KIGALI (CU)_ The 2022 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), that is currently being held in Kigali, Rwanda, commenced on Sunday (19 June) with four forums focused on women, youth, business and civil society. Political leaders, members of the British Royal Family, senior UN officials, business leaders and members of the civil society are among those expected to participate in the forums.

The Youth Forum is bringing together 350 young people, who will build skills, exchange ideas and develop solutions for some of the most pressing youth-related challenges. The event, which is held under the theme ‘Taking Charge of Our Future’, provides a unique opportunity for young leaders to assert their role in shaping the future of the Commonwealth. Their policy recommendations will be cemented in a Youth Declaration that will be issued at the end of the three-day event.

The Women’s Forum, on the other hand, is aimed at exploring the role of the Commonwealth in achieving gender equality, strengthening the role of women in politics, peace building and business. ‘Delivering a Common Future: Transforming for Gender Equality’ is the Forum’s theme for this year.

Meanwhile, the Business Forum will provide a unique platform for dialogue for government and business leaders across the Commonwealth. It will he host by the Government of Rwanda, in partnership with the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC), under the leadership of Lord Marland. The Forum will be focused on ‘A Global Reset’, with emphasis on the role of the Commonwealth in recovering from the effects of the pandemic, rebuilding and reinvigorating the global economy. The People’s Forum, held under the theme ‘Our Health, Our Planet, Our Future’, will be aimed at building solidarity and developing solutions to some of the most critical issues faced by the people of the Commonwealth in relation to a range of challenges, from the pandemic to climate change.