NGOs have played a critical role in many countries, but Badru Walusansa, 25, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Kampala in Uganda, argues that it is time for partnerships that encourage accountability and development. Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) in Uganda and elsewhere play a critical role in influencing socio-economic and political development. The year 1980 arguably marked the …

“NGOs should rethink dependency syndrome” Read More »

Sino-Singapore relations have been strained by tensions over the South China Sea dispute and the seizure of Singapore ships in Hong Kong. Ashley Tan Yu Yi, 16, a Correspondent from Singapore, looks at Singapore’s response to the political tensions. In the face of convoluted yet delicate quandaries, Singapore has continually maintained its adherence to international law and …

“Singapore relies on international law” Read More »

An economic system that allows individuals or groups to make economic decisions for a country serves the individual rather than the common interest, writes Samasi Anderson, 20, a Correspondent from Bayelsa State in Nigeria, while a free market economic serves the interest of capitalists. Having the interest of all in a political region economically, basic …

“A means to democratise economic policies” Read More »

Aid to developing countries may have originated as supportive gesture, but Swapnil Mishra, 21, a Correspondent from India, currently studying in the U.S., argues that cash donations led to structural weaknesses that eventually put those nations at a disadvantage. In the postwar world, the funds from First World nations lowered the needs of leaders in …

“Developed nations have a competitive edge” Read More »

Does Brexit mean the UK will offer better trade agreements for African Commonwealth Countries, or will it be business as usual? Folmi Yohanna, 27, a Correspondent from Kano in Nigeria, writes that the UK could maintain the trade agreements equivalent to the deal. “Wow! So the Supreme Court will decide whether to reject or uphold …

“Post-Brexit UK – better trade for African countries?” Read More »

A dispute over a work permit has potentially large repercussions in Bermuda. Jake Elson, 23, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Bunbury in Australia, argues the episode represents deeper political and social conflict on the island. For a small island paradise of nearly 70,000, Bermuda can be an extremely fractious place. The oldest remaining British Colony in North …

“Visa row overshadows America’s Cup” Read More »

Nigeria’s recession is causing hardship. Oluwasegun Olakoyenikan, 22, a Correspondent from Benin City, Nigeria, explains how a drop in oil prices hurts national revenue and leaves public servants without pay. “Four days ago, it clocked six months since I received my last pay from the government of this state. Nevertheless, I will still have to resume …

“Public servants are working more to get less” Read More »

 An educator and social entrepreneur is helping solve Nigeria’s major challenge by training young people, especially girls, who are abused because of poverty. Sola Abe, 25, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Lagos in Nigeria, interviewed this mentor, who teaches the culture of entrepreneurship and provides seed capital. Ogechukwu Ezeokoli is an educator, social entrepreneur and founder of Teens Economic and …

“This woman helps students start businesses” Read More »

Swapnil Mishra, 21, a Correspondent from India and currently studying in the U.S., looks at the historic and economic roots of poverty. He argues for the need to provide basic necessities and the opportunity to make personal and economic choices. After reading the five different individual stories from John Isbister’s “A World of Poverty”, about people …

“Poverty imposes an inability to make choices” Read More »

An invasion threatens food crops and the agricultural economy of Zambia and Zimbabwe, writes McPherlain Chungu, 21, a Correspondent from Zambia now studying in India, who says that food security could be at stake. “Uno mwaka tulefwa kunsala!”(This year we will die of hunger) laments Mrs. Chilekwa as she glances at her struggling maize crop, …

“Army worms invade helpless maize crop” Read More »