In case you missed it His Majesty, King Charles III, arrived in Apia, Samoa, today to a warm welcome for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.

It marks the first time His Majesty will attend CHOGM as Head of the Commonwealth.

Day 3 of CHOGM put the challenges of small and vulnerable states in the spotlight.

The day continued with the launch of an online Commonwealth Disaster Resilience Centre. (See press releases below.) The new centre will strengthen the resilience of member countries against climate-related challenges.

The ‘Ageing Well in the Commonwealth’ report was then launched with support from sister organisation, CommonAge. It offers a roadmap for building inclusive, age-friendly societies in the Commonwealth.

One of the highest-profile events was the partnership between the Commonwealth and World Health Organisation, where they announced collaboration on noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health.  

The day ended with the Commonwealth Small States Ministerial Meeting, where Foreign Ministers, leaders and advocates explored sustainable solutions for building greater resilience across small states.

As one of the signature events ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), the 2024 Commonwealth Climate Breakfast this year focused on building consensus for climate finance targets in the run-up to COP 29.

Day 3 also saw the launch of the Business Forum, to which the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC) was central. You can watch the opening ceremony.

And a high-level Sports Breakfast advanced ideas to promote the health and sport agenda.

ATA: Sāmoa ChOGM 2024. Faleolo Airport (King’s Arrival)

In Sāmoa, an energised and committed group of over 350 young leaders from 56 Commonwealth countries today concluded two days of deliberations on the pivotal role of youth in steering the Commonwealth towards a resilient and sustainable future.

The closing ceremony was as vibrant as the voices of the youth who shared, debated and opined throughout the forum. A stirring rendition from a 70-piece orchestra, spirited speeches expressing gratitude and awards for contribution to youth were highlights of the closing ceremony. Government ministers, senior officials and other stakeholders were there to encourage and listen to the young people share their perspectives.

The Commonwealth Youth Forum (CYF), held from October 21-22, 2024, just days ahead of the bi-annual Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), produced a strong declaration which prioritises young people as key actors in decision-making and will serve as a blueprint for countries in the Commonwealth to make significant progress in achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

This year’s forum marked some other significant milestones:

• Over 50 years of the Commonwealth Youth Programme (CYP) that funds youth empowerment programmes and initiatives;
• The 10^th anniversary of the Commonwealth Youth Council (CYC) – the official voice of youth in the Commonwealth; and
• The culmination of the Commonwealth Year of Youth – a focused period dedicated to youth-led action for sustainable and inclusive development.

The Transformative Power of Youth Leadership

The forum was convened by the Government of Samoa, the Commonwealth Secretariat, the CYC and the CYF International Taskforce under the theme “Navigating Our Course: Building Resilience for a Common Future, Matimatiga for a Stronger Future”.

The closing ceremony featured the installation ceremony of the newly elected executive members of the CYC. Head of Social Policy Development at the Commonwealth Secretariat, Layne Robinson, noted that, for the first time, men outnumbered women on the executive, a testament to the efforts to close the gender gap.

Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland, KC lauded the new CYC in recognition and challenged them to the huge burden they have now taken on. “You are worthy”, she assured the past and future CYC executive. She also said: “The world is looking to you, the youth of the Commonwealth, to be the change-makers, the champions of a more sustainable, just, and equitable world. You have the power to push boundaries, challenge norms, and lead in ways that previous generations could not.”

 The Chair, Samoa National Youth Council Leiataualesā Kevin Lucky, said: “It has been a challenging yet humbling journey being the Co-Chair of the International Task Force for the Commonwealth Youth Forum. Moreover, it has enabled me to work with different amazing young talents and leaders locally, particularly our Task Force and across the Commonwealth. I am truly honoured.”

Speaking on the vital role of youth as co-creators in sustainable development, the newly-elected Chairperson of the Commonwealth Youth Council Joshua Opey, said: “I look forward to working with all stakeholders to bring a renewed commitment to meaningful youth engagement and deliver tangible solutions for 1.5 billion young people across the Commonwealth. We need immediate action on youth involvement at all levels to guarantee prosperity. The CYC will work relentlessly to ensure young people are engaged and involved as we strive for a resilient common future.”

During the forum, delegates and speakers from across the Commonwealth highlighted the need to create platforms for youth participation in governance. They advocated for legal provisions that include youth representatives in national initiatives and discussed youth-led solutions to challenges facing the global community, including climate change, mental health and the digital divide.

Outcomes: Leveraging Youth-led Solutions

The 13^th CYF Declaration was presented to the Commonwealth Secretary-General by the new CYC executive and Nahjae Nunes, Co-Chair of the Commonwealth Youth Taskforce for CHOGM2024. The document articulates the following recommendations across pillars to build equitable, sustainable, and prosperous societies for all:

• Resilient democracies: Develop youth-led digital democracy platforms to promote real-time civic engagement and integrate marginalised voices
• Resilient economies: Bridge the digital divide and skills gap by providing affordable digital access for all youth
• Resilient environments: Explore the establishment of a Commonwealth Youth Climate Innovation Fund that empowers young innovators to lead solutions on combating climate change
• Resilient societies and people: Make mental health services accessible to all young people by 2030

With this statement, young people seek to make their mark on future Commonwealth policies and offer a hopeful vision.

Read the 13th Commonwealth Youth Forum Declaration here

ATA: Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC with youth leaders at the closing session of the Commonwealth Youth Forum

A key session at the Peoples Forum on Monday discussed the barriers and challenges that are faced by member states of the Commonwealth who are at the forefront of the Climate crisis in regard to Climate finance.

Presenters in the panel discussion talked about the reality of the situation – we have wasted time in the past to take collective action and still are to this day. When it comes to Climate Change and what science tells us about what is most important, it is that we have wasted precious time as well as so much money on things that are making the problem worse. How? Panelists stated a very big goal under UNFCC in stabilizing greenhouse gases back in the 1990s. Sadly, too many member states did not take this convention seriously, and significant loss and damage continued. If member states had taken action in the past, there would be no talk of this issue today. 

Presenters also shared frustration towards developed countries that should be paying for the loss and damage of our oceans and lands who are not taking responsibility simply because ‘they are out of fiscal space.’ This is far from the truth given that billions of dollars are invested in fossil fuels every day and that a lot of money is going into subsidies.

Injustice of Climate finance solutions that were discussed first and foremost were to stop investing in the trillions of root causes that are undermining this planet and to use the fiscal space to invest in solutions for our communities and climate vulnerable populations. When we ask for finance, we are not asking for charity. We are calling them to pay their climate debt as developing and vulnerable nations are paying the price for their actions. Other solutions included the exclusion of fossil fuel companies from climate negotiations. We cannot have those that are the problem pretend to be part of the solution.

ATA: CHOGM 2024 – People’s Forum

Commonwealth leaders are being urged to work harder to get rid of the barriers and biases that continue to hold back women and girls in the 56 member countries. This urgent appeal comes from a report that represents the voices of more than 400 delegates, including prime ministers, ministers, women’s rights advocates and business leaders, who attended the Commonwealth Women’s Forum in Apia, Sāmoa, from 21 to 22 October 2024.

The report will be presented to Commonwealth leaders this week to urge stronger action on transforming the status of women in government, business and society.

 A recent United Nations report reveals that, while gender equality is achievable, the progress remains alarmingly slow. At the current rate, it could take 137 years to lift all women out of poverty and gender parity in parliaments will not be reached until 2063.

 In their report to leaders, delegates responded with calls for greater protection from gender-based violence, policies to get more women into leadership, increased economic opportunities, and investment in women-led climate solutions.

 A central theme in the report is the need for bespoke policies that address overlapping forms of discrimination, including disability, age and identity, to ensure all women and girls can live with dignity and safety.

 Speaking at the closing session of the Women’s Forum, Commonwealth Deputy Secretary-General Dr Arjoon Suddhoo acknowledged the slow progress. He said: “None of the Sustainable Development Goal 5 targets for gender equality and women’s empowerment are on track. This must change now. There can be no more delays.

 “The recommendations you made together will guide our 56 Commonwealth countries in taking bold action to make 2030 the expiry date for gender inequality.”

 Mmapaseka Steve Letsike, South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities, delivered a powerful message at the forum.

“Humanity is at war with its women, girls and other vulnerable groups. This cannot be accepted as normal,” she said.

 As a survivor of gender-based violence, Letsike called for sweeping changes, not just in laws and policies, but also hearts and minds. “We must collectively wage a war against gender-based violence,” she concluded.

Siliniu Lina Chang, President of the Samoa Victim Support Group, echoed the urgency for action by sharing the haunting last words of a femicide victim who said, “Let it [abuse] end with me.”

ATA: CHOGM 2024 – Women’s Forum

This side event, held at the Court House in Mulinu’u drew attention to three particular aspects. These being the Indigenous wealth of Knowledge, Indigenous wealth of Resources and the Indigenous wealth of Custodianship.

The session deliberated the criticality of our leadership as custodians of our heritage, people and ocean as well as our land and cultural traditions. These, together with collective responsibility are key to guarantee the sustainability of our heritage in the future as nations under the Commonwealth. Custodianship in regards to leadership provides space for all individuals to safeguard our heritage through our actions.

What then is our role in protecting Indigenous knowledge and resources within our communities? Panelists altogether agreed that the answers and solutions for the challenges faced especially by those that are prone to Climate Change lies within Indigenous wealth and the knowledge systems that have been passed down to us from our elders as these knowledge systems helped us survive for centuries. Our values and Indigenous knowledge provide a sense of community that is crucial for promoting sustainable development.

A member of the panel also talked about the role of young people as stewards; to care and to protect our natural resources, paying attention to the interconnectedness of all of creation and the responsibilities that come with stewardship. Spirituality was also mentioned as an important factor in Indigenous custodianship as they reinforce the idea that all living things are relatives and deserve care as intended by God in the beginning of creation. Collective action and a sense of responsibility are essential so that the fire of Indigenous Wealth does NOT die.

ATA: CHOGM 2024 – Day II – GAPP event – Indigenous People’s Wealth Event.