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CONFIDENTIAL
SECRET
(e)
Women and Development
Since its establishment by Heads of Government three years ago, the Secretariat's very modest Women and Development Unit has sought to give the Commonwealth's contribution in this area an emphasis on practicality. The UN World Conference to Review and Appraise the Achievements of the UN Decade for Women is expected to be held in a member country, Kenya, in 1985. Heads of Government may think it appropriate that Commonwealth Ministers responsible for women's affairs might take that opportunity to evaluate the Secretariat's programme and to identify directions for the future.
(f) Commonwealth Foundation
Following approval by Heads of Government at Melbourne, formalities for the reconstitution of the Foundation as an international organisation were completed in February 1983. A comprehensive review of the Foundation's programmes has also been completed. Though headquarters costs have been reduced, inflation (since 1979) has substantially affected the Foundation and inroads into reserves are inevitable in the current year if the present level of activity is to be maintained. The Foundation now seeks modest increased resources to consolidate and put into effect programmes and policies drawn up as a result of the review.
(g)
Culture
The Secretariat was requested by Senior Officials at their meeting in Arusha to prepare a background paper outlining the possibilities for Commonwealth cooperation in the cultural field. Heads of Government might wish to explore the several options that are open to them in this field, along with their financial implications.
6.
OTHER BUSINESS
It has been suggested that Commonwealth leaders may wish to have a discussion on population issues, particularly in the light of the International Conference on Population due to be held in Mexico in 1984. Given the importance of the subject for world development, Heads of Government may think it appropriate to take account of the subject in their contributions on World Economic Issues.
Additionally, Heads of Government will have before them a proposal by Commonwealth Employment and Labour Ministers for a working group on the management of technological change. This may appropriately be considered as a sub-item under Functional Cooperation.
General
The Agenda proposed aims at a judicious blend between substantial policy issues and matters of a more specific nature. Bearing in mind the practice of the Committee of the Whole (Senior Official's) giving initial
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