch of the BRIDGE programme was marked by an inaugural cohort session held at Marlborough House in London, with the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, delivering opening remarks. Reflecting on the partnership, she highlighted the Commonwealth Secretariat’s extensive history in South Asia, which spans over 75 years.
“The Commonwealth Secretariat’s long-standing involvement in South Asia has been instrumental in strengthening democratic institutions and governance systems across diverse political environments,” she said. “This rich experience has equipped us with a profound understanding of the region’s complexities, which is invaluable for international development organisations aiming to align their initiatives with the unique governance structures of their host countries. We are thrilled to collaborate with the World Bank in this capacity, as our combined efforts will undoubtedly accelerate our impact.”
Strengthening Multilateral Collaboration
The BRIDGE programmes primary objective is to equip development practitioners with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate the complexities of working in South Asia, a region known for its diversity and geopolitical intricacies. The programme has been co-designed by the Commonwealth Secretariat and the World Bank to ensure that participants are well-prepared to engage in development initiatives that are not only effective but also responsive to the specific needs of each country in the region.
Martin Raiser, World Bank Vice President for South Asia, underscored the importance of collaboration between multilateral organisations. “At the World Bank, we firmly believe in the power of partnership and the value of strengthening our engagement with other international organisations. By pooling our knowledge and experience, we can deliver more impactful development projects that are sensitive to the local context,” Raiser remarked. He added that the BRIDGE programme will significantly enhance the capacity of World Bank experts working on development projects across South Asia.
A Region Rich in Diversity
South Asia is home to a wide variety of cultures, governance models, and development challenges. The Commonwealth Secretariat, with its authoritative role in governance, political, and electoral matters across the region, is well-placed to provide strategic insights into these unique dynamics. South Asia includes some of the Commonwealth’s most populous nations, such as India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, and has witnessed substantial development and governance transitions over the years.
Through its engagement, the Commonwealth Secretariat has played a pivotal role in shaping democratic practices, governance frameworks, and peacebuilding efforts. The organisation’s deep-rooted connections with its member countries enable it to offer valuable perspectives that can guide the design and implementation of development projects. This experience is particularly relevant for international organisations like the World Bank, whose projects benefit from alignment with the governance realities on the ground.
Key Themes in the Programme
The two-day BRIDGE programme focuses on key thematic areas that are central to development work in South Asia. Participants will engage in discussions on topics such as geopolitics, human rights, the rule of law, and climate change within the context of South Asia. Global development trends and their implications for the region will also be explored.
With 24 World Bank officials participating in the programmes first cohort, the initiative encompasses a wide geographical scope, covering eight South Asian countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. These officials are expected to apply the insights gained through the programme to enhance the effectiveness of World Bank development projects in these nations.
Looking Ahead
This partnership between the Commonwealth Secretariat and the World Bank is poised to deepen the impact of development efforts in South Asia. By leveraging the extensive regional experience of the Commonwealth Secretariat and the global development expertise of the World Bank, the BRIDGE programme creates a unique opportunity to strengthen governance, promote inclusivity, and build resilience across the region.
As both organisations continue to work closely under this new framework, the collaboration promises to deliver more tailored and effective solutions to address the diverse development needs of South Asian countries. The success of this initiative could also serve as a model for future partnerships between international organisations seeking to maximise their impact on global development challenges.
