The 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) takes place between 21 and 26 October 2024 in Apia, Samoa. The deadline for media accreditation is 23.59hrs, 21 September Samoa Time.
Leaders from the Commonwealth’s 56 member countries will meet to reaffirm their common values, collaborate, and agree on actions and policies to improve the lives of all their citizens. Decisions taken at CHOGM also guide the work programme of the Commonwealth Secretariat.
The official opening of CHOGM takes place on Friday, 25 October, and will be preceded by high-level ministerial meetings, forums, and side events between Monday, 21 October, and Thursday, 24 October. There will be a Leaders’ Retreat and a closing press conference on Saturday, 26 October.
High-level sessions and ministerial meetings at CHOGM take place behind closed doors; however, there will be pool opportunities for media at the start of sessions.
Media Pools
Media pools at CHOGM are the responsibility of the Commonwealth Secretariat, managed through a central system supported by Secretariat staff and the Host Government (the Government of Samoa) taskforce.
- Pool Size: Determined by venue size and security factors. Efforts will be made to maximize pool size.
- Representation: The pool system is designed to be representative of regions, countries, broadcasters, and agencies. In some cases, regions or member states may receive only one pool space.
- Application Process: A list of pooled CHOGM events will be available at the Media Centre reception desk from Sunday, 20 October. Journalists are encouraged to apply early. Once pools are finalized, journalists will be notified of their participation.
- Transportation for Pools: Media will be transported and escorted by staff to and from pool sessions.
- Sharing Material: Journalists participating in pools are required to hand over footage to the pool manager for sharing with other accredited media.
Host Broadcasters’ Footage
The Host Broadcasters for CHOGM are TV9 and Radio 2AP. The Host Government has also appointed MMG Communications to film all open events. This footage will be made available to all accredited CHOGM journalists, provided it is credited to TV9 and Radio 2AP.
Opening Ceremony (25 October)
Media access to the official Opening Ceremony will be restricted to an accompanied media pool, determined by regional representation due to limited space at the venue.
Leaders’ Photograph
After the Opening Ceremony, an official group photograph will be taken by the Official Photographer. A representative pool of photographers will also be allowed.
Photographs/Filming
The Host Government will have an official photographer and videographer at all open events. Their material will be made available at the Media Centre. Each government delegation is allowed one official photographer or videographer (not both) at open events.
Stand-Up Broadcast Facilities
Media can reserve stand-up broadcast slots at relevant venues. Spaces will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. For inquiries, contact the Host Government team at: [email protected].
Editing Booths
For access to editing booths, please inquire with the Host Government team at: [email protected].
Transportation for Media
Transportation to and from CHOGM venues, including the Media Centre, will be provided for accredited media staying at the recommended accommodation. Media staying elsewhere will need to arrange their own transportation.
Notes to Editors
- The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 56 independent and equal sovereign states, representing a combined population of 2.7 billion, of which more than 60% are under the age of 29.
- The Commonwealth spans the globe, including both advanced economies and developing countries. Thirty-three of the member states are small states, many of which are island nations.
- The Commonwealth Secretariat supports member countries in building democratic and inclusive institutions, strengthening governance, and promoting justice and human rights. The work focuses on economic growth, boosting trade, national resilience, empowering young people, and addressing threats such as climate change, debt, and inequality.
- Member countries are supported by a network of more than 80 intergovernmental, civil society, cultural, and professional organizations.
For more information and regular updates on Commonwealth activities and initiatives, subscribe to the monthly newsletter.
Media Contacts
- CHOGM 2024 Communications and Media
Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade
Tel: +685 21171
Email: [email protected] - CHOGM Communications Team
Commonwealth Secretariat
Email: [email protected]
