Secretary-General's Good Offices for Peace 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 promote and build national capacities for dialogue, and 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.
The 2018 CHOGM, paragraph 10 provides a clear mandate from Heads regarding the execution of the Secretary-General’s Good Offices. 
“Heads agreed the importance of strengthening the Secretary-General’s Good Offices and its capacity to support national requests for peace building to enable sustainable peace and security, through the establishment and strengthening of national peace and dialogue processes.”
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 programme 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 programme 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. 

In alignment with the delivery plan and the 2018 CHOGM Mandate, paragraph 10 - the project will specifically focussed on "the establishment and strengthening of national peace and dialogue processes".