UK (Commonwealth Union)_ In New York, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, the 23rd Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting (CFAMM) convened, uniting foreign affairs ministers and esteemed representatives from member states to deliberate on pressing global issues and pave the way for a more interconnected and resilient future. Chaired by the Honourable Dr. Vincent Biruta, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Rwanda, the current Commonwealth Chair-in-Office, the meeting sought to address multifaceted global challenges.
In her comprehensive report to the ministers, Commonwealth Secretary-General, Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, highlighted the exceptional nature of today’s global challenges. She acknowledged the profound economic difficulties exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the Ukraine war, as well as the mounting pressures on democratic processes and the growing consequences of climate change. Secretary-General Scotland highlighted the interconnectedness of these crises, which amplify social, political, and economic disparities.
In her opening speech, Secretary-General Scotland underscored the significance of multilateralism in confronting these global challenges, even as it faces strains. She illuminated the reality of a world that is increasingly interconnected, intricate, and yet beset with unprecedented challenges, emphasizing the imperative of collective action. She stated that the Commonwealth’s unique advantage lies in its diverse membership, spanning Africa, Asia and the Pacific, the Caribbean, Europe, and North America, offering a distinctive platform to safeguard shared values and promote mutual interests.
The Secretary-General stated, “I stress the importance of multilateralism in addressing these global challenges, even as it appears to be under strain. The reality of the world today is that it is more connected, more complex, and yet more challenged than ever before. We must work together or we suffer in isolation. The Commonwealth’s distinctive advantage in this regard, through its diverse membership, spanning Africa, Asia and the Pacific, the Caribbean, Europe, and North America offers a unique platform to defend shared values and advance common interests.”
Further, ministers were informed of insights from Hon Fiamē Naomi Mata’afa, Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Trade and Tourism of Samoa, regarding the preparations for the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) slated for 2024 in Samoa. Notably, she unveiled the theme for CHOGM 2024 as “One Resilient Common Future: Transforming our Common Wealth.” Ministers were also informed of the Commonwealth Secretariat’s endeavors and progress in implementing mandates from CHOGM 2022.
Furthermore, they received a report on the decisions of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG), held on September 18, 2023, which resulted in the partial suspension of Gabon. Ministers urged the Secretary-General to persist in her Good Offices engagement to expedite the return of the country to democracy. Additionally, ministers took note of specific challenges within the territories of certain member countries, specifically Bangladesh, Belize, Cyprus, and Guyana. The CFAMM 2023 served as a pivotal platform for member nations to reaffirm their commitment to the Commonwealth’s shared values and map out a future course for addressing the most urgent challenges in the world.
