By Spy Uganda
Kampala: The Samoan way of life was gloriously on display as the Opening Ceremony of the 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) welcomed leaders from the 56 member countries in Apia on Friday.
The powerful voices and rhythmic dancing of performers thrilled the audience, showcasing the rich culture of Samoa.
The biennial gathering of monarchs, heads of government, government ministers and senior officials, civil society and faith groups is the first to be held in a small island developing state in the Pacific.
His Majesty King Charles III, the Head of the Commonwealth, emphasised his “unshakeable faith” in the value of the 56-member union and its 2.7 billion people.
“Together, we can expand opportunities across this family of nations to build shared prosperity and truly resilient economies – while also meeting growing challenges such as disinformation and extremism, and ensuring that the untold potential of technology, including Artificial Intelligence and social media, works for our societies, not against them” he said.
“We can surely try to invest in as many as possible of the one-and-a-half billion people under the age of thirty in the Commonwealth to ensure they have the right personal development. This means skills, opportunities and entrepreneurial drive, as well as the ability to thrive and prosper in this changing world while being shielded from the negative aspects of technologies.” he added
The King noted the Commonwealth’s shared vision and collective courage have contributed to the association’s growth.
The Prime Minister of Samoa, the Hon Fiamē Naomi Mata’afa, welcomed the King and representatives from the 56 Commonwealth countries to her large ocean state.
“This is a historic first to be hosted by a Small Island State in the Blue Pacific Continent, and it is also the first meeting under the leadership of His Majesty King Charles III as the Head of the Commonwealth Family. We also gather in Samoa as we celebrate 75 years of the Modern Commonwealth. ” she said.
“Thus, we pause to pay tribute to those who have paved the way for where we are today. In particular, the late Queen Elizabeth II, in her stellar leadership of our family, but more importantly, her unifying role. Our theme, ‘One Resilient Common Future: Transforming our Common Wealth’, highlights the importance of a united Commonwealth Aiga, or Family.” she added.
Prime Minister of Samoa, the Hon Fiamē Naomi Mata’afa,
CHOGM Samoa 2024 has featured several ministerial meetings, more than 35 side events and four Forums, and will include the election of the new Commonwealth Secretary-General on 26 October 2024 when the meeting closes.
As part of Samoa’s national carbon offset programme, the Prime Minister invited the leader of each member country to plant a native tree before they leave.
Samoa’s Prime Minister also paid tribute to the outgoing Chair-In-Office, HE President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, for his support and service over the past two years. She went on to describe the Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, as a champion of the Small States and friend of Samoa.
In her remarks, the Commonwealth Secretary-General reflected on her vision for a resilient common future for all 56 member countries.
“This reality insists that we are dependent on each other. We work together, or we suffer in isolation. It is in this togetherness that the real strength and value of the Commonwealth can be found. For 75 years, we have demonstrated an unparalleled ability to confound the painful history which brought us together and sit together as equals” she said.
Adding that “For 75 years, when faced with some of history’s gravest challenges, we have stood tall when it mattered most. We have kept our connections strong – and as a result, in a changing world, we can defend our shared values and advance our shared interests with clarity and purpose.”
Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC
She shared the progress made over her eight years in office, adding that the Secretariat’s programme of practical support and assistance is more comprehensive today than ever before.
As the outgoing Chair-In-Office, Rwandan President Paul Kagame congratulated the Samoan Prime Minister on her new role as Chair-In-Office.
“Earlier this year, the Commonwealth turned 75. What was once an association of eight countries, is now one of 56. Equality, diversity, and solidarity are the values that bind us together.
“Because of this, where we have the opportunity to right our wrongs, let’s do that, and find a consensus that can stand the test of time. With respect for each other and our differences, we can move forward towards our common future.”
President of Rwanda, H.E. Paul Kagame
The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting is customarily held every two years. The last meeting was held in Kigali, Rwanda, in 2022.
Throughout this week, heads and their representatives will meet in executive sessions and deliberate in a leaders’ retreat to discuss shared priorities that will shape the future work programmes of the organisation.
