Secretary General's Good Offices This project aims to provide institutional support for the development of policy options and programmed activities in support of the SG's good offices role to prevent and resolve political tensions and disputes.   

Strategically, at the highest level, this programme aims to contribute to Strategic Outcome 1: Greater Adherence to Commonwealth Political Values and Principles but more specifically at Intermediate Outcome 1.2: Member States engaged with and benefit from strengthened Good Offices of the Secretary-General. 

Commonwealth member governments have pledged to uphold and advance shared political values including democracy, the rule of law, human rights and good governance. Governments have also pledged to adhere to shared principles that reflect the way the Commonwealth works, such as transparency, accountability, mutual respect and inclusiveness.
Although these values and principles are enshrined in the Commonwealth Charter to which all member governments have committed themselves on behalf of their citizens, sometimes they can come under strain. Seen as a trusted and impartial partner, the Commonwealth can be called upon to use its influence and to provide practical assistance when states are going through troubled times.
The Commonwealth Secretary-General has a unique role, offering support and advice to member countries to encourage the settlement of political tension and disagreements and encourage national action that reflects Commonwealth values and principles.
This ‘Good Offices for Peace’ role involves working primarily with leaders and aims to support the development of independent democratic institutions that reflect the Commonwealth’s commitment to civilian constitutional democratic rule and the separation of government powers between the executive, parliament and the judiciary.
This work may involve the appointment of high-level representatives, or envoys, including former Heads of Government and Ministers. Other interested domestic parties are usually drawn into the process of achieving sustainable solutions to deep-rooted tension. This usually requires time and patience to open channels of communication, in order to find common ground and agreement. 
The Secretary-General’s Good Offices put Commonwealth principles into action by fostering a climate of mutual respect, including all relevant parties in achieving solutions to national political challenges. In particular, by working on challenges over the long term, with a high premium paid to discretion and trust, the Commonwealth has helped member states to strengthen democracy, expand freedoms and enhance human rights.
The good offices approach is premised on the understanding that ‘behind the scenes diplomacy’ undertaken by the Secretary-General or through the deployment of her Special Envoys, has the potential to transform the dynamics of the national political conflict and encourage dialogue between all key stakeholders. 
The Secretary-General’s Good Offices programme would also address some of the political challenges that impact on member states’ efforts to meet Goal 16 of the SDGs which is dedicated to the promotion of peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, the provision of access to justice for all, and building, effective, accountable institutions at all levels.   This programme will require collaboration and strong working relationships and partnerships between the relevant divisions within the secretariat. 

The project will be delivered in close collaboration with other international and regional partners and will also aim at supporting national processes and institutions involved in peace building work.

The project is delivered in an integrated approach, where possible, with the other projects in POL such as CMAG, Election Observations and support to Election Management Bodies.  It is also delivered in close collaboration with other Divisions in the Secretariat.   

Good Offices engagements encompass: 

·	Provide operational support to the Secretary-General’s Envoys and other High Level Representatives  by a) undertaking political-economy analysis (PEA), often conducted on an inter-divisional  basis with Human Rights, Rule of Law and Good Governance, and other colleagues involved with technical assistance b) accompanying and providing technical support to Special Envoys and other senior representatives; and c) undertaking good offices visits/activities when required.
·	Develop multi-disciplinary entry points to assess sources of political tension and facilitate national dialogue and dispute resolution through early engagement with relevant stakeholders and democratic institutions and to promote adherence to Commonwealth political values;
·	Enhance the capacity of key institutions and stakeholders through training and peer-to-peer support to encourage national dialogue, and reduce tensions between relevant stakeholders;
·	Develop partnerships with and catalysing other strategic actors, to share analysis and information, and coordinate activities with other international actors; 
·	Empower and build the capacity of women and youth to be actively engaged in national peace-building activities.   
Undertake advocacy to promote the use of the Secretary-General's good offices to resolve political tensions, share Commonwealth experience and advance Commonwealth values and principles.
Encourage a Secretariat-wide culture of proactive prevention as well as the capacity to respond effectively to political tensions and to integrate gender dimensions throughout the political conflict resolution processes.

Develop and publish knowledge products to document results and lessons learned.