This workshop was organised by Television Trust for the Environment and the Royal Commonwealth Society. Presentations included practical demonstrations through film, radio and the internet of the role media played in communicating development. Key discussions stemmed for the acceptance that the character of the media influences the character of a country's democracy. Participants argued that a free and plural media underpins people's participation in development. It was also recognised that such a media is a vital prerequisite for the achievement of the MDGs successful action against climate change and other crosscutting development actions. The workshop called on Member States to enact and enforce access to information and freedom of information legislation, and remove other barriers that constrain media freedom. Discussions also encouraged the transformation of state broadcasters into independent public interest broadcasters capable of supporting and commissioning diverse and independent programming. Participants felt that the Commonwealth needed to have a more substantive consultation, conference and report on the role of media, and democracy and development.

The Commonwealth Essay Competition is an international education project open to all young Commonwealth citizens aged 18 or under. Every year, more than 6,000 essays pour into the London office of the Royal Commonwealth Society in time for the Competition deadline of 1 March. When the essays have been registered, they are distributed to twenty-four examiners for judging and the results are announced in July.  

Winning an award or commendation is a considerable achievement and something of which the entrants can be justifiably proud. However, the Competition is about more than winning a prize. As one Canadian teacher has commented: 

“We are from a very small community on Vancouver Island. The Competition has shown our students that they can compete in a bigger world, that they can do great things!” 

The Competition reaches into people’s hearts and generates a lot of good will, loyalty and enthusiasm. It is a unique and invaluable education project because it brings together young people from all around the world and encourages them to interact on subjects that matter to them. As one participant says: 

“I am of Indian origin. Both my parents were born in India and much of my family live in India or Great Britain. I enjoy taking part in the Commonwealth Essay Competition as it has allowed me to learn more about my country and its history.” 

In its own quiet way, the Commonwealth Essay Competition may be an agent for local and international social change, as it encourages literacy and reflective thought