Although the Statute of Westminster affirms the principles of free association and equal status, the contemporary Commonwealth has no written charter or formal treaty. Instead, its governing features are found in a few basic procedures, its periodic declarations of principle, and an organization designed for consultations and mutual assistance. This framework is both flexible and adaptable and is a major reason why the Commonwealth has survived major changes in membership and member interests. The latter are held in odd-numbered years and in different cities and regions within the Commonwealth. In alternate years senior officials hold policy-review meetings.
Finance ministers meet annually, and other meetings are held as appropriate.
Over time, the Commonwealth has become more oriented toward its less-developed members. Major declarations of principle reflect this trend. The declaration also opposed all forms of colonial domination and racial oppression. The 1977 meeting in Gleneagles, Scotland, issued the Agreement on Apartheid in Sport, reaffirming opposition to apartheid but allowing each member to decide whether or not to participate in sporting events with South Africa. The 1979 conference in Lusaka, Zambia, issued both an important framework for a peaceful settlement of Southern Rhodesia's transition to an independent Zimbabwe under black majority rule and a strong Commonwealth declaration condemning racism.