COL was founded at the 1987 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting ( CHOGM ) and inaugurated in 1988 . Its title is a phrase used by philosopher John Locke to describe the body of knowledge developed over time by scientists and other thinkers , for the benefit of all people . At the time of its founding , COL focused on promoting economic development by providing education and teaching skills
1987 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting
Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 1987
Commonwealth of Learning