Commonwealth Head of Government Meeting Rolls to Life

By Dr Masimba Mavaza

Leaders of Commonwealth countries are meeting again this year for an every two year meeting for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), hosted by different member countries on a rotating basis. The meeting strives to bring a Resilient Common Future which is Transforming our Common Wealth. This year’s meeting is preceded by the one done in Rwanda in 2022.

This year leaders will deliberate on global economic, environmental and security challenges, and discuss how Commonwealth countries can work together to build resilience, boost trade, innovation, growth and empower the Commonwealth’s 1.5 billion young people for a more peaceful and sustainable future. 

Honourable FN Mata’fa the Prime minister of Samoa where the meeting is being held this year said, “We look forward to welcoming the Commonwealth family to our home. 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.”

There have been several forums Ahead of CHOGM, members of parliament, youth and gender activists, as well as representatives from society and business, will meet at special forums to ensure the voices of women, young people, businesses and other organisations are heard. The Commonwealth Women’s Forum convenes delegates to highlight women’s political, economic and societal contributions and identify policies to advance gender equality and peace for all.

The Commonwealth Youth Forum provides an opportunity to address issues impacting young people and ensure they have a voice and agency in their future.
The People’s Forum is the single largest opportunity for people to engage with leaders on global development issues. The Forum is organised by the Commonwealth Foundation.

The Commonwealth Business Forum convenes global experts from businesses and the private sector to recommend and champion solutions to global challenges.

Prior to and during the week of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2024, several side events will take place in the margins of the official programme.The theme for CHOGM 2024 is ‘One Resilient Common Future: Transforming our Common Wealth’. 

The theme highlights how the 56 member countries must harness their strengths by building resilience, unlocking potential, leveraging the ‘Commonwealth Advantage’ and fostering a connected, digital Commonwealth. This transformation is vital to ensure a resilient common future where no one is left behind.
The secretariat among other issues has been looking at Zimbabwe’s readmission with an open view of accepting Zimbabwe back. The Commonwealth is fully aware that for a country to be assisted it has to be a member.

There are several advantages of being in the Commonwealth. It helps to strengthen governance, build inclusive institutions and promote justice and human rights. Its work helps to grow economies and boost trade, empower young people, and address threats such as climate change, debt and inequality.

In addition to voting and residency rights, Commonwealth citizens may receive consular assistance from Commonwealth countries. In particular, they are entitled to emergency assistance from British embassies and consulates in non-Commonwealth nations if their own country is not represented.

Indeed, one of the greatest strengths of the Commonwealth is that it really represents a family of dozens of different societies, associations, organisations and charities, most of them grass-roots, engaged in different types of civil society and cultural relations work.

We look forward to be admitted as a nation back in the fold.