From 22nd to 23rd September 2024, twenty-one federations will gather at the Oceania and Asia Commonwealth Sports Regional Meeting, a pivotal summit set to address key projects and concerns. Among the foremost topics on the agenda is the 2026 Commonwealth Games, which is expected to play a critical role in shaping the future of the Games and the Commonwealth Sports Movement. The meeting will be spearheaded by a distinguished panel of leaders, including Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) President Chris Jenkins, CEO Katie Sadleir, President of the Maldives Commonwealth Games Association (CGA) Mohamed Abdul Sattar, and Secretary General Thamooh Ahmed Saeed. This assembly offers a unique platform for CGAs from the region to discuss a variety of issues, with a particular focus on sustainability, sports development, and the positive societal impact of Commonwealth sports initiatives.
A significant portion of the discussion will revolve around the vision of creating a “reset and reimagined” Commonwealth Games, with the 2026 Games serving as a foundational step towards achieving this goal. This new approach aims to design flexible and sustainable games that are co-created with various stakeholders. CGAs are expected to share their insights and experiences, particularly regarding regional objectives for the Maldives and other Oceania and Asia members. The overarching theme will be how to innovate and adapt to modern challenges while ensuring the sustainability and relevance of the Commonwealth Games in the years to come. Chris Jenkins, reflecting on the importance of the summit, expressed optimism about the potential outcomes. “Hosting this regional meeting in the Maldives presents a fantastic opportunity to strengthen relationships within the Commonwealth family. We must build a network of strong, independent members who are treated as equals, capable of learning from each other. By doing so, we can better understand the rich diversity within the Commonwealth, including cultural, sporting, diplomatic, economic, and social capacities,” Jenkins stated.
He further emphasized the importance of the small island nations within the Commonwealth, noting the critical role they play in the movement. “Small island states are an essential part of the Commonwealth family. We look forward to learning more about the environmental and sustainability challenges faced by the Maldives. By understanding these issues, we can collaborate to highlight and address them through the power of Commonwealth sport,” Jenkins added.
An essential aspect of the meeting will be the focus on sustainability, a key issue for many island nations like the Maldives. As rising sea levels and environmental changes pose significant risks to these countries, it is expected that discussions will delve into how sports can contribute to mitigating these challenges. Commonwealth Sport, with its global reach, has the potential to bring attention to these pressing concerns and explore ways to support affected nations. During their time in the Maldives, both Jenkins and Sadleir will meet with Hon. Abdulla Rafiu, the Maldives’ Minister of Sports, Fitness, and Recreation. This meeting is aimed at discussing the Maldives’ national sports development strategy and identifying how Commonwealth Sport can assist in the growth and success of these projects. The Maldives, with its unique environmental challenges, offers a compelling case for how sports can act as a force for positive change and sustainable development.
This gathering in the Maldives marks the first of three regional summits scheduled in the coming months. Following this meeting, the 2024 Africa and Europe Regional Meeting will be held in Mombasa on the 7th and 8th of October, while the Caribbean and Americas Regional Meeting will convene in the Turks and Caicos Islands on the 17th and 18th of October. Each of these meetings is expected to address regional concerns and strategies while maintaining a cohesive focus on the future of Commonwealth sports. The outcome of the Maldives summit is anticipated to shape the strategic direction of Commonwealth sport in the Oceania and Asia regions for the coming years. As the world of sports continues to evolve, particularly in light of global environmental and economic shifts, such regional collaborations are vital to ensuring the Games remain relevant, impactful, and sustainable.
In conclusion, the 2024 Oceania and Asia Commonwealth Sports Regional Meeting offers a platform not only for sharing regional projects but also for addressing global concerns. The summit underscores the Commonwealth’s commitment to fostering stronger connections within its membership while prioritizing the creation of adaptable, sustainable solutions to modern challenges. Through dialogue, collaboration, and shared experiences, the Commonwealth Sports Movement aims to harness the power of its diverse membership to advance its mission of inclusivity and progress, with the 2026 Games as a major milestone in this ongoing journey.
