Member Countries:
Africa: Botwana, Cameroon, Gabon, Gambia, The, Ghana, Kenya, Kingdom of Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Togo, Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia
Asia: Bangladesh, Brunei Darussalam, India, Malaysia, Maldives, Pakistan, Singapore, Sri Lanka
Caribbean and Americas: Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, The, Bardados, Belize, Canada, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, St Kitts and Nevis, St Vincent and The Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago
Europe: Cyprus, Malta, United Kingdom
Pacific: Australia, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu
This gathering, which typically occurs every two years, serves as the primary political meeting for the Commonwealth. Building upon the progress made since the previous CHOGM in 2022, leaders will come together to discuss global challenges pertaining to the economy, environment, and security. They will also explore ways in which the contemporary Commonwealth can collaborate to enhance resilience, promote trade and innovation, foster growth, and empower the 1.5 billion young individuals within the Commonwealth to shape a more peaceful and sustainable future.
Last year, during the Heads of Government Meeting in Rwanda, Samoa was chosen as the incoming Chair-In-Office and the host country for the upcoming CHOGM. This will mark the first time that a CHOGM is held in a Pacific Small Island Developing State, as well as the first meeting since Gabon and Togo officially became Commonwealth members, increasing the total number of member nations to 56.
Prime Minister Mataʻafa expressed anticipation in welcoming the Commonwealth family to Samoa. Recognizing the unprecedented times faced by the Commonwealth and the world at large, she emphasized the importance of solidarity and building resilience for survival. The preparations for the event are already underway in collaboration with the Commonwealth Secretariat, with the support of partners and the Commonwealth Family, to ensure a successful and productive gathering. Prime Minister Mataʻafa also anticipated transformative change, renewed purpose, and strengthened cooperation arising from this CHOGM.
The Commonwealth Secretary-General emphasized the unity and shared commitment to values and goals among the 56 nations and 2.5 billion people within the Commonwealth. CHOGM serves as a pivotal moment to bring leaders together and enhance cooperation on global challenges and opportunities. Against the backdrop of intensifying climate change impacts, the Secretary-General highlighted the significance of holding the event for the first time on a Pacific Island. While Samoa is classified as a small island state, it is a remarkable country with immense hospitality, and the government and people of Samoa are warmly welcoming the Commonwealth family. The Secretary-General stated that in Samoa, Commonwealth Leaders will meet with a common purpose to continue their collective efforts in innovating and transforming societies towards a more equal, peaceful, resilient, prosperous, and sustainable world.
In addition to the meetings of Heads of Government, which will include an exclusive retreat for Commonwealth Leaders, CHOGM week will feature gatherings of Foreign Ministers, along with a series of high-level forums and events engaging young people, civil society, women, business leaders, and international institutions.
Further details regarding CHOGM 2024, including the official theme, will be announced by Prime Minister Mataʻafa and the Commonwealth Secretary-General during the UN General Assembly in New York in September.
