2023-12-31-accounts

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COMMONWEALTH HUMAN ECOLOGY COUNCIL (CHEC)

2023 Annual Report

CHEC Registered Charity No. 272018 Company No. 00966772

email: contact@checinternational.org webpage: www.checinternational.org

The aim of the Commonwealth Human Ecology Council (CHEC), an educational charity, is to further the importance of a holistic and sustainable view of the world and a continuing emphasis on development through the implementation of human ecology. CHEC's programmes strive to awaken the Commonwealth to the need for deeper human and ecological philosophies in order to achieve a wider coalition between all levels of society and the natural world on which they depend.

CHEC is supported by the Human Ecology Foundation (HEF). This is a subsidiary charity, which manages CHEC's trust fund, and has its own board that supervises both its capital and income. As such, it helps to fund CHEC's projects, as well as supporting management of CHEC's website and social media activity.

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ANNUAL REPORT 2023

Commonwealth Human Ecology Council (CHEC)

Registered Charity No. 272018 Company No. 00966772

Registration Address:

c/o Brown McLeod The Old Workshop 1 Ecclesall Road South Sheffield S11 9PA United Kingdom

E-mail:

contact@checinternational.org

Website:

www.checinternational.org

NGO in Special Consultative Status with the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)

Accredited to the Commonwealth Secretariat Member of Commonwealth Consortium for Education (CCfE) Member of BOND

Accredited to COP through UNFCCC

Editors: Emily Robinson Mark Robinson

		Page
1.	Message from the Chair	4
2.	Welcome to New Digital Coordinator	6
3.	Projects	7
4.	Project Spotlight	7
5.	Publications & Webpage	11
6.	Events	12
7.	A Meeting in Aotearoa	39
8.	In Memoriam	41
9.	CHEC Governance	44
10.	Financial Statement	45

Layout: Emily Robinson

Cover Photo: Community Garden being watered in the Gambia (Photo by: Badara Bajo) featured in our Project Spotlight on Page 7

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A Message from the Chair Mark Robinson

In 2023 the Commonwealth Human Ecology Council (CHEC), now in its 53[rd] year, has continued to give high priority to issues related to Climate Change and through its project work is expanding its reach into many regions of the Commonwealth. This has enabled CHEC to emphasize the pan-commonwealth nature of its work, in the knowledge that the next Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) will be held in Samoa, a small country in the Pacific region.

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CHEC Chair Mark Robinson with a fellow
delegate at COP28 in Dubai
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CHEC has been planning to undertake project work in that region, which it is hoped to bring to fruition in 2024 in time for the opening of CHOGM which will be held from 21 to 26 October 2024. In doing this, CHEC is minded that some 32 Commonwealth member states continue to be threatened by rising sea levels, threats to coral reefs and ocean pollution and so urgent and sustained action is required to tackle the problems that have flowed from the unfortunate effects that climate change can have. Progress is being made to establish a climate justice fund and pledges towards that now need to be translated into actual realization to enable effective action to take place. CHEC’s current work has been helped by the partnerships we have been able to develop both with multilateral organizations and civil society operations around the Commonwealth. This has been helped through CHEC’s membership of the Informal Forum of Commonwealth Organizations (IFCO).

As well as that CHEC is in consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), a relationship which we are working to strengthen, as well as to revitalize the association we have had in the past with UNESCO. Our relationship with the Commonwealth Consortium for Education in the Commonwealth (CCfE) is important to us, as well as with the Council for Education in the Commonwealth (CEC), given we were founded as an education charity, a status which CHEC still maintains, and which has been reflected in some of our projects. In that respect, I was delighted to take part in the CEC conference on artificial intelligence (AI) held at the University of Nicosia in Cyprus from 18-21 May 2023. This covered both teachers, students and parents as we discussed how AI might impact on education throughout the Commonwealth. It also afforded good networking opportunities which I found useful. We also work through our membership of the International Development Organization (BOND) and the Society for Human Ecology (SHE), whose conference was held in Tucson, Arizona from 5-8 November 2023, at which CHEC was represented by Dr. Janine Pierce, one of CHEC’s Governing Board Members.

As human ecology is very relevant to all aspects of Climate Change, membership of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) has become important and enabled CHEC to attend and participate in the COP conferences. In 2023 CHEC sent a delegation to COP-28 held in Dubai. CHEC’s delegation was led by myself but I was the only member over the age of 30. On

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the team were representatives from Ghana, India, and Samoa all of whom attended and spoke at many climate change forums. I was particularly pleased we were able to support the WHO Forum and delighted when the important link between health and climate change ended up being reflected in the communique. At the end of COP-28, UNFCCC afforded us a platform which we undertook in partnership with Climate Outreach and The Commonwealth Sustainable Energy Transition Youth Action Group (CSET Youth) on Communities Catalysing Social and Environmental Change to which we provided 2 panelists. Although held at the end of the day, enough attended to make it worthwhile and it was also live streamed around the globe. The Commonwealth Secretariat held a number of platforms, and we were able to participate in those as well, as well as to record a short video on CHEC’s involvement in COP-28. My colleagues and I also undertook much networking, including attending an excellent reception hosted by Rotary International.

During 2023, CHEC has worked closely with the Commonwealth Secretariat, to whom we are accredited, and the Commonwealth Foundation, which works closely with Civil Society. Co-operation such as this is very important to us as is the Commonwealth Charter, which both guides our work and which we like to promote to our Commonwealth partners and other important contacts.

CHEC has continued to develop its website which has been used to spell out details of our work and accomplishments, including details of the projects we have accomplished and those that are in progress. Details of these are set out in the section on projects below. CHEC’s website has been run for some time now by CHEC Secretary Emily Robinson along with CHEC’s post graduate intern, John McDonnell, who has now moved into full time employment but has agreed to join CHEC’s Governing Board. His replacement is Kate Martin, another post-graduate, who has both continued this work and injected a few new ideas. Their work has been particularly effective in building our contacts through the use of the social media and we are grateful to them for all of this work, which has been mainly funded by some of the income derived from HEF.

We look forward to a challenging year in 2024, This will culminate in another CHOGM in October, followed by COP-29 in November 2024 which we expect will produce many challenges given its location in Baku, Azerbaijan. In all this I am grateful for the work undertaken by the members of CHEC’s Governing Board, the support given by the Board of HEF, the Commonwealth Forum of the National Liberal Club especially for the facilities provided to enable our Governing Board Meetings to be held both face to face and online which greatly expands CHEC’s pan-Commonwealth outreach.

Mark Robinson Chair, CHEC

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A Welcome to CHEC’s new Digital Coordinator Kate Martin

CHEC is excited to announce that Kate Martin has joined the CHEC team as our new Digital Coordinator. Kate is currently working on her PhD at the University of Central Lancashire, where she previously earned a BA and an MA in Asia Pacific Studies. Her thesis: Finding an Appropriate Legal Terminology for the Rights of Climate Displaced Peoples in the Asia Pacific as a Method of Climate Resilience in Disaster and Crisis Anthropology is an important theme relevant to Human Ecology in the Pacific. The Governing Board welcomes Kate and looks forward to her work the CHEC.

A Message from Kate:

“In my new role as the Digital Coordinator for the Commonwealth Human Ecology Council, I plan to focus on enhancing our social media presence and fostering connections across the Commonwealth. One of my primary goals is to increase engagement on our platforms, ensuring that our message reaches and resonates with a wider audience. Looking ahead, I am particularly enthusiastic about my plans to visit Fiji in the coming year. During the visit, I will be producing a series of interviews for our ‘Climate Conversations in the Pacific’ project, highlighting the vital stories and perspectives of communities impacted by climate change. Through these initiatives, we aim to amplify voices and build a stronger, more connected network across the Commonwealth. Additionally, I have successfully re-launched our newsletter, which, along with

regular social media updates, will focus on crucial topics such as climate change and sustainable development, ensuring that our community stays informed and engaged.”

Kate Martin CHEC Digital Coordinator United Kingdom

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Projects

With the support of its subsidiary charity, the Human Ecology Foundation (HEF), CHEC undertook several impactful and meaningful projects aimed at promoting sustainable development and enhancing human well-being across member states in 2023. Several projects including our Spotlight Project Gambia Environmental and Community Development were small-scale and community-led, ensuring that local participants had a say in projects benefiting their communities. CHEC was able to partner with the University of Edinburgh Students’ Association for a project focused on Period Education and Combating Period Poverty and Waste in India . Later in the year saw a continuation of an earlier project in Kenya with the Ilparakuo Food Security Project at Maasai Village Polytechnic and Children’s Learning Centre. In November, CHEC was proud to have helped sponsor the removal of asbestos and replace several roofs of buildings at the Khayelitsha Baphumelele Children’s Home in South Africa. We believe our projects show CHEC's unwavering commitment to fostering a holistic and integrated approach to human ecology, ensuring that both people and the planet are thoughtfully considered in all development efforts. Details of all can be found on CHEC’s website here. In 2024, CHEC hopes to fund one or more projects in the Pacific Region.

Project Spotlight

Gambia Environmental and Community Development Project

From November 2022 until June 2023, CHEC partnered with GEPADG (CHEC Gambia) to provide a vegetable garden and orchard for women cultivators with a reliable water supply as part of an ongoing environmental and community development project in the Gunjur Kombo South District, West Coast Region, The Gambia. A borehole was also installed, and the well water supply will help the community with a tree nursery for the annual tree planting exercises and agroforestry. In the next few years there will be more fruit trees in the orchard such as mangoes, pears, avocado, and oranges and eventually, mangroves will be planted as part of the community-led initiative in the area.

Project Participants survey the future Mangrove Planting Area

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Project Spotlight

Gambia Environmental and Community Development Project

GEPADG (CHEC Gambia) has carried out an annual large-scale beach cleaning and tree planting exercise, including the planting of mangrove seedlings at the Gunjur beach. This was in conjunction with the Gunjur senior secondary school in partnership with the local environmental organisations, the local community including all the necessary stakeholders from other parts of the country particularly in the west coast region.

Community Garden being watered

Installing fencing at the Community Garden

The goal was to provide a secure and safe source of food and income for local women. A 10,000 square metre vegetable and orchard garden was fenced, cleaned and cleared. A well digger was contracted to dig and build a borehole for the women vegetable gardeners. Various types of tree seedlings have been acquired with a few to providing seedlings for the annual tree planting exercises. There is continuous monitoring and evaluation with other project activities and ecotourism services.

A new traditional local well at the GEPADG/CHEC office at the Bolongfenyo community wildlife reserve is completed with enough water. This well supplies drinking water and irrigation water for trees and birds and our ecotourism Services.

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Project Spotlight

Gambia Environmental and Community Development Project

The project has addressed significant social, cultural, environmental and economic issues and thus greatly helped the local community. This project has enabled the maintenance of local cultural practices. The women traditionally work at the vegetable gardens and the rice fields with traditional songs and dancing. They organize cultural activities such as drumming and fundraising Kora shows. This project has enabled the maintenance of such cultures at the GEPADG women vegetable garden. Socially, the women make some daily contributions, locally called (Susuwo) that they pay to each other every month through balloting. This creates a lot of social interaction for them. They organise cultural activities during the time of harvesting. This is an ongoing activity.

The project has enhanced and is bringing about attitudinal changes towards the environment; sustainable use practices; the reintroduction of lost species; more trees leading to a clean and healthy environment.

Installation of Solar Panels for the new Community Garden Borehole

Economically, the project is helping women to achieve a sustainable income from their produce, enabling them to buy food, clothes and to pay their children’s school fees leading to possible food self-sufficiency. This creates better health with fewer health expenses. Their traditional ‘”Susuwo” daily contribution scheme also helps sustain their incomes.

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Project Spotlight

Gambia Environmental and Community Development Project

The solar-powered borehole and the well water supply are encouraging the development of a tree nursery for the annual tree planting exercises and agroforestry projects. In the next few years more fruit trees, such as mangoes, pears, avocado, and oranges will be planted within the orchard. GEPADG/CHEC Gambia aims to replicate this project elsewhere when funds become available.

The new Community Garden Borehole, helping to supply the Garden Water Tap

The project video can be viewed on CHEC’s YouTube Page here:

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Publications and Website

With the launch of the new CHEC Webpage earlier in the year, CHEC wanted to highlight the achievements from the past 53 years – most of which can be found in the CHEC Achievements 1969 - 2019 50th Anniversary Publication – in a visual presentation. Put together by CHEC Honorary Secretary Emily Robinson, the timeline visually highlights CHEC’s most important achievements from CHEC’s founding in 1969 to 2023. The project will continue to grow as no doubt CHEC continues to partner with communities around the Commonwealth for meaningful projects and is represented at important upcoming events such as CHOGM, COP, and UN EcoSoc conferences.

CHEC's website keeps friends of human ecology updated about discussions around the Commonwealth on climate change adaptation and mitigation, the state of soil, rivers, lakes, and oceans with a monthly and bi-monthly newsletter. This looks at how our consumption affects the environment and what we can do about it. All of CHEC’s reports are available not only on our webpage but are also emailed to our subscribers. the

CHEC can be found on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube!

CHEC is dependent on the contributions of members, both in the form of voluntary work and through contributions from funds. We have a range of membership options available – including annual and life-long, student membership, and concessions for over 65s and SHE Members. CHEC will also display any job or volunteer opportunities on our page.

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Events

Participation at the ‘Round Table’ Commonwealth Journal of International Affairs, the National Liberal Club – Commonwealth Forum and a Visit to the House of Lords A Report from CHEC Youth Advisor Abhiir Bhalla

I had the honour of representing CHEC at the Commonwealth Conference held at Cumberland Lodge, Windsor Great Park on the 18th – 19th of January 2023. The conference was organized by the Round Table: The Commonwealth Journal of International Affairs, and I was invited to speak on the theme ‘Climate Change, Small States, Inequality and Development’. I was part of CHEC’s delegation at the conference, comprised of Chair Mark Robinson, Secretary Emily Robinson, Board Member Jane Samuels, and myself. My reflection report will focus not only on this conference, but also the ‘official’ part of my trip, which continued with my visit to the House of Lords on the 23rd of January, followed by an address to the Commonwealth Forum of the National Liberal Club.

The day after my arrival, Emily and I left for Windsor Great Park early in the morning. Upon arrival I was introduced to our conference organizers and met Jane and Mark in-person that afternoon. My session, ‘Global Challenges and the International Response: What role for the Commonwealth?’ was moderated by Rita Payne (President Emeritus of the Commonwealth Journalists Association), and I had the privilege of sharing the stage with Dr. Nicholas Hardman-Mountford (Head of Oceans and Natural Resources at the Commonwealth Secretariat) and Dr. Olumide Abimbola (Executive Director of the Africa Policy Research Institute).

CHEC Youth Advisor Abhiir Bhalla (right) with fellow panelists at the Round Table

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Events

Representing CHEC at the panel, the Round Table’s team appropriately summarised my intervention as follows on their website:

Abhiir Bhalla (Youth Adviser to Governing Board at the Commonwealth Human Ecology Council) spoke of his frustration with the dichotomy of Commonwealth climate action: while the Commonwealth is uniquely placed to tackle the climate crisis, he perceives little concrete action in the face of such an urgent crisis. Rather than focusing on shared values and manufacturing consensus, which is sometimes unachievable, Bhalla argued that the Commonwealth’s unique attributes should be deployed to tackle climate change and similarly formidable challenges. As a youth adviser within the Commonwealth structure, Bhalla emphasised the importance of including young representatives in strategic discussions now. “Given that the impact of key policy decisions taken currently will be felt in 20 years’ time, youth need more than simply a seat at the table, they need a ‘say at the table’ now.”

Abhiir Bhalla speaking at Cumberland Lodge

I subsequently also gave a short 1-1 interview to Ms. Payne highlighting that the Commonwealth’s strength lay in the diversity of its lived experiences, cultures and opinions – and underlining that this could be the key to unlocking the climate crisis. I also highlighted my diverging views as an environmentalist and as an Indian citizen when it came to India’s abstinence from pledging to the “phasing out” of coal at COP26, arguing that climate finance commitments from the developed world would need to be met before developing countries could be held to task.

I also had a productive conversation with the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland and her senior staff, Mr. Suresh Yadav and Mr. Snober Abbasi.

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Events

Abhiir Bhalla with Commonwealth Secretary General The Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC at Cumberland Lodge

After the Conference, I returned to London, where I spent the next 3-4 days exploring the gorgeous (but cold!) city. I went about the city like a regular tourist, using the Tube and buses extensively to explore Tower Bridge, The Shard, Greenwich Observatory, London, the British Museum and other sights.

Towards the end of my trip, on the penultimate evening, Governing Board Member Trevor Peel had kindly organised for Emily, Governing Board Member Hayden Greenfield, Colin Welsh and myself to visit the House of Lords, kindly led by Lord Graham Tope. This was a one-of-a-kind experience, and not having been inside even the Indian Parliament, it was a privilege and honour to visit one of the legendary temples of democracy worldwide. We even briefly sat in on a session of Parliament! It was a pleasure to get to know Hayden, Colin and Lord Tope a bit better over tea.

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Events

Trevor Peel, Lord Graham Tope, Abhiir Bhalla, Emily Robinson, and Colin Welsh at the House of Lords

Trevor Peel, Abhiir Bhalla, Lord Graham Tope, Emily Robinson, Colin Welsh and Hayden Greenfield

Subsequently, we headed down to the National Liberal Club, where I addressed a cozy, yet interactive gathering of the members of their Commonwealth Forum. I spoke on the importance of Youth in Climate Action, and judging by the engaging Question & Answer session we had afterwards, I’m glad to say I hope the session was a resounding success!

CHEC Youth Advisor Abhiir Bhalla speaking at the NLC Commonwealth Forum Event on Youth in Climate Action

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Events

Participation at the ‘Round Table’ Commonwealth Journal of International Affairs, the National Liberal Club – Commonwealth Forum and a Visit to the House of Lords A Report from CHEC Youth Advisor Abhiir Bhalla

We had a few glasses of wine, followed by a great dinner together – it was a pleasure meeting several individuals from varied backgrounds and getting to know more about their work. The following morning, Emily, Trevor, Colin and I had a great tea/beer session before my departure – it was lovely connecting with them.

Photographs have been shared on CHEC’s social media, and some of my favourites can be found here on my LinkedIn post.

I’m indeed indebted to CHEC and the Round Table for supporting my visit to London for this engaging and productive conference. A special thanks to Emily for hosting me in her house for two days, as well as to Trevor and Mark for being such hospitable hosts and making me feel so welcome. I hope to continue to meaningfully add value to all that CHEC does in the time to come.

Abhiir Bhalla

Youth Advisor to the Governing Board – CHEC New Delhi, India

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Events

10[th] Commonwealth Youth Ministers Meeting

A Report from CHEC Governing Board Member Isaac Aboah

The 10th Commonwealth Youth Ministers Meeting took place from September 11-15, 2023, at Marlborough House, London, United Kingdom. The meeting contributes to broader social and sustainable development goals from a youth development perspective. Chaired by

the Government of Pakistan, it brought together Youth Ministers, senior government officials, youth representatives, youth workers and other stakeholders from across the Commonwealth.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the originally scheduled meeting for 2021 was postponed. Initially 10CYMM was scheduled to be held in Islamabad, Pakistan from 23 to 25 January 2023 to officially launch the ‘Year of Youth’, but it was later postponed to 11-15 September 2023 and relocated to London, UK due to severe flooding in Pakistan in September 2022, which caused widespread devastation. I responded to the urgent call by the board for representation at the CYMM, and thanks to the facilitation of the Chair and Secretary of the CHEC Governing Board, I was resourced to attend the meeting. As a board member representing the Commonwealth Human Ecology Council (CHEC), this report provides a concise overview of the key discussions and decisions relevant to CHEC's work during the meeting

KEY DISCUSSIONS AND DECISIONS - MINISTERIAL OUTCOME STATEMENT

Youth Engagement and Advocacy:

The meeting acknowledged the significant role of youth networks, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders in promoting youth-led action for sustainable and inclusive development.
The 10[th] anniversary of the Commonwealth Youth Council (CYC) was celebrated, recognizing the contributions of past and present executives. The assembly was commended for ensuring that the voices of young people are included in Commonwealth decision-making processes.
The Commonwealth’s Global Youth Development Index (YDI) Update Report 2023 was welcomed, noting persisting inequalities in youth development. There's a resolution to take actions to empower young people in marginal positions. The growing use of the YDI is acknowledged as a useful tool for assessing youth.
There's an agreement to extend the ‘Year of Youth’ initiatives until CHOGM 2024 to ensure maximum and sustained impact.
The 5[th] Commonwealth Conference of Youth Workers will be hosted by the Government of Malaysia in 2025

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Events

10[th] Commonwealth Youth Ministers Meeting

A Report from CHEC Governing Board Member Isaac Aboah

Digital Transformation and Youth Empowerment :

The transformative potential of technologies on youth employment was recognized, emphasizing the need to bridge the digital divide and skills gap.
The role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in enhancing the youth dividend was acknowledged. The launch of the “AI for Youth” initiative was endorsed, aiming to empower young people to innovate, develop entrepreneurial skills and generate employment within the Commonwealth countries. This initiative seeks to leverage the support of industry leaders, especially in small and vulnerable member states, focusing on research, infrastructure, capacity building, and ethical AI policy.

Isaac attending the 10[th] CYMM at Marlborough House

Collaborations with industry leaders like Simplilearn

and Intel were commended for offering digital skills training and capacity building to upskill young people across the Commonwealth. The formation of the Commonwealth AI Consortium was welcomed, aiming to accelerate the reach of similar programs across the Commonwealth

Social Entrepreneurship:

The dynamic interplay of economic development and social responsibility was discussed, emphasizing the potential of social entrepreneurship as a transformative force within the Commonwealth. The meeting pledged to foster an environment that nurtures and scales socially driven ventures.

Youth Work and Professional Development:

The importance of qualified youth workers was highlighted, with acknowledgment given to the Professional Association of Lecturers in Youth and Community Work (PALYCW) for their contributions.
The UK Government was thanked for hosting the 4th Commonwealth Youth Work Conference. Malaysia's offer to host the 5th Commonwealth Conference of Youth Workers in 2025 was welcomed.
The reports from the Commonwealth Alliance of Youth Worker Associations (CAYWA) and the Commonwealth Youth Council (CYC) were noted, commending their work in promoting youth work professionalization and youth leadership.

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Events

10[th] Commonwealth Youth Ministers Meeting

A Report from CHEC Governing Board Member Isaac Aboah

Mental Health and Well-being

The escalating mental health challenges, especially among children, young people, and women, were discussed. The meeting pledged to support efforts to develop robust mental health policies, launch well-being campaigns, and empower the mental wellness of young people.

Climate Activism and Sustainability

Young people's commitment to environmental preservation and sustainability was acknowledged. The mainstreaming of youth considerations into the work of the Commonwealth Climate Finance Access Hub (CCFAH) was welcomed.
The formation of the Ocean Youth Working Group is welcomed. This aligns with a focus on the environmental health of oceans and the role of young people in taking action on climate change and ocean conservation.
The statement encourages investment in youth-led initiatives related to renewable energy, conservation, marine life, carbon-neutral projects, and waste management.

Marlborough House Commitment for Youth Development

The Marlborough House Commitment is an agreement by Ministers of youth to ensure the wellbeing, empowerment, and progress of young citizens in the Year of Youth. Key commitments include:

Establishing National Youth Policies and Legislations.
Ensuring youth participation in policy development.
Promoting social inclusion and equity.
Enhancing youth participation and engagement.
Safeguarding children and young people.
Providing employment and economic opportunities for youth

ROUNDTABLES MEETINGS

A critical part of the Youth Minister Meeting was the discussion across themes enabled by six pivotal roundtable events, each focusing on a distinct theme but converging on the overarching goal of youth empowerment and engagement. These roundtables were platforms for debate, exchange, and consensus-building. They facilitated a rich tapestry of perspectives, from government officials to youth leaders, weaving together a narrative of challenges, opportunities, and aspirations. Each roundtable was structured to be interactive, ensuring that every voice, every concern, and every proposal was heard and considered. The culmination of these discussions was the drafting of a final outcome statement, a testament to the collective will and commitment of the Commonwealth nations to their youth.

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Events

10[th] Commonwealth Youth Ministers Meeting

A Report from CHEC Governing Board Member Isaac Aboah

The Youth Engagement Roundtable at the 10[th] CYMM

1. Youth Engagement Roundtable

The event was structured as an informal and interactive session, drawing participation from Senior Government Officials, youth leaders, and various stakeholders. The primary objective of this roundtable was to address the challenges young professionals face when trying to engage with Commonwealth accredited bodies. The Ministers and officials actively

discussed and proposed policy recommendations. By sharing experiences, they aimed to develop a comprehensive set of policy recommendations. Key points of discussion included the modernization of approaches to be more inclusive and the success stories where youth had made significant impacts.

2. Promoting Cross-Cultural Understanding within the Commonwealth

Chaired by Hon Jean Nepo Abdallah Utumatwishima, the Minister of Youth from Rwanda, this session delved deep into the dynamics youth networks face in fostering cross-cultural understanding. Participants discussed the specific barriers hindering youth-led engagements and sought ways to address them. They also highlighted nations or initiatives within the Commonwealth that have been exemplary in leveraging youth networks for fostering global citizenship and cross-cultural understanding.

3. Climate Change Mitigation and Youth Engagement

The primary focus was on enhancing education and awareness regarding climate change mitigation, adaptation, and impact reduction. The session aimed to identify strategies that would work in tandem with young people to promote effective and inclusive climate action. Sustainable development, active conservation, and nature-based solutions were also on the agenda. The discussion emphasized the role of youth in addressing the pressing environmental challenges faced by Commonwealth member countries. They also explored how climate change considerations could be integrated into national youth policies and strategies. The overarching goal was to foster collaboration among Commonwealth countries, especially between ministries responsible for youth and climate change.

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Events

10[th] Commonwealth Youth Ministers Meeting

A Report from CHEC Governing Board Member Isaac Aboah

4. Engaging Young Professionals in the Commonwealth

Led by the Hon Mario Bowleg, the Minister of Youth, Sports, and Culture from The Bahamas, the event addressed the challenges

young professionals face when trying to engage with Commonwealth accredited bodies. The Ministers and officials actively discussed and proposed policy recommendations. By sharing experiences, they aimed to develop a comprehensive set of policy recommendations. Key points of discussion included the modernization of approaches for inclusivity and success stories of youth involvement.

Isaac with a fellow youth delegate from the Bahamas

5. Youth Empowerment and Sustainable Development

The event aimed to enhance education and awareness regarding sustainable development practices and the role of youth in driving these initiatives. The session focused on strategies to work with young people to promote effective and inclusive sustainable development practices. Active conservation, nature-based solutions, and the development of green and blue economies were also on the agenda. The discussion emphasized the role of youth in addressing the pressing developmental challenges faced by Commonwealth member countries. They also explored the integration of sustainable development considerations into national youth policies and strategies.

COUNTRY SPECIFIC COMMITMENTS

Kenya: Advocates for inclusivity in governance and the Bottom-Up Economic Transfer Agenda, with a focus on youth financial inclusion.

The Bahamas: Aims to update the National Youth Policy by October 2023 and establish a National Youth Council by early 2024.

Jamaica : Expresses intent to host the next Commonwealth Youth Ministers Meeting.

Malta: Continues to support youth participation in decision-making and the AI for Youth initiative. Australia : Launches an Office for Youth for a new National Youth Engagement Strategy.

Papua New Guinea: Provides support to the Commonwealth Youth Council with office space and young volunteers

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Events

10[th] Commonwealth Youth Ministers Meeting

A Report from CHEC Governing Board Member Isaac Aboah

MY PERSONAL CONTRIBUTIONS

Complex Problem Solving: Emphasised the importance of integrating design thinking into the curriculum to foster complex problem-solving skills.

Personal Responsibility & Accountability: Advocated for instilling a sense of leadership within classrooms and empowering students through out-of-class work education, thereby fostering personal responsibility and accountability.

Commonwealth Scholarships: Stressed the significance of supporting the Commonwealth scholarships to promote equity in education.

Preservation of Indigenous Knowledge: Recognized the invaluable role of local communities in preserving indigenous knowledge and culture. Consequently, I recommended a comprehensive review of education policies to decolonize and incorporate cultural differences within educational curriculums.

Isaac attends the 10[th] Commonwealth Youth Ministers Meeting at Marlborough House in London – September 2023

CONCLUDING REMARKS

The 10[th] Commonwealth Youth Ministers Meeting (CYMM) provided a crucial platform to discuss and address the challenges and opportunities facing the youth of the Commonwealth. Representing the Commonwealth Human Ecology Council (CHEC), our participation ensured that concerns pertinent to human ecology were effectively communicated and integrated into the broader discussions.

My attendance at the CYMM enriched my understanding of the systems and operations of the Commonwealth architecture. This experience was built upon my prior involvement with the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meetings People Forum in Rwanda. I am deeply appreciative of the opportunity to lead conversations on behalf of CHEC. I made the most of the reception sessions, attending all of them to network and foster valuable relationships that I believe will further CHEC's objectives.

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Events

10[th] Commonwealth Youth Ministers Meeting

A Report from CHEC Governing Board Member Isaac Aboah

CHEC stands out for its dynamic approach, especially in its respect and allowance for the participation of youth leadership at the Governor's Council. This progressive stance distinguishes CHEC among its peer organizations. I am inspired by the spirit of the Year of Youth and the 50th anniversary of the Commonwealth Youth Program. These milestones align with CHEC's forward-thinking initiatives.

I am dedicated to collaborating with the Chairperson of the Year of Youth, who is from Ghana, to develop programs that will elevate CHEC's reputation as a significant contributor to the Secretariat's Year of Youth ambitions. It was an honor to represent CHEC, and I eagerly anticipate future opportunities to contribute to the organization in any capacity.

Thank you.

Isaac Aboah

CHEC Governing Board Member Ghana

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Events

XXVth International Conference of the Society for Human Ecology (SHE)

Dr Janine Pierce a Board member of Commonwealth Human Ecology Council (CHEC) attended the XXVth International Conference of the Society for Human Ecology (SHE) from November 5-8th 2023

at the University of Arizona in Tucson, USA. CHEC has had a long-standing relationship with SHE, so it was a positive experience to be able to attend this conference as a CHEC representative, to be able to present two papers, and to network and learn new ideas and knowledge in this evolving area of Human Ecology.

The SHE Conference was held in the University’s Environment and Natural Resources building which is strongly reflective of eco-friendly design.

The Environment and Natural Resources Building at the University of Arizona

The theme for this conference was: Sowing Human Ecological Future: Vision, Justice, and Diversity. Diverse themes embraced many aspects of human ecology and evolving areas of focus for this time on Earth. Session themes included: Teaching Human Ecology, Food Waste, Diet and Disease, Biodiversity/Human/Animal Relations, Environmental management, Theoretical perspectives, Community, Forming Networks, Culture, Diversity, and Well-being, Optics and Nature, Indigenous Knowledge & Practice, Tourism, Community and Conservation, Political Economy of Human Ecology, Human Ecology Models, Climate Change, Eco-Disasters, Problem-solving, Food security and Diet, and an ‘Ignite’ presentation section that showcased key themes in a short time frame in moving power point presentation with voice followed by discussion.

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Events

XXVth International Conference of the Society for Human Ecology (SHE)

Janine Pierce presented an Ignite presentation (7-minutes) slideshow followed by discussion. This presentation was well attended both face to face and by virtual attendees and was well received. The presentation was titled Commonwealth Human Ecology Council (CHEC): Helping People & the Planet and focused on overviewing CHEC, and the Human Ecology Foundation, the global reach of Commonwealth projects around the world, and presented the many projects and publications and other activities of CHEC: all in 7 minutes! The presentation generated much discussion and there were a number of comments of how broad ranging across many countries the projects of CHEC are, and how much has been achieved on small funding. There were a number of inspired attendees as a result of this presentation and an increase of awareness of what CHEC focus is.

Dr. Janine Pierce’s Presentation at the SHE Conference

Dr. Pierce also presented a paper in the Climate Change stream titled Climate Change: Citizen Scientists as Planetary Guardians and Monitors: The Australian Story . This paper was well received with a number of attendees interested to become involved as Citizen Scientists which is a big focus area of community members and schools supporting scientific research in Australia and many countries.

This SHE Conference was informative, being attended by a CHEC representative enabled profiling of CHEC to attendees and was a good opportunity to learn of developments in knowledge, issues, and strategies pertaining to human ecology in the world today.

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Events

COP28 in Dubai

The 28[th] Conference of Parties (COP28) took place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates from November 30[th] – 13 December 2023. The Commonwealth Human Ecology Council was proud to be able to send three delegates to the meeting, with one Governing Board member attending in his official capacity. Governing Board Members Chair Mark Robinson, Youth Advisor Abhiir Bhalla, and Governing Board Member Isaac Aboah attended on behalf of CHEC, while Governing Board Member Fogamomi Niccolo Moeono attended in his official capacity with the Samoan delegation.

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Isaac Abhoah, CHEC Chair Mark Robinson, Badara Bajo of CHEC Gambia, and CHEC Youth Advisor Abhiir Bhalla
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The CHEC delegation along with COP28 delegates attending the Rotary International Reception in Dubai

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Events

COP28 in Dubai

The Report of CHEC Governing Board Member Fogamomi Nicc Moeono

My experience as Samoa’s youth delegate and Mitigation negotiator at COP28

The beginning of 2023 was filled with promise and hype

for the COP28 Presidency to deliver pivotal outcomes at the end of COP28. For the first time in almost 30 years, “fossil fuels” in any UNFCCC text was highlighted in the CMA decision text of the 1st Global stocktake. The exact mention of the language is in para 28, where the negotiators for AOSIS fought for strong language and tightened any loopholes for developed nations and fossil-fuel-centric countries to continue on the business-as-usual trajectory. The 2 weeks of negotiations between Parties, especially those that fought hard to not include any mention of “fossil fuels” also coupled efforts to not have any mention of “phase-out” in any sort. Parties not willing to follow UNFCCC procedures to allow for progress discussions in inf-infs meant that formal consultations were stalled and little progress happened in the first week. The stalling tactics were faced not only in the Global stocktake negotiations but also in the Mitigation, Adaptation, Finance, Just Transition, and Article 6 negotiations. The negotiation group G77 + China struggled to find common ground on several thematic topics, especially the Mitigation Work Programme, which from a technical point-of-view, should be one the heart of these discussions. To have the MWP operationalized in only the last few years shows that, at-risk and vulnerable countries and islands to climate impacts, are finally being heard on the global stage, despite calling for immediate action since COP1.

Samoa Delegation with Minister Schuster and Youth Delegates

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Events

COP28 in Dubai

The Report of CHEC Governing Board Member Fogamomi Nicc Moeono

The second mention of “fossil fuels” can also be found in para 28, which mentions “phasing out of inefficient fossil fuel subsidies that do not address energy poverty or the just transition, as soon as possible”. What exactly does “inefficient fossil fuel subsidies” mean in this context is not clear, and does not provide any urgent need to direct finance in a manner that addresses the call AOSIS has been calling for 28 years. Lead Negotiator, Anne Rasmussen, delivered a powerful statement at the closing ceremony, highlighting the ‘litany of loopholes’ in the final decision text, in which AOSIS was not in the room when the decision was finally gavelled.

The outcomes of COP28 can be found online, however, what is not seldom discussed or highlighted, is the tremendous work that goes behind the scenes for our negotiators. I was fortunate to be part of the International Climate Youth Delegates Programme (ICYDP), as well as being a Youth Delegate and Mitigation Negotiator for Samoa. I also represented other organizations, CSOs, and UNFCCC constituencies such as YOUNGO. This is the first time that I have attended a COP, therefore, not one word could describe my experience.

I did everything and anything any youth delegate could do such as negotiate, lobby, share technical expertise, speak at 9 side events, meet other delegates, attend and organise bilaterals, and most importantly learn how the UNFCCC process happens. Thousands of young people attend COP to try and make an impact, and unfortunately, they are not in the room where the change happens.

Nicc presenting along with Abhiir Bhalla and partners from Climate Outreach and CSET Youth at our Official Blue Zone Side Event Communities Catalysing Social and Environmental Change at COP28

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Events

COP28 in Dubai

The Report of CHEC Governing Board Member Fogamomi Nicc Moeono

For my fellow Pacific youth, who were not able to attend, I took my attendance at the COP as a oncein-a-lifetime opportunity to share experiences in the negotiations and do everything that I could do to make an impact on their behalf. My experience at the SB58, was an eye-opener, as I saw first-hand the under-represention of Pacific Youth in the UNFCCC process. This led to LCOY Samoa, and for the first time, Samoa Youth were able to contribute to the UNFCCC process through the YOUNGO Global Youth Statement. Being a youth delegate for Samoa meant that the demands of youth in Samoa could be lobbied for a favourable outcome.

I left the COP28 feeling, I left no stone unturned. Despite the weak outcomes of several decision texts, I found solace when I returned to Samoa, knowing that we did everything, despite the odds that were against us. When I look back at how far AOSIS and Samoa have come at this COP, I am proud to say that a small group of 39 small island states were able to make a significant impact and influence the UNFCCC process. My role in all of this may be insignificant in the grand scheme of things, but together, we are strong. And that is the lesson I took away from all of this.

Fogamomi Nicc Moeono, Anne Rasmussen, Justin Lima at COP28 in Dubai

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Events

COP28 in Dubai

The Report of CHEC Governing Board Member Fogamomi Nicc Moeono

The question that I am yet to answer, is ‘How do I bring all this knowledge and experience back to my local communities?’. The UNFCCC is a machine that is continuously moving. Learning about it is one thing, but implementing it when you go to a COP, is a different experience. I was able to learn the process through the ICYDP and get insight from experienced youth delegates. To be frank, young people in Samoa are far from this, and there are limited resources, capacity, and support. But I see this as an opportunity for CSOs to bridge this gap, as well as support our Pacific Governments when they go to COPs. The role of Pacific young people today needs to be multi-faceted. They need to be negotiators, lobbyists, technical experts, youth representatives, political advisors, CSO representatives, and many more. Our delegations are small enough to allow us to do it. That is the edge we have over several Parties. I mentioned that there is no singular word to describe my experience at COP. But I do encourage anyone to go at least once and join the negotiations. In my opinion, that is how you can effectively make an influence and make the most of COP.

Fogamomi Nicc Moeono CHEC Governing Board Member Samoa

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Events

COP28 in Dubai

The Report of CHEC Governing Board Member Isaac Aboah

This report outlines the key activities and engagements that took place during COP28, as documented by Isaac Aboah, COP28 delegate, representing the Commonwealth Human Ecology Council as Governing Board Member. The event brought together various stakeholders to discuss climate action, youth involvement, and collaborative efforts toward sustainable development.

Global Climate Action Overview

Energy Transition

COP28 saw the launch of the Global Renewables and Energy Efficiency Pledge, endorsed by 130 national governments, committing to triple the world's installed renewable energy capacity by 2030 and double the global average annual rate of energy efficiency improvements.

Focusing on People, Lives, and Livelihoods

The Sharm el-Sheikh Adaptation Agenda continued to accelerate action to build resilience in vulnerable communities. The COP28 UAE Declaration on Climate Relief, Recovery, and Peace was endorsed by 78 national governments and 40 organizations, committing to enhancing financial support for climate adaptation and resilience.

Isaac Aboah at a Commonwealth event speaking to panelists, including Commonwealth Secretary General The Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC

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Events

COP28 in Dubai

The Report of CHEC Governing Board Member Isaac Aboah

Climate Finance

A significant focus at COP28 was on mobilizing climate finance. The UAE Leaders’ Declaration on a Global Climate Finance Framework was endorsed by 13 national governments, aiming to unlock investment opportunities and deliver at scale.

Inclusivity

COP28 emphasized inclusivity, with initiatives like the Youth Climate Champion and the GenderResponsive Just Transitions and Climate Action Partnership, ensuring representation of all voices, particularly vulnerable communities and underrepresented groups.

Personal Insights and Engagements

Commonwealth Youth Engagements

Photos and updates were shared from the Commonwealth COP28 Youth Leaders Meeting. Key discussions involved youth mainstreaming and the relevance of the Commonwealth at COP28, highlighting the importance of integrating youth perspectives in climate action.

Isaac Aboah (right) presented at How cities and business are doing it on behalf of CHEC at COP28

Panels on Climate Advocacy and Innovation

At the Youth Pavilion, the Ban Ki-moon Centre for Global Citizens hosted a youth-led panel on climate advocacy. Panelists discussed their initiatives and the challenges they face, emphasizing the need for policy and funding support for youth-led climate solutions.

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Events

COP28 in Dubai

The Report of CHEC Governing Board Member Isaac Aboah

Rotary International Reception

Mark, Abhir and I honoured an invitation to the Rotary International Reception at the Hilton Palm Jumeirah Hotel as members of one of the accredited organisations. This event provided an excellent opportunity for networking and set the stage for subsequent engagements.

Isaac Aboah at the COP28 Health Pavillion Commonwealth Youth Meeting with The Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC

Panel on Financing Opportunities

Discussions at the WHO Health Pavilion focused on advancing climate change and health financing, with contributions from key stakeholders, including H.E. Prof Muhammad Ali Pate and Dr. Agnès Soucat. This panel highlighted the intersection of health and climate, stressing the importance of integrated approaches.

Climate Justice and Public Perception

Leia Booth from the Climate Justice - Just Transition Donor Collaborative led a training session on climate justice, providing insights into organizations focused on climate justice and just transition. Professor Anthony Leiserowitz from Yale discussed public perceptions of climate change, emphasizing the need to address visible health concerns to connect the public to climate reality.

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Events

COP28 in Dubai

The Report of CHEC Governing Board Member Isaac Aboah

Follow-up Meetings and Networking

A productive meeting with Arif Zaman post the Rotary Reception explored potential collaborations, focusing on leveraging women’s expertise and mutual support between organizations. This meeting underscored the importance of building strong networks for effective climate action.

Conclusion

The engagements at COP28 demonstrated the critical role of youth, finance, health, and justice in the global climate agenda. The engagements at COP28 showcased the importance of youth involvement in climate action and the need for collaborative efforts across different sectors. The panels and discussions highlighted the critical areas of financing, health, and justice in the climate agenda, providing a comprehensive overview of the ongoing efforts and future directions for sustainable development.

Isaac Aboah with a fellow delegate at COP28 in Dubai

Isaac Aboah

CHEC Governing Board Member Ghana

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Events

COP28 in Dubai

The Report of CHEC Youth Advisor Abhiir Bhalla

I had the honour of representing CHEC at 28th Conference of Parties (COP-28) in Dubai, UAE between the 2nd – 11th of December 2023. I was part of CHEC’s delegation at the conference, comprised of Chair Mark Robinson, and fellow Board Members Isaac Aboah and Nicc Moeono.

COP28 was an absolutely exhausting yet enriching roller coaster experience. From attending panels, to meeting heads of state, speaking on panels, interacting with people from all over the world and exchanging different ideas – the 9 days went by in a blur. I don’t remember getting more than 4-5 hours of sleep on any given night: because there was so much to do! The sessions would start at 8/9 AM and go on till 10 PM, after which there would be networking and sightseeing events – all of which proved to be very insightful.

Governing Board Member Isaac Aboah, Chair Mark Robinson, and Youth Advisor Abhiir Bhalla in Dubai at COP28

Although the CHEC Team would usually start its day with a breakfast huddle at Expo City with a plan to divide and conquer, we would often find ourselves pulled in all directions with many new and exciting events coming to our knowledge as the day progressed. I would’ve easily attended 70+ events during those 9 days, at Expo City – within the Blue Zone and Green Zone, but also all across Dubai.

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Events

COP28 in Dubai

The Report of CHEC Youth Advisor Abhiir Bhalla

These were events hosted by the Rotary, Indian colleagues, think tanks, industry associations, business clubs, embassy/government(s) and more.

Abhiir Bhalla with a fellow delegate at COP28 in Dubai

I was initially charted to speak on two panels but ended up being invited to speak on four:

Youth Power: Charting the South Asian Climate Future (YOUNGO – 3rd December – Blue Zone)
Pillars of the Green Transition (Newsweek – 5th December – Green Zone)
The Urgent Need to Invest in Climate Education (Earth Day Network – 8th December – Blue Zone)
Communities Catalysing Social & Environmental Change (CHEC, CSET Youth & Climate
Outreach – 9th December – Blue Zone).

On each of these four panels, I represented CHEC and spoke on diverse issues ranging from air pollution to community-led action on climate, underscoring the need for youth voices in climate having not just a seat but also a say at the decision-making table.

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Events

COP28 in Dubai

The Report of CHEC Youth Advisor Abhiir Bhalla

Abhiir presenting along with Nicc Moeono and partners from Climate Outreach and CSET Youth at our Official Blue Zone Side Event Communities Catalysing Social and Environmental Change at COP28

The second panel, having been hosted by Newsweek, was also covered in their publication. They summarised one of my 3 interventions appropriately on their website:

Abhiir speaking at the Newsweek event Pillars of the Green Transition

“Abhiir Bhalla, a sustainability advocate on the board of the Commonwealth Human Ecology Council, started his climate action at just 15 years old when he was inspired to do something about the air

quality in his home city, Delhi.

"We need to talk about climate in the context of people's health," he said. Air pollution is the world's greatest environmental health threat and leads to an estimated 8 million deaths globally each year. The health burden is especially severe in Asia, and much of the soot and smog comes from burning fossil fuels.

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Events

COP28 in Dubai

The Report of CHEC Youth Advisor Abhiir Bhalla

"Air quality in Delhi is proof that decarbonization needs to happen now, and not in 10 or 20 years," Bhalla said. "The health impacts can already be felt now."

COP28 was the first of the annual U.N. climate talks to devote a day to health and climate change connections. Bhalla said that was heartening, but now his focus is on ensuring that there will be funding to bring action.”

Following the 3[rd] panel, I introduced CHEC Chair Mark Robinson to the senior leadership of Earth Day Network, an international non-profit present in over 100 countries. They had a fruitful exchange and discussed the possibility of future collaborations. I was happy to take on the responsibility of being an additional representative of CHEC on the fourth panel when another panelist had to withdraw at the last minute. Although I wasn’t very well prepared, the idea was to share success stories of community-led climate action, and I chose to champion one of COP-28’s key themes of storytelling to do the same.

Panel discussions aside, a key moment of reflection for me lay in understanding the different contexts that so many of us came from, from all around the world – and yet, we were also suffering at the hands of climate change in different ways. It was good to exchange notes on the creative ways with which different communities Abhiir representing CHEC and his home country of India at COP28 were solving similar issues. The road ahead lies in adopting shared best practices and collectively advancing the climate agenda while holding key stakeholders accountable and ensuring their money (climate finance) is where their promises are at!

I’m indeed indebted to CHEC for supporting my visit to the UAE for COP28. I am also grateful to UNFCCC YOUNGO for providing me with a significantly subsidised hotel room at Rove City Centre (which turned out to be one of the most environmental-friendly hotels I’ve stayed at)! I hope to continue to meaningfully add value to all that CHEC does in the time to come.

Abhiir Bhalla CHEC Youth Advisor India

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A Meeting in Aotearoa

CHEC and HEF Members catch-up in Auckland

HEF Trustee Margaret Evans, CBE, with CHEC Governing Board Members Jennifer Nickel, Nicc Moeono, Emily Robinson, and Subbu Loganathan

During a visit to beautiful Aotearoa (New Zealand), Governing board member Subbu Loganathan and Honorary Secretary Emily Robinson met our Oceania CHEC Governing Board members Fogamomi Niccolo Moeono and Jennifer Nickel , and Human Ecology Foundation (HEF) Trustee Margaret Evans, CBE, over dinner in Auckland - generously provided by Jennifer and Margaret . It was the first time many of us were able to meet each other in person.

CHEC Members and HEF at dinner in Auckland, New Zealand

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A Meeting in Aotearoa

CHEC and HEF Members catch-up in Auckland

It was a heartening experience to catch up and exchange ideas in person, especially to go through the great work being done in the field of climate change education and sustainability outreach within the University of Waikato. We also enjoyed listening to some anecdotes about CHEC founder, Zena Daysh from Margaret, who also shared older newspaper clippings and photographs from Zena’s time in New Zealand.

Several of the Newspaper Articles written about and by Zena Daysh, CHEC’s Founder reviewed on our visit

Subbu Loganathan CHEC Governing Board Member United Kingdom

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In Memoriam

Dr. Letitia Eva Takyibea Obeng, FGA

CHEC GOVERNING BOARD MEMBER HEF TRUSTEE

10 January 1925 – 23 March 2023

After CHEC’s first international conference on human ecology in Malta in 1970, a think-tank in Ghana to look at the long-term ecological changes produced by the Volta Dam project was initiated by Letitia Obeng, an outstanding practical field biologist and international science manager.

Letitia was the first Ghanaian woman to obtain a degree in zoology (from the University of Birmingham, UK) and the first to be awarded a Ph.D. (from the University of Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine). She has been described as " the grandmother of female scientists in Ghana ".

Letitia Obeng worked as a parasitologist and hydrobiologist and was a Senior Program Officer of the United Nations Environment Program. Before joining UNEP, she was Project Co-Manager of the Volta Lake Research Project (Obeng, 1973, 1977). During the period 1965-1974, she was the Director of the Institute of Aquatic Biology, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Ghana. From 1960 to 1964 Dr Obeng was on the research staff of the National Research Council and Ghana Academy of Sciences, and previously she was a Lecturer at the College of Science and Technology in Kumasi (19521959). She was Chair of the Global Water Partnership an international network of over 2,800 organizations in some 160 countries supported by 13 Regional and over 80 Country Water Partnerships – from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2012. She had extensive experience in water and sanitation service delivery.

During the 25 years she spent at the World Bank, Obeng also worked on or was responsible for sustainable development areas such as water resources management, agriculture and rural development, social/community development, environment, environmental health, waste management, urban development, and growing capacity. She also held managerial and director positions in the Africa, Middle East and North Africa, and Latin America and the Caribbean regions, and at a corporate level, Director, Office of the President, while at the World Bank. Dr. Obeng was a Fellow of the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences (President 2007-8), a Fellow and Silver Medallist of the Royal Society of Arts, and Consulting Expert to the Rachel Carson Trust Fund for the Living Environment. CHEC was very fortunate to have such an outstanding, global leader of women in science as a member of the Governing Board from 1971 to 1987 and as Trustee of the Human Ecology Foundation (HEF) from its inception in 1985 until her death.

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Key writings by Dr. Letitia Obeng on the Volta Lake in Ghana and other issues

Obeng, L. E. (1973). Volta Lake: Physical and biological aspects. Geophysical Monograph Series , 17 , 87-98.

Obeng, L. (1977). Should dams be built? The Volta Lake example. Ambio , 46-50.

Obeng, L. E. (1983). Progress of Science in Africa—in Tradition, Culture and Religion Progress, in Ganelius, T. (ed) Science and Its Social Conditions: Nobel Symposium 58 Held at Lidingö, Sweden, 15– 19 August 1983 : 23-32.

Obeng, L. E. (1992). The right to health in tropical agriculture. Outlook on agriculture , 21 (4), 255-262.

With kind thanks to Ian Douglas 14 November 2023

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In Memoriam

Keith Thompson

FORMER CHEC GOVERNING BOARD MEMBER 1936-2023

Keith Thompson who was a member of the CHEC Governing Board in the nineteen-nineties, died peacefully in Hamilton, New Zealand on 02 December 2023, aged 85. Keith was a scientist and environmentalist who did much to improve the understanding of the importance of wetlands both in New Zealand and in Uganda, Congo, Czech Republic, Australia and the Antarctic. Born in north-east England, he completed his Honours thesis at the University of Burham under the supervision of David Bellamy,

who later became one of the most well-known UK environmentalists and nature broadcasters. Moving to the University of Waikato, New Zealand in 1975, he lived a full and adventurous life as a botanist and ecology lecturer and throughout his career was a passionate advocate for the management and protection of wetlands. to the country's ecology, teaching and inspiring more than one generation of New Zealanders.

In the Waikato, he was a key player in the advocacy and management of wetland restoration projects, including Lake Rotokawau and Kimihia, Torehape peat block and the Hangamarino swamp. Becoming known as “The Bogman”, he fought for wetland protection and recognition of the role of peatland in carbon uptake and thus climate change mitigation. He shared his enthusiasm with adults and children, being a driving force in the Junior Naturalists Club. On Friday nights he lectured school age children, from age 10 years upwards, on ecology and lead field trips and camps into the bush. One colleague from this time was impressed at how quiet and incidental Keith's teaching style was, almost as though it was not happening at all.

Keith was one of a group of Waikato activists that included Margaret Evans (a Human Ecology Foundation Trustee) and Norman Stannard (now an Honorary Patron of CHEC) which greatly helped CHEC’s 1995 pre-CHOGM workshop in Auckland and which has sustained a vibrant CHEC community and links with Waikato University in Hamilton. Keith had enormous respect for Zena Daysh. After she died he wrote:

“A single encounter with Zena and I was duly ‘organised’ – no was never an option! Seriously though, meeting with Zena was one my life-changing experiences. Thereafter, Human Ecology played a major role in my teaching and my research. Most of us are instantly replaceable when we pass on, but Zena was special: her legacy is far more than most of us can ever hope to achieve in our lifetimes. Her infectious enthusiasm for social justice and her dedication to improving the lives of people was an example to us all. She was a mine of ideas, an indefatigable campaigner and an irresistible negotiator. I am privileged to have known Zena and I will miss her.”

With kind thanks to Ian Douglas

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CHEC Governance

Members of the CHEC Governing Board Nov 2023

Honorary President: Hon. Levi Oguike, CHEC Nigeria Patrons: Mr Norman Stannard, New Zealand Ms Eva Ekehorn, Sweden Chair: Mark Robinson, CHEC UK Honorary Treasurer: John Bonham, CHEC UK Company Secretary: Emily Robinson, CHEC UK

Other Members of the Board: Isaac Aboah, Melo, Ghana Rhonda Cox, Trinidad & Tobago High Commission, UK Dr Saadyah Chishti, CHEC Pakistan Hon. Sannusi Daggash, CHEC Nigeria Emeritus Prof Ian Douglas, School of Environment, Education and Development, University of Manchester, UK Simon Gusah, FutureBenue Project, Australia Hayden Greenfield, FCDO, UK

Patricia Kabatabazi, CIANEA, Uganda Ripin Kalra, University of Westminster, UK

Dr T I Khan, Indira Gandhi’s Centre for Human Ecology, Univ. of Rajasthan, Jaipur, India Dr Jennifer Lim, University of Wolverhampton, UK Subbu Loganathan, Pico Analytics UK John McDonnell, University of London, UK Philipp Mitterbauer, Ruffer, UK Jennifer Nickel, Waikato Regional Council, New Zealand Fogamomi Nicollo Moeono-Alaiasa, CHEC Oceania/Samoa Michael Mutter OBE (formerly DFID UK) Dr Janine Pierce, University of South Australia, Australia Trevor Peel, National Liberal Club, UK James Ross, Conductor and Music Director, UK Norbert Sangura, CHEC Kenya Bharati Sadasivam, International Development, India Jane Samuels, Tools of Change, UK

Youth Advisor to the Board:

Abhiir Bhalla, Youth Environmentalist, India

Zena Daysh and Donald Denman Human Ecology Foundation (HEF)

CHEC is supported by its subsidiary charity, the Human Ecology Foundation (HEF). This can provide support to small projects either solely or in joint funding, either financial or in kind, with other partners in Commonwealth developing countries.

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Financial Statement INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS Donations and legacies Grants Subscriptions & donations Exceptional items Investment income Investment income received Deposit account interest Total incoming resources EXPENDITURE Charitable activities Project expenditure Support costs Management Trustees' expenses Rent, rates & insurance Repairs & renewals Light and heat Postage, telephone & fax Printing & publications Sundry expenses Travel, conferences & admin Administration costs IT consultancy Loss on sale of tangible fixed assets Finance Bank charges Governance costs Wages Accountancy and legal fees Total resources expended Net expenditure	31.12.23 £ - 2,650 - 2,650 27,301 95 27,396 30,046 . 17,045 4,317 - - - 118 - 808 5,220 - 606 - 11,069 108 - 1,776 29,998 29,998 48	31.12.22 £ - 313 - 313 31,311 7 31,318 31,631 . 16,188 5,661 - - - 152 313 1,049 4,693 - 5,966 - 17,884 19 - 1,620 1,639 35,711 (4,080)

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Support CHEC

Support our Projects

CHEC has successfully implemented projects and programmes in the following Commonwealth countries: Kenya, Uganda, The Gambia, Bangladesh, Hong Kong, Malta, New Zealand, India, Canada, Guyana, Barbados, Sierra Leone, Pakistan, Nigeria, Australia, and Sri Lanka. The work of CHEC is supported by many foundations and trusts, particularly the Commonwealth Foundation and the Commonwealth Secretariat, but with help from UN agencies like UNESCO, UN Habitat, UNEP, the UK and other governments and by the voluntary efforts of both members and non-member friends and colleagues.

There are several ways you can support the Commonwealth Human Ecology Council:

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Photo: Paradise, New Zealand (Photo by: Emily Robinson)

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REI CISTEI RED CONfPANY NUMBER., 00966772 (Englxnd xnd WAle8) REGIST1 RLI D CHARII'Y NUMBER.. 272018 Report of theTI'v8teés Unxu(Ille(l FlJJaiJtl*l SIAlements foy the YCAY Ended 31 Decembei'2023 toi. COMP4I0NWAL1ryll EIUMAN ECOLOGY COIINCIL LTD Brown mcl.cod Liinited Chartei'ed Accoiii)181)Is Tlie Old WoLI(sliop l Ecclesill Rogd SoiTrlh %heffield Soiith Yolksliii 8119PA

COMMONWEALTH HUMAN ECOLOGY COUNCIL LTD CoJ)teiifs of Ilie ffiJiAIL¢ixI Slate.ments foy tlie YeA Y IfJiided 31 Deeembei. 2023 Page Repoi't of flieTrustÈ 1 10 4 IihdepeEident Eximineiil.% Repoi St•tem¢Tht of FIttiRnciil Aetffivlll¢s 73alxiico Slieet 7 to 8 Notts to the FitJAnclAI Stattinenfs 9 to 12 DetAlled SIAtement olFinfiiiciAI Activitie 13

COMMONWEALTII HUMAIY EC.OLOGY COUNC.IL LTD Repolt of theTI'LlStee8 foi. Ille Yeai. Jlride(131 Decembei. 2023 The tivstee5 WIIO gye als'o directors of ihe chai'ily foi Ili¢ puyposes ofthe Coinpaiiies Act 2006, pi&qeiit Iheir iew>rt willi fhe fiiiaiicidl slaleiiiejils of the charily for (lie yeai. ejided 31 Deceinb#r 2023. Tlie IrLislees liav¥ dilopled tlie provisivDs of AccoiinliiiE aiid R¢poiting by Cliaiilies.. Slal¢in¢iit OF RccoJnni¢JJd¢d Pi'aclice appli(Able lo Lhaiilie% pr¢pai'ing dicii. accoiinls in aceordancc with thc Pln&nci&l Ileporliiig Standai'd applicablc in the UIC and Ilepublio of Ii'cland (FRS 1021 (¢fftctiY¢ l JaiiuaTy 20191. OBJJtCl'IV£S AND ACIIVITIJIS ()bjective¥ aE]d Aim4 The aim of the CA>mmollwealtb Human E¢ology Coiincil (C.HJIC.), ediicationil cli4vity, to ffiJL*her the import&nce of a Iiolistic attd suslai11abl¥ viBw of tli¢ wtsrld a coiitinuing Empliusis dwclopin¥ni tliKough the iniplenientalion of huinatt ecology. CHEC'S pjogi'omines sh'ive lo awAktJi Il)# ComJnoi)wealih lo tlie tieed tor deepei. liuman an(1 ecological pliil08ophies to achicve a widei walilion bclwewi all Icvels of society and Ilje nattiral woi'ld L)ii wliicli they dq)cnd. Mission Statemtnt Xumaii Ecology embiaces tlie priiitiiples of ijatural and moi?] philosophy. It draws OJJ knowledge aiid undeislanding ftoin the sciences aiid liiitnaiiities to d¢velop aiid piY)mol¢ holistic atid suslaillable iiiitlatives, id¢as, and developmertt pIDject.% witli the aim of ciihallciiig aiid strciigÉhcning pcop16's r¢lation%hip5 with cach otlia. and with Ihcii. iiatvyal 6nviiDnment5. HumaTI Bcology, froin this ltsiidpoinl, works to mt¢ suslairtable, laslittg impiDveiiieiits in people's lives by f05t¢i'ing piojrcts thal enB48e ¢iiMI enliaiice tljtt skill$ of I{41 tonimunities, iJ)volve all seLtors of society, improve livelihoods, 8nd iiiainlaiD eDvsronmental betiefits. 11 Is a philosophy £illd 4 procegs aiid is conslaiiily ledriiiiig aiid adapliii& jiisl as it is cdiicating, cncoiiraging, aiid stiniiilating others. It has bccome an acadcmic fjeld of ¢nquiiy, a development81 pliilosophy. an appr08ch to sustainability and a new means of unifying polit¢Gal. CCOllDmic, gnd soo141 cndeavoursto provld¢ a lhcaiii]l tUre for ivral and uiban pwple ii) th¢ Commonw¢allh gild elsewhere. Significaiit Activities Dui'ine 2023, as CHEC )tered it5 s37 y¢ar, thc oi'gani$ation has ¢nntinued to fa¢ii$ Èregs of greAt intem&tional eonc¢m 5UGh clitnate ¢h8ii¥e, food and watey se¢urity, PDlliilioii in the ali. artd irt the ocek)lls, urban JEsilience a8 well as the role of educalion iti seeking iinprovemenls in all siicli ma((eJE wliere CHBC believes hLiman ¢colLigical thinking cHn help lowai'dg progiainnies that al'e aimed al achieving $iis(ainability. LHEC'S effoi'ls iii tliis irgaid 8llPPOlt thE principles outliiied by HeRds of Cioveinment Ill the Commonweakh Bliie Chartci. and, niolf ircently at the 2022 Rwandtt CHOGM. the Coinmojiwcalth Living Lalld8 clialt.. tn this Ysgai'd CHBC'5 work has ¢ontinued lo fo¢u$ on the impoitauce of restoring tnanwvts which Iielp protect coa511iiics and ihe iinporlancE of this h¥ been hiBhli¥hied by Ilie coiicei'ii of the 32 small Coiiii)IDnweallh membei. states abDUt the iittpacl OF1$tB sca levels, trDpical sloiins, piY)lectioii of c(ia%tal fi%hiIig wuiid5, c{xls, and Itcfs. CHBC UK works willi othei. CHBC Cliaptl and contacts around the Comnionwealth, alkd ill paitii¢tshlp wilh civil sociely urgatJisalioJis globally, CIIF.L' is a Jiieiiiber of tlie bifoi'jnal Foi'uiii of Comiiioiiweallh 0l-8aiiisations ItFCOI hicl) billn&% Comnionweallh Awedibd Qrganisations togelhei. to disc5$ wherc Ilicy can ivoi'k in grealcr harmoiiy and pai#nCrshi?. CI.IEC is also iii Spwial Consultativ¢ SllatU5 with the UN E¢oiiomi¢ and 8ooiil rU¢11 IECOSOC) and is workin¥ to iipddte ils ¥laliis is ¥evi181isinE ils role within ECOSOC. It 1$ lioped that this work, wljich is piogre88, cali be conipleled iii tlie fityl lialf of 2024. 11 is a Inember ot. the Uiiil¢d Ndlioiis Fi'aijiework Coiivttntion on Climate Cliaiig¢ {UNFCCC}, thc Coiiimonwcalili ColisD1lI foy Edtsulioji ICCEEI aiid Ihe liil¢i'iialioJial Dev¢lopmeiil Offganisation IDOND). As hiiinaii e¢ology is a ¥lvbal subject, CHEC also woi.ks in parliiei'sliip with ecological oi'gaiiisalioiis, iiicliiding Ilic Society foi. Huinilll EctiluBy (SHB} siippurliiig ¢onfcrcJiccs on siislaiii#bilily, l)iiinaii ecology a8 well as ollJ¢i' Irl¢vaiit aGtivitics. It is also scekiiig to biyjfiden conlacis wiiliiJJ iinivciEilics. CFIEC works ill concert witli both thr Coiiiiiionwcaltli Sccirlai'iat, lo wliicli it 18 accitdited, aiid th¢ Corninoli81tI7 FDiindalion. Page I

COMMONWI£AI,I'H HUMAN ECOI.OGY COUNCIL LTD Repoi't of (he Trustees foi. tIIE YERI. E]]iled 31 DeceTJ]bei'2023 OBJII CTtVJLS AND ACTtITITIFS SÉLinlflt#ii( Attlvltles CIIBC, wliic]i is awJ'edilE¢l by UNF.CCC, 11ttcndcd COP-28 iii Dubai towaixls tljc ciid of 2023. A Ilclcgalion was le(1 by CHFC'S Cliaii., wlio was accompaiiied by Ihi'ec deleEatcs Und the agc af thity froin Ghana, IndTa and Samoa two of whom air mcinbcrs of CHEC'S Govcrning Boail aiid tho one froin India who is CHEC'S Youtli Adv15.. They all pailioipattd in inaiiy forniiis ai COP-28 and deialls Ji¢ availabl¢ CHBC'S 2023 Aiinual Repoj'l, wliiul can be a¢cessed ou CHF.C's web$ile (w¥.¢11¢¢i1lltrnat1QDal.oi.g). CHBC whiBh bccamc a vii'lual oi'ganisalion itl 2022 1)as ronliiiued in tliat illod6 thi'oii8hout 2023. Att¢iidaiicc5 Rt Govci'lling l30ai mectiiigs havs Irinaiiied Iiigli willi DIBiiib¢Js tuiiing in from all It(n$ of the C(Jrnmttnweiiih. Th&iiks to the faclitie8. provided by the Natirjnol Liberal Club, Ihesc are tiow ofien fAC¢ to face iij the UK and liybrid, o¥ on owasions jusl hybi'id. Th woiks well ond has E£llY improved CH8C's int¢rnaÉional IEach. Cui'i'ent Piy)Jeets Witli Ihe siipporl of its subsidiary charity, the Human Ecology Foundation (HEF), CHEC has both cotnpl¢t¢d on-going projects atid eJi)bai'ked oji Jiew oll. These located iii a Jiuiiibei. of Cojlliiiojiwealtli M&nb¢J' Countrie5 aiid st Ib hope Ihal veiy sooii ¢V¢iy ifgion ()f lh¢ Coiiimoiiwealth will be ItPiU8¢nt¢d. Details of all can b¢ found oil Cl.ILC's websile at www.chccintcrlI1oI]al.o1.B Piibll¢atioi15 Ajid WÈbslte Duiiti¥ 2023, CHEC'S We.11t lias eotilinued to develop aiid ljas beeii praised by many who liave seen il. Cl.tEC Aiiniial Rq)Drls ali piiblished on it, as aye CHBC Points, ncw8lctta'& and all J'ccctit joiirnal%. It keeps fi'i¢nd.8 of hiiman ecology alei'l, updated oil disciissions aroiilld thc Conlnioiiwcalih on climalo change adfipl&lion an(1 miligalion. tIIc 51ale of lh¢ 5011. i'iveiE, lakes. and oceaiis. It looks al liow oiir coii$umption affwts the environTn¢nt what we can do about il. Oiii. Itaoh to ¢ivil society has iniprov¢d Ihiou¥h CHEC'5 conlinuiiig atiEillp15 to build up oui. ftsllowers on social medi#. N6w%l¢tt¢is havr bE6n publi51ied, biit CHBC Points remain in nbeyanc4 biit it is IKiped lo I'csuscilat¢ Ihcse at sonie stage in 2024. FtNANCIAL REVIEW Pi'irtuplll FuiLdiii¥ Soiii'ces The finances of CFtEC are motiitoi'cd by ils Fiiiallce Comi1ttee, whose mcmbcrship 15 fCV16wed following th¢ Artiiual Geneial Meeting. iisually licld in Noveniboi.. CHEC'S banking arj'angcments remain iviih Baitlays and have been satisfactory since Iheii. reviEw in 2022. Fiiiaiicial SUPPDrl foi. pi'ojecls is a150 IrGeived froih Ilie income of ilie Hwnaii Ecoloby Foiiiidatioii (HEF}, a.4iibsidiary Irust of CHBC but IS 5Biviced by ils own Irustees. HEF incDfpDi'atvs IhB legacy of C14BC'5 Fouttder, Zeiia Daysh, ttiid piolccls it8 capital valu¢. It)come froin its iiivcstnienl% fund CHEC.'s pi'ojecls &E)d has IiElp¢d with tlit developnient of CHEC'S website, as well &s odiei. are8s of CHBCS woik in need of suppo). It al80 contai1 a cupital el¢ment, Ivhich is not pait of (he leEacy, specific4lly i?seJved for CHBC iii case a Bilualion was to ai'iSE reqiiii'ijig sddilioiial SUPFOrt. FufuiiE DEVEI LOPMENTS An &ctive yeai. ahcad 15 cxpccled In 20211 a5 CHEC pi¢paTes foi. CHOGM ill Samoa iii O¢lober 2024 oiid a pi'oject is being iindei'iakEn in ¢hat clintrY in iiiid-2024. We aiE woiking closely with Coiinti'ies iii Ili¥t iygiuii, intiliiding Auslrdlia, IrgardiDg CHBC'S possible olfriJdaiic£ at (hal Jiietlittg. Atteiidance ol COP meetings will also coiitiiiiie. si'iii)rruRE, C.'OVLIRNANCtI AIYD MANAGEMENT Goyei'iilsjg Docuineijt Tlie clidllty is conliy)Iled by ils deed of triist and gov¢i'naiicE dociiiiieiils, and CDtislitiites a conipally, liiiiiled by giiai'aiil¢¢, as d¢fiii¢d by Ilie Coinpaiii¢5 Act 2006. It5 Aitiol¢s of Associatioii wei'e iipdaled to ttecommodalc ciirrenl legg1 reqiiiwmellls, oi)pDved k)t k)ii EGM in FebKllaiy 2015. It is I'uii by CHEC'S GoverJJing Boai'd. Woik contiiiiits to be depeiid¢iit oli ils global iii¢iMbErsliip siipi)DlteiE, as well on its Goverjiiiig Board illembers aiid voliinleei'5. Board composilioii 15 tnindliil of diveiEity ond geiid¢i. A Incmbcisliip fjiid fviidraisiiig ctsiiiniillee scl lip ill 2022 h&5 COlltinii¢d ils work iii 2023. Gi'41itiide i* diie lo 411 involved in oliv wo14¢. Details of Ilie Tjiislets aiE attacljed lo Ilits I'epoi't, CHEC'$ Fittance Comiiiittee ni¢ets rogulai'ly aiid i'epoils lo tlic Goveriisijg Board, whicli has set i15 term5 of IEfeJ'eiiLe. Ils composilioii is Irviewed aiiiiii211y. Page 2

COMMONWEIALTH HUMAN 14COLOGY COUNCIL LTD Repoi'é ortlie I'i'iistees foi. the YeAI' Eit(led 31 DEcei)Ibei' 2023 srRucTURII, COVERNANCE AND MANAGEMEKr Risli MaiiaEeiMeiit hc b'li%tl Siavc a diity to idciilify aiid iyview th¢ i'i%l(% to whicli tlic cliRrity 1% ¢xpo%cd And to oisiir¢ oppropri8te contiDls aye iii place to pi'ovide rea.$0ble agsui'ane¢ against fiBud and ¢i'ror. s9fu&rdig is Yeviowed, os 8pp¥opI'iato. The Th'uslees have i'Bferred to the giiid4tJce Lonlained in the Cljayity CoJniiiissiot)'S Lyellej'al Euidance piiblio nefit wlien reviewiii£ aijns aiid ubje¢lives at)¢1 iii plaiiiiijig fulijir aGlivities. Ili¢ Cliaiity's piirpose focus¢s on i?Isuig 8IDbal piiblic awaientss And providing educatioii on 811 asptcls of hiiinai) ecology. REFEIRENCE AND ADMINisfRATIVE DETAI Rv¥istetY(I CompAllyihuinbeJ' 00966772 (Ejigjaiid aijd Wales) RcEiStci'e41 ChRYityniimbci' 272018 Registeieil office Thc Old WoTkshop l Ecclesall Road South Shetyjeld South Yorkshii SII 9PA TR'u8tees Mi'J Bojiham Mi'fvl Robiiisaji Prof. I DOil•S .M Muttei. DrRI(¥lra ME J Saiiiuels M5RCox MJ. S Loganalhan lrfl. Tpeel Ms B Robinson Di. J Ross Nty P Millcrbauer Mr H GL¢eiifield HoiioJ'Riy PAtI'0115 MY N Slannaixl Ekehoin Mi'Lcvi 08uike Comi)21 iiy SeLietpll'y M.% E Robiiisoii Inilepeti(lent EX[nIne1. M E B Gi1¢5 FCA Browii McLeod Liiiiited Cknaiteird Accoiilltaiit5 The Old Wtsi*shop l Eccle8all Road Soiitli S15) (l)A Page I

COMMOI¥WAT,llHI7MANEcQLoGy COUNCIL LTD Report of IlieTru$lee8 for ltheYe#i,lknd¢d 31 Docembèr2023 This repvrt bewi pDad ill oewrdtDGC with ilic 6peeial wovSsion8 of P8Lt 15 orth¢ CompaiJi¢s Act 2006 LTkn(i)Ig lo sni411 coinpanles. Apptbved byord¢r of tho IM)ard of Iru8tees on 17 Jviy2024 sigDed on itsbth4ieby.' Mrm Robln%on-Thist¢¢ P4ge4

Independent Ei x8inlneL s Repoj't to the Ti'ustee5 of CommoniveRlth Hummn Ecology CouvL'II Ltd lii(lei>e)Jrlt.iit txaiiiine) 8 ip0).t tn 11)e tl'lJslee8 of CTrJnniDniv¢Allh Iliim8n Ilcplogy Coijnril Llil ('tlit ConJpRiJy I I Irpoil lo tlio cliaiity ti'l¢¢5 on Iny cxaininalion of thGacKount5 of the C(Imp*ny Iijr theyedr ended 31 Decen1b'2023. Responslbllllles RJLd b115is vf I'epui't As Ilie diAI'ily's Ii'iistBes of flie Coiiipfjny (and 4150 its diicdors foj, Ihc piirJx)scs of coinpany law) you aiE IEsPOll5ihle for thcprep81'lltioJi tsf Ihc 8ccoiiiIts iD JcctsrdanLc wilh thc Irqiiircmcnl.% of Ihc Cottip&nics Act20061'tlie 2006 Act'l. Haviiig satisfied n)yself that tlie accounts of the Conipany ai'¢ iiot requid to be Rudited IlDder Pgit 16 of the 2006 Act aiid are ¥liEible fol. independent exainiiiatioti, I repoil iii r&8pecl of Jiiy cxainiiialiort of yoiij, chaiity 5 4ccoiinls as carri¢d out uiidej. %ertioii 145 of Ilic C.hariti&% Act 2011 ('t116 2UI l Arv). In clliiyittg otjt niy examination I hfivc followed ths DIITCtioMs givcA by the Charity Cotnmi55ion lind. Section 145(51 Ib) of the 2011 Act. Ind¥peiiileiit ex?1 illlnei. x.4txtement I liave ¢oiMpleted iiiy ttxatninaliun. I confiim that no matters have coinc to My attentioii in conn¢ction with th¢ sxainination giviiig me causeto btlieve.. accouiiting recoiyts were ]t kEpt in irspectoftTrie Coinpany as fEqUiLrd by S¢¢liots 386 of the 2(X16 Act,. oi. Ihe accoiints do not accord willi Iliose records. or Ihe accounts do iiot cotllply with thc aGcoutitlJl8 requiiEments of Sectioii 396 of the 2006 Act other than requ1177¢nt tliat thc acwunts gsv¢ a trii¢ Jnd fair view whith is not a mattel. consideiEd as payl of ali ind¢p¢Adriit examinalion. or tli¥ a¢eouiils have noi been pJep¥Yed in occordanee will) th¢ Ineiho(L8 and Pl'inciples of th¢ Slalement of RecDinrneiided Pyactice foi. accoiinting and rcpoi'ling by chai'ities {applicable to chai'itiu prcpfji'ing IhBir )c¢trunls irt 8ccordaNce with the Fiiiaiicial Ropoj'ting Standard applicabl¢ iii the UK 4nd Repiiblit of Ireland IFRS 102>). I liave tio concttns and have coine across no olh¢i' Inatt¥iB iii connection witli the exdmination to which atteiition should b$ drawn ih this iwoit ill ordei'to enable a undei¥tahdingof Ihc accoiinls lo be rcached. MBBGijFCA Brown McLeod Liniited Cliaileied Accoiijilanls Thc Old Woi'k.4liop l Ecclesllll Road South Sh¢ffi¢ld Soiith Yoi'kshu SI19PA Dale.. Pago 5

COMMONWI£ALTII HUMAN ECOLOGY COUNCIL L1'D StRtement of IfinAIICLal ActivitLe5 foi. the YoTrJ' Endcd 31 D¢tember 2023 31.12.23 31.12.?2 Tolal fund8 lInSt1'ICttd fiind Il&st14Cted tbnd Notes INCOME AND JLNDOWMENTS fROM Doi)aliorts aiid le%CleS 2,650 2,650 313 tjivestment intome 27096 27,396 31,318 Totil 30,046 30,046 3 1,631 IXPCITIDITUREI ON Raising fvnds 12,953 12,953 19,523 Ch8x'itable pctiville. Proj¢otc%p¢nditu 17,045 17,045 16,188 Ttstil 29,998 29,998 35,711 NET IIYCOMFJ(CI XI>ENDITURE) 48 48 (4,0801 RECONCILIATION OF fiUNDS Total funds byoiiglitfoiw8rd 6072 3,327 10,199 14,279 TOTALFUNDS CARRIEI D FORWARD 6120 3,327 10,247 10.199 Pag¢ 6

COMMONWEALTH HUMAN ECOLOGY COUNCIL LTD 31 DeceEnber2023 31.12.23 Total 31.12.22 Total fund Uiuesli'icl¢d fund Resli'icled fiind Not CURRENT ASSETS D¥biurs Cash at b&nk 861 10,958 9,219 3,327 9,219 3,327 12,546 CREI DITORS Amouiils falling du¢ williin one yeai. (2,2991 P,299) 11,6201 NETCURRENT ASSETS 6,920 3J27 10.247 10,199 I'OTAL ASSLITS LESS CURRLI NT LIABILITIES 6,920 3J27 10,247 10,19Y NEI'f ASSLITS 6,920 3,327 10,247 10,199 [I'UNDS uliS.10tcd fvnd5 RtrICI¢d fiinds 6,920 3,327 6,872 3,327 T(n'AL FUNDS 10,247 10,199 The thl.1tblE cojnpaijy is entitled to exetnplion trom Èudit Ulld. Seclion 477 ot the Conipanies Act 2006 foj. Ihe yeai. ended 31 Deceniber 2023. The mejiibei'g ljave Jiot IEquired fhe cojiipaijy lo oblain ali aiidit of ils fi*aiicial slat¢iMei)Is foi. the ytai. clldcd 31 Declber 20 in accolancE with Scclion 476 of the Coinpaniu Act 20or). Th¢ trustees o¢knowl¢dge their iEsw>nsibiliileq for {#) etisui'itkg Ilial Ilie chgrilable compaiiy keeps 8ccoviJlItJE records Iliat comply witli SecLiolls 386 and 387 of Ihe Companies Act 2006 aiid pirpai'ing financial slatcments which give a Irue and fair vi¢w ofihe stale of affails ofihc charitabls cornpany as at tli¢ cnd of cach financial year and of its irplS oi. dcficit foi. cach financial yr iii ac¢ordgn¢e with th¢ rwuirenieiTrts of Sections 394 and 395 aiid whicli Dtli¢rw15¢ Cotnply with th¢ rrquiremenls ufiii¢ Compaiiies A¢t 2006 relatiiig to fiiigncial 51alein¢nl&, so f#i' as appIL#b]e tv Ilie diai'ilable ¢ompaiiy. {b) 'rhe iiotLs fniiii part orihe5e fiii?ncial ElTrlciiiciits Page 7

COMMONWI4ALYH HUMAN ECOLOGY COI]NCIL LTD ]allce g1)e¢t- ¢OJLllnutd 3J Decen}b.2o23 f811 slaiemellts have beeD Ptwred iD llGrwdBnce wilh th¢ provi$ioL8 applicable to charilible compèDi •ibje¢ttotheEmall CDmpaiiieE r¢8imo. The fsnaueial $Mlgmclll8 ware 4pproved by Ihi Board of TwsteES aud 8ulhori8ed for on 17 Suly 2024 aijo we Si¢ on ils bchalf by.. L'JBonham-TNsl¢¢ Mrm Robinsort-Thstoe ienotcs forin vJrilicstsfm&iJGial Sialeen Pbg8 8

COMMONWC4 ALTH HUMAN EICOLOCY COUNCIL LTD Notes lo tlic f4lnanciAI SIAtemeJits continiied foi. the Yog1' 31 Deccmbet. 2023 C'OMI)ARA'J'IVES IIDII TFXIP s'fA'IIIMENT OF filNANCIAL Acrivi'i'iyts Uni'¢5ts'ict¢d fund rolal funds fund INCOMEI AND ENDOWMEI Nrs IPROM Donations leg&ci¢s 313 313 Ii)v&8tlenl lijcome 31318 31318 TotAI 31,631 3l,631 JLXP£I NDLTURE ON Rai5iiig funds 19523 19523 ChAI'itnble a£tivitLe8 Projetyt eKp¢nditui'e 16,188 16,188 TgtRI 35,711 35,711 NET INCOM]U(EXPEI NDITURB) 14,080) {4,080) R]GCONCILIATION ofi FUNDS Total fulldE biDiight forwaiyl 10,952 3,327 14,279 TOTAL IfuNDS CARRIED FORWAIII) 6,872 3,327 10,199 D14wfoRS: AMOUNfs IIALLING DUEI wrrHIN ON YJLAR 31.12.23 31.12.22 Prepaymejjts 8nd accriied income 861 CRCI DITORS: AMOUNI'S FALLING DUE wrrFIIN nNII' YLI All 31.12.23 31.12.22 Trade ciediloiE Accrued expeiises S23 1,776 1,620 2,299 1.620 Page 10 Cuiilittued...

C.OMMONWLPAI.TII IIUMAN W(1.0Gy COUNCIL LTD Notes to the filiisiNclRI StAtcment8- eontiiiue foj. tbe Ye#i' EJi(leil 31 Decenibei. 2023 MOVEMif,NT IN IflJNDS Net movsmtht in fuiids At 31.12.23 At I,1.23 Uni'tt%ti'ltltd fiinds Geneipl fiind 6,872 48 6,920 Resti'ltteil fuiid Projcct fv4d 3,327 3,327 TOTAL FUNDS 10,J99 48 10,247 Net movement in llds, incliided in the 8boveAr¢ as follows.. Incoming IESOUI'G¢5 Resouices Exy¢Dded Movemellt sn funds UnJ'esti'lcte(I fiind5 G¢petsl fund 30,Q46 (29S98) 48 TOTAL FUNDS 30,046 (29,998) 48 Compftrhtlves foy movement lji fvn(Is Nel ovttin¢nt in fiinds At 31.12.22 At 1.1.22 UtLre$tYlLl¥d flind5 Genei?I fiiThd 10.952 {4.0801 6,872 Restiieted fiinils Piojecl fund 3,327 3,327 'roTAL IfuNDS 14.279 (4,U801 10,199 CoiiJpaii)live iittt iiioven)¢iil irt fi111115. iIIGliided iii (lie above arr as follows.. Iiicoming resources Restsuiees expeiided Moveinetit iii fund5 Uni'ostJicte(I fun(15 Gen¢r&l fuiid 31,631 135,711) 14,080) TOTAL fiUNDS5 31.631 135,711) 14,080) Page 11

COMMONWEALTH HUMAN ECOLOCY COUNCIL LTD Notes to the fiiJJ8JJtlAI StAteJnenl$ COlLlillued roi. the YeAI' Ci iLded 31 Dct¢Jnbc2' 2023 MOVEMCI NT IN fiUNDS- Lontiiiued A ycai. 12 montliB gtjd prioi'yeai. 12 months comblncd posititsn is •$ fi)IIow8'. Net nioveinenl tn funds At 31.12.23 At 1.1.22 Uiii'Èsti'ieted fiiii(Is GcnLral fiind 10,952 14,032) 6,920 Restj'icted funds PiY)jecÈ fund 3,327 3.327 TOTAL FUNDS 14,279 {4,032) 10,247 A cviyenl yeai. 12 moJ)ths &ttd pi401' ycar 12 inollflis winbined net mov¢in¢llt in fijnds, incliided in the above are gs follows.. Incoming resouices Re5011W¢S expended Moyeiiieiit in fi)nds Umi't5ti'icto(I fund8 Geneiwl fwjd 61.677 (65,709) (4,032} TOTAL FUNDS 61,677 (65,7091 14,0321 KELA'fED PARTY DISCLOSURES T]IciY r¢ no rcl&ted party tt?nsaclions foi. the yeai. end¢d 31 D¢c¢mb¢r 20. PU 12

COMMONWJLAI,TII HUMAIY ECOLOGY COUNCIL LTD D¢tail¢d StAteineJit of IllnaiiciAI Acfivilles foi, the YeAI' 31 Dtc¢mbet' 2023 31.12.23 31.12.22 tNCOME AND ENDOWMJINTS DotiAtlort8 aiiil legacr¢s Subsci'iplions & doiialions 2,6SO 313 Investnieiit Incomt Lnvcslinent ijitume ve¢¥ivEd D¢posst account inl¢i¢st 27,301 95 27.396 31,318 Total ineomlng i*sDults 30,046 31,631 EXPENDITURE ChHJ'itable activities PIDje¢t expenditurc 17,045 16,118 Suppoi't cos15 MAnRgemeJit Tru.%lees' 6xpcn8OS Post# tclcpholle & fax PiiiilinLT} piiblicatioiis & slaty SLiJdiy exp¢115¢S I'Tavel, can1¢¢¢S & admi IT ¢oiisultanGy 4U17 118 5,661 152 808 5,220 606 1,049 4,693 5,966 11,069 17,884 14illAlItc Bonk ¢haYgcs 108 19 Cuvern8JJte Cus1$ ALcuunldnLy aiid legal frr5 1,776 1,620 Tot81 IE8oiirces expthided 29,998 35,711 Nel Incomel(expelldltui'È) 48 (4,080) This paE¥ doe8 iiot foiin pai'tof ilie slatiiloiy fiiiHiiclal slatemeiils Pgge 13

ANNUAL REPORT 2023

Commonwealth Human Ecology Council (CHEC)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

A Message from the Chair Mark Robinson

A Welcome to CHEC’s new Digital Coordinator Kate Martin

A Message from Kate:

Projects

Project Spotlight

Gambia Environmental and Community Development Project

Project Spotlight

Gambia Environmental and Community Development Project

Project Spotlight

Gambia Environmental and Community Development Project

Project Spotlight

Gambia Environmental and Community Development Project

Publications and Website

Events

Events

Events

Events

Events

Participation at the ‘Round Table’ Commonwealth Journal of International Affairs, the National Liberal Club – Commonwealth Forum and a Visit to the House of Lords A Report from CHEC Youth Advisor Abhiir Bhalla

Abhiir Bhalla

Events

10[th] Commonwealth Youth Ministers Meeting

KEY DISCUSSIONS AND DECISIONS - MINISTERIAL OUTCOME STATEMENT

Events

10[th] Commonwealth Youth Ministers Meeting

Digital Transformation and Youth Empowerment :

Social Entrepreneurship:

Youth Work and Professional Development:

Events

10[th] Commonwealth Youth Ministers Meeting

Mental Health and Well-being

Climate Activism and Sustainability

Marlborough House Commitment for Youth Development

ROUNDTABLES MEETINGS

Events

10[th] Commonwealth Youth Ministers Meeting

1. Youth Engagement Roundtable

2. Promoting Cross-Cultural Understanding within the Commonwealth

3. Climate Change Mitigation and Youth Engagement

Events

10[th] Commonwealth Youth Ministers Meeting

4. Engaging Young Professionals in the Commonwealth

5. Youth Empowerment and Sustainable Development

COUNTRY SPECIFIC COMMITMENTS

Events

10[th] Commonwealth Youth Ministers Meeting

MY PERSONAL CONTRIBUTIONS

CONCLUDING REMARKS

Events

10[th] Commonwealth Youth Ministers Meeting

Events

XXVth International Conference of the Society for Human Ecology (SHE)

Events

XXVth International Conference of the Society for Human Ecology (SHE)

Events

COP28 in Dubai

Events

COP28 in Dubai

My experience as Samoa’s youth delegate and Mitigation negotiator at COP28

Events

COP28 in Dubai

The Report of CHEC Governing Board Member Fogamomi Nicc Moeono

Events

COP28 in Dubai

Events

COP28 in Dubai

The Report of CHEC Governing Board Member Fogamomi Nicc Moeono

Events

COP28 in Dubai

Global Climate Action Overview

Energy Transition

Focusing on People, Lives, and Livelihoods

Events

COP28 in Dubai

Climate Finance

Inclusivity