India (Commonwealth Union)_ The Hon. Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa, Prime Minister of Samoa, and the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, Commonwealth Secretary-General, have jointly revealed that the next Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) will take place in Apia, Samoa, commencing on October 21, 2024. CHOGM serves as the major political gathering of the Commonwealth, traditionally convened every two years. Building upon the progress made since CHOGM 2022, world leaders will discuss subjects including global economic, environmental, and security challenges.
The meeting will also explore ways in which the contemporary Commonwealth can collaborate to enhance resilience, promote trade, foster innovation and growth, and empower the Commonwealth’s 1.5 billion youth population to shape a more peaceful and sustainable future. Last year, during the Heads of Government Meeting in Rwanda, Samoa was selected as the incoming Chair-In-Office and the host country for the forthcoming CHOGM. This will mark the first time that a Pacific Small Island Developing State hosts a CHOGM, and it will also be the first meeting since Gabon and Togo officially joined the Commonwealth, expanding the membership to 56 nations.
Prime Minister Mataʻafa expressed her anticipation, stating, “We look forward to welcoming the Commonwealth family to our home. We are weathering unprecedented times as the Commonwealth and the world in general; the adaptive response is anchored in solidarity and building resilience as a matter of survival”. She added, “Already, we are hard at work, hand-in-hand with the team from the Commonwealth Secretariat, and counting on the support of our partners and the Commonwealth Family, to ensure a successful, productive, and unique event. We look forward to the transformative change, renewed purpose, and strengthening of the spirit of cooperation that will come out of this CHOGM.”
The Commonwealth Secretary-General emphasized the unity and shared goals of the Commonwealth’s 56 member nations, which encompass 2.5 billion people spread across five continents and six oceans. She highlighted the pivotal role of each CHOGM in gathering leaders to enhance cooperation in tackling global challenges and embracing opportunities. She further noted the significance of CHOGM 2024, particularly in the face of escalating climate change impacts, and the symbolism of gathering for the first time on a Pacific Island. The Secretary-General commended Samoa’s warm hospitality and expressed gratitude for their generous offer to host the meeting. She stated that the Commonwealth leaders will unite in Samoa for a common cause to continue the shared effort to innovate and bring positive change to their societies. As a result, this will pave the way for a more equal, peaceful, resilient, prosperous, and sustainable world.
In addition to the Heads of Government meetings, which will feature a retreat exclusive to Commonwealth Leaders, CHOGM week will include gatherings of Foreign Ministers, along with various high-level forums and events designed to involve youth, members of civil society, women, business leaders, and international organizations. Further, Prime Minister Mataʻafa and the Commonwealth Secretary-General plan to reveal further information, including the formal theme for CHOGM 2024, during the UN General Assembly in New York in September.
