Samoa to Host Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) After Kigali’s Successful Summit

By The Inspirer.

The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), comprising countries that use English, is set to take place in Samoa, two years after being held in Kigali, Rwanda.

The Prime Minister of Samoa, Fiame Naomi Mata’afa, welcomed the heads of state and government who will attend the meeting, assuring them that, based on partnership, it will be a success.

She said, “We warmly welcome our Commonwealth family to our home. We are working diligently with the Commonwealth Secretariat team, and we are confident in the support of our partners and the Commonwealth community to ensure that this event runs smoothly, delivers results, and has its own uniqueness.”

The Commonwealth announced that the preliminary activities for the meeting will begin on October 21, 2024, with the lighting of the ‘Torch of Change’ in Mulinu’u Bay. There will also be a youth meeting from the Commonwealth.

On October 24, 2024, a Foreign Ministers’ Meeting is scheduled to take place at Taumeasina Island Resort, followed by the main CHOGM event at the Tuanaimato Conference Centre on October 25, 2024.

At the last CHOGM in Rwanda, President Kagame was elected to a two-year term as the Chair of the Commonwealth, succeeding Boris Johnson, who was the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

At that time, Boris expressed confidence in President Kagame’s leadership, describing him as someone who shares a common vision for the organization. He said, “As I hand over these responsibilities to President Kagame, my friend and partner, I am certain that we share a common understanding of the Commonwealth’s vision, aligned with international agendas that benefit our citizens.”

The meeting will conclude with various activities on October 26, 2024, including a retreat for the leaders, a discussion between Foreign Ministers and civil society organizations, and a press conference.