The 27th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) took place from October 21 to 26, 2024, in Apia, Samoa, a small Pacific Island nation. The Samoa Communique and the Commonwealth’s role in fostering long-term resilience, under the theme One Resilient Common Future: Transforming Our Common Wealth, were the main highlights.
The meeting marked the 75th anniversary of the Commonwealth, celebrating its 56 diverse nations, representing 2.7 billion people, 60 per cent of whom are under 30. Leaders reaffirmed the Commonwealth’s commitment to value-based action, focusing on resilience, justice, peace, sustainability, economic growth, and human rights for all.
Leaders of the Commonwealth countries meet after every two years. The 2026 Meeting will be held under the chair of Antigua and Barbuda, one of the smallest island countries in the Caribbean.
Some Key Messages from the Meeting
Resilient societies and peoples By addressing diverse challenges through inclusive and sustainable approaches and reaffirming their commitment to vulnerable groups, the heads of governments stressed their commitment to effectively implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to overcome the multiple crises.
They reaffirmed their support for small states, particularly Small Island Developing States (SIDS). They highlighted the Commonwealth-United Nations Small States Advocacy Strategy and encouraged small states to propose solutions that would benefit both the Commonwealth and the global community.
They emphasised their commitment to gender equality and the empowerment of women, particularly in response to climate change, conflict, and negative social norms. They highlighted and supported the ‘Commonwealth Says NO MORE Campaign and Road Map’ and the ‘Commonwealth Declaration for Gender Equality and Empowerment of Women 2022–30’.
The role of youth in driving sustainable development and climate action, especially in SIDS was also emphasised, especially in social, economic, and environment- related policies.
The leaders committed to fully implementing the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. They also called for the establishment of a High-Level Advisory Group on Disability and the finalisation of a Disability Inclusion Action Plan.
They reaffirmed their support for the promotion of safe, resilient, and prosperous cities, in line with the 2022 Declaration on Sustainable Urbanisation. Recognising the role of education in shaping societal values, they stressed on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics education, gender digital divide, and promoted lifelong learning.
The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to achieving health-related SDGs with the focus on mental health, tackling non-communicable diseases, and financing vulnerable nations, including SIDS by building resilient health systems and achievement of Universal Health Coverage by 2030.
Sports have always been recognised as a tool for peace and development, with emphasis on scholarships, safety, and integrity in sports policy to strengthen the Commonwealth Games and promotion of sustainable sports.
The leaders committed to bridging the global divide by fostering collaboration between the private sector and educational institutions. They ensured responsible development and deployment of artificial intelligence and transformative technologies through the key initiative ‘the Commonwealth Artificial Intelligence Consortium’.
Resilient democratic institutions The leaders emphasised the importance of democracy, human rights, peace, and good governance. They expressed their deep concern over ongoing armed conflicts, their impacts on international peace and security, and the resulting humanitarian crises reaffirming their commitment to the Commonwealth Charter and UN resolutions aimed at advancing human rights and sustainable development.
Reforming of the UN Security Council was endorsed to improve its geographical representation, making it more reflective of the world today.
The leaders reiterated their commitment to good governance including electronic governance to improve accessibility to government services which can combat corruption and make governance transparent and accountable.
They emphasised the need for equity in addressing historical injustices suffered by member states and recognised the disproportionate suffering of women and girls from these historical harms.
Resilient environment The leaders emphasised the importance of tackling climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. They supported global initiatives like the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. They aim to protect and restore 30 per cent of the planet’s lands and oceans by 2030 and strive for global net-zero emissions by 2050.
The outcomes of the first Global Stocktake under the Paris Agreement were welcomed by the leaders. They also committed to scaling up renewable energy and improving energy efficiency by 2030, with an emphasis on transitioning away from fossil fuels in a just, orderly, and equitable manner.
The leaders acknowledged the severe threats posed by climate-related sea-level rise, particularly for Pacific Island nations and reaffirmed their support for the Pacific Island Forum’s declarations on preserving maritime zones and protection of statehood in the face of climate impacts.
They adopted the 2024 Apia Commonwealth Ocean Declaration for One Resilient Common Future, reaffirming their commitment to the Commonwealth Blue Charter and the sustainable management of oceans.
Resilient economies The leaders stressed on leveraging natural resources sustainably, promoting responsible business practices, expanding carbon markets, and fostering entrepreneurship, especially for micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises and cooperatives with stronger public-private partnership. They emphasised the need to reduce sovereign debt burdens and supported the establishment of a Commonwealth Sovereign Debt Management Network.
For smaller economies dependent on sectors like tourism and extractive industries, the leaders stressed the need for economic diversification and resilience. They emphasised on leveraging diaspora investment including issuing diaspora bonds and called for the introduction of natural disaster clauses and Climate Resilient Debt Clauses for supporting resilience of vulnerable countries.
The leaders endorsed the development of Commonwealth Universal Vulnerability Index and encouraged international financial institutions and development partners to use the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index. They further called for measures for the elimination of illicit financial flows and facilitate the return of assets to their countries of origin. They declared 2025 as the Commonwealth Year of Resilient, Sustainable and Innovative Debt Management.
Stand on different countries’ situations The leaders reaffirmed their support for Bangladesh, which has been hosting over 1.2 million Rohingya refugees who fled violence in Myanmar’s Rakhine State. They expressed grave concern over the human rights violations in Myanmar and the intensification of the conflict between the Myanmar Army and the Arakan Army. They welcomed the role of the International Court of Justice in addressing alleged crimes in Myanmar and emphasised the need for continued international support and action to address the root causes of the crisis and ensure the safe return of refugees to Myanmar.
The leaders expressed support for Belize in its ongoing territorial dispute with Guatemala. They urged Guatemala to respect confidence-building measures and reaffirmed the Commonwealth’s support for Belize’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The leaders condemned unilateral actions in Cyprus, particularly the reopening of part of Varosha, which contradict UN resolutions. They reaffirmed their support for the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, and unity of the Republic of Cyprus.
Venezuela’s attempt to annex more than two-thirds of Guyana’s territory was highlighted and the matter was brought to the UNSC’s attention. They reiterated their support for the International Court of Justice’ role in resolving the dispute and reaffirmed their commitment to the preservation of Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
India’s Stance
India highlighted its commitment to the Commonwealth while navigating contemporary geopolitics realities. Although Prime Minister Modi himself did not attend the meeting but delegated responsibilities to the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Kiren Rijiju. India actively emphasised critical issues such as climate change and sustainable development, advocating for collection action to address global warming and its impacts on vulnerable populations. The Indian delegation reaffirmed its dedication to democratic values and governance, supporting Commonwealth’s focus on strengthening democratic institutions amid ongoing humanitarian crises. India views the Commonwealth as a vital platform for enhancing economic ties, particularly with SIDS, reflecting its commitment to South-South cooperation. Overall, India’s engagement of CHOGM 2024 illustrates its intent to play a proactive role in shaping the future of the Commonwealth while addressing global challenges.
Conclusion
Overall, CHOGM 2024 marked a crucial moment for the Commonwealth, particularly as it was the first summit presided over by King Charles III following Queen Elizabeth II’s passing away. The event not only reinforced existing commitments but also sought innovative solutions to contemporary challenges through a lens of resilience and sustainability. The meeting reaffirmed members commitment to ongoing reforms, focusing on creating value, and ensuring a responsive Commonwealth, particularly in areas where it holds a comparative advantage.
The leaders agreed on the composition of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group for the 2024–26 term, including Antigua and Barbuda, Botswana, Canada, Grenada, Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius, Zambia, and Samoa as an ex-officio member. The outcomes of CHOGM 2024 will likely shape future initiatives aimed at fostering a more equitable and sustainable global community.
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