The Tanzania High Commissioner Meeting Tanzania athletes at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham

 

 

Foreign Ministers meet ahead of CHOGM to discuss post-COVID recovery, sustainable development 23 June 2022 Commonwealth foreign ministers have met face-to-face for the first time in almost three years, ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.

Foreign ministers and senior officials from the Commonwealth’s 54 nations have met in Kigali this week for their first in-person gathering in almost three years, ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). The meeting has allowed ministers the opportunity to hold formal discussions on the CHOGM theme, Delivering a Common Future: Connecting, Innovating, Transforming, focusing on three topical issues. In her opening remarks, the Commonwealth Secretary-General, The Rt Hon. Patricia Scotland QC, said: “It is a source of great joy that we are finally back together, in person, at CHOGM – after so many years of change and challenge, and so much detailed planning. “Since CHOGM 2018 in London, we have worked intensively to help member countries…responding to their needs, priorities and requests. We have blended our technical assistance with advocacy at the highest levels of the international system. “This week, here in Kigali, we have a precious opportunity. To come closer together, once again, in spirit as well as in person.  “In a changing world, we need unity and purpose, drawn deep from the wells of Commonwealth history, values and potential, to achieve our shared goals and realise our potential.  “In that effort, you will always have a willing servant and partner in me, and the Secretariat. We stand ready and eager to implement the fresh ideas and mandates of this CHOGM.” Ministers discussed new and evolving challenges to ensuring peaceful, just, and inclusive societies, and how the Commonwealth is addressing these challenges now and in the future. They also considered multifaceted issues relating to sustainable and inclusive development such as climate change, the environment and oceans, sustainable energy, youth and innovation. Ministers discussed how member states should address these complex issues, with a special focus on the needs of small states and least developed countries. As countries around the world continue to recover from the deep impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ministers also examined the severe consequences of the pandemic on public health systems, trade, and connectivity, and how governments can build back better systems capable of handling future crises. Ministers heard how the Commonwealth can strengthen health security and resilience, support trading systems and small states, and harness other opportunities for a sustainable and inclusive post-COVID-19 recovery. Several high-level guests were invited to attend the meeting. Ministers had the opportunity to hear from the UN Deputy Secretary-General, Amina J. Mohammed, and the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who presented their organisations’ perspectives and offered ideas for greater inter-organisational collaboration to tackle these matters. The meeting outcomes will inform the policy agenda for the gathering of heads of government at CHOGM, scheduled to open on 24 June 2022.   -ENDS-   Notes to Editors The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 54 independent and equal sovereign states. Our combined population is 2.5 billion, of which more than 60 per cent is aged 29 or under. The Commonwealth spans the globe and includes both advanced economies and developing countries. Thirty-two of our members are small states, many of which are island nations. The Commonwealth Secretariat supports member countries to build democratic and inclusive institutions, strengthen governance and promote justice and human rights. Our work helps to grow economies and boost trade, deliver national resilience, empower young people, and address 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 organisation

 

Statement on the reappointment of the Commonwealth Secretary-General 24 June 2022

The Commonwealth spokesperson said: Leaders of the Commonwealth have made a decision by consensus to reappoint Secretary-General, The Rt Hon Patricia Scotland, QC, for a further two years to complete the balance of her period in office. Notes to Editors The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 54 independent and equal sovereign states. Our combined population is 2.5 billion, of which more than 60 per cent is aged 29 or under. The Commonwealth spans the globe and includes both advanced economies and developing countries. Thirty-two of our members are small states, many of which are island nations. The Commonwealth Secretariat supports member countries to build democratic and inclusive institutions, strengthen governance and promote justice and human rights. Our work helps to grow economies and boost trade, deliver national resilience, empower young people, and address 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 organisations.

 

Spouses and partners of Commonwealth Heads of Government commit to action on cervical cancer elimination

Cancer survivors were given the unique opportunity to share their journeys with spouses and partners of Commonwealth Heads of Governments and Foreign Ministers at a luncheon on cervical cancer elimination. Hosted by Rwanda’s First Lady, H.E. Jeannette Kagame, and husband of the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Mr Richard Mawhinney, the event brought together First Ladies, cancer survivors, international health organisations and members of the International Taskforce on Cervical Cancer Elimination in the Commonwealth. In her opening remarks, H.E. Mrs Kagame underscored the urgency of the global elimination effort. She said, “Cervical cancer is a preventable biological calamity, a socio-economic threat, and an entire civilization’s moral trial, that condemns 9 out of 10 diagnosed women in low and middle-income nations, to a premature passing.” “Regardless of the grimness of the situation, the facts are that there is hope, there is reason, there are resources, and there are solutions,” she added. Delegates at the event heard that, though the Commonwealth represents only 30 per cent of the world's population, it accounts for 40 per cent of global cervical cancer incidence and 43 per cent of cervical cancer mortality.   In an impassioned plea for urgent action, cancer survivor, Karen Nakawala, spoke about the devastating impact of cancer. She said: “Going through cancer impacts your life in all forms, in all sorts. “As a woman, it impacts your sexuality, it impacts your mental health, it impacts your physical health, so it impacts you in more ways than you can imagine, and I think that is why I get annoyed when I hear a woman has died of cervical cancer - a cancer that we can eliminate because we have the tools, and we have the know-how. So why are we still letting our sisters die?” She was joined by Summer Ng, who was diagnosed with cervical cancer at 24. Ng and social innovator Cindy Chng, who recently launched the A4HPV – a task force under the Commonwealth Youth Health Network focused on advocating for action towards cervical cancer elimination - distributed cloth bags with self-sampling swabs, to demonstrate that testing of HPV can be less invasive and less uncomfortable for women when simple innovations like self-sampling are adopted.  World Health Organization’s Assistant Director-General for Family, Women, Children and Adolescents, Dr Princess Nothemba Simelela, urged the Commonwealth spouses to continue leveraging their social capital in advocating for expanded access to cervical cancer prevention and treatment services, and to share experiences to achieve their common goals toward elimination. The programme also included the launch of the Commonwealth version of the documentary, Conquering Cancer, which highlights cervical cancer elimination initiatives in various Commonwealth countries. The documentary was widely welcomed, and delegates agreed to promote it in their own countries, to increase awareness of Cervical Cancer. H.E. Mrs Rossana Briceno, the spouse of the Prime Minister of Belize, told delegates: “Today I remain committed to objectives laid out by our ministers of health but beyond this I remain fully committed to using my office to increase our efforts at greater awareness, to reduce the risk of women developing cervical cancer.  We cannot and will not allow women to live with the fear that they may be the next victim of this preventable life-threatening disease.” The initiation of the Lancet Oncology/Commonwealth Secretariat Commission report on International Development Aid and Global Oncology was also launched. This report will take stock of the landscape of cancer research and cancer care for the 2.5 billion people that make up the Commonwealth and will inform policies to improve outcomes for patients with cancer within and beyond the Commonwealth. At the conclusion of the programme, delegates agreed to:  Form a coalition to provide support and patronage to national cervical cancer plans to facilitate the progress towards elimination. Raise awareness and mobilise action towards cervical cancer elimination goals by 2030 in their countries, in alignment with the World Health Organization’s Cervical Cancer Initiative. Appeal to the international community and all stakeholders in commonwealth countries to allocate financial and human resources towards cervical cancer elimination so that elimination goals can be achieved by 2030.   Watch the Conquering Cancer trailer   -ENDS-   Notes to Editors The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 54 independent and equal sovereign states. Our combined population is 2.5 billion, of which more than 60 per cent is aged 29 or under. The Commonwealth spans the globe and includes both advanced economies and developing countries. Thirty-two of our members are small states, many of which are island nations. The Commonwealth Secretariat supports member countries to build democratic and inclusive institutions, strengthen governance and promote justice and human rights. Our work helps to grow economies and boost trade, deliver national resilience, empower young people, and address 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 organisations.

 

Commonwealth Secretary-General to make debut visit to Gabon 13 August 2022

The Commonwealth Secretary-General, The Rt Hon Patricia Scotland, QC, is set to make her first official visit to the Commonwealth’s newest member, Gabon, next week. The Secretary-General will arrive in Libreville on 16 August and during her four-day visit, will meet the President of Gabon, H.E. Ali Bongo Ondimba, and other senior government officials. The visit comes after Gabon was recently admitted as the Commonwealth’s 55th member at the Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Kigali, Rwanda. The Secretary-General will thus use her maiden visit as an opportunity to establish the foundations of a new relationship between Gabon and the Commonwealth, understand the challenges of the country, and explore areas of mutual cooperation. Speaking ahead of her visit, the Secretary-General said: “We were thrilled to welcome Gabon into the Commonwealth family at our Heads of Government Meeting in June. I am very much looking forward to my first visit to the country and meeting with leaders, ministers and officials. “As a new Commonwealth member, this important visit will allow me to deepen engagement with the country and its people. It will also serve as a vital opportunity to discuss ways in which the Commonwealth Secretariat can serve and support the Government and people of Gabon in advancing our shared values and achieving our shared goals.” The Secretary-General’s visit also coincides with the 62nd Anniversary of the Independence of Gabon on 17 August and she will therefore take part in the official celebrations in Libreville.

 

Youth delegates deliver key asks to leaders at landmark in-person meeting 25 June 2 Young people and Heads of Government meet face-to-face for crucial conversation on youth-led sustainable development

Members of the newly installed Commonwealth Youth Council (CYC) today met face-to-face with heads of governments attending their summit in Kigali. The historic intergenerational dialogue saw young leaders sitting in a circle with prime ministers, presidents, ministers, and heads of delegation from 15 countries, including Rwanda, Canada, The Seychelles, and Samoa. Chairperson of the Council, Kim Allen from Papua New Guinea, kicked off the conversation with a sharp focus on the Youth Forum Declaration – a proposed action plan for youth-led sustainable development created by more than 350 young people from across the Commonwealth. He called on the leaders to offer the new Council guidance and financial support for their initiatives. Interspersed among the government leaders, Council members each delivered a special message from the young people in the regions they represent. Vice Chairperson, Inclusion and Engagement Christabel Derby, from Ghana, focused on the multifaceted challenges facing young Africans, such as education, healthcare, gender equality and unemployment. She passionately called for an enabling environment in which young people can thrive. Asia Regional Representative, Bangladeshi, Famida Faiza, stressed the need for meaningful support beyond the dialogue. “When I go back home, I want to tell the young people of Asia that we were not just given a seat, we were given priority.” Reminding leaders that there are youth from rural communities and minority groups who are not able to sit in the room with them, but who need access to the technology to participate in the conversation, Caribbean Regional Youth Council Representative, Kendell Vincent, highlighted the need for digital transformations.   Echoing these sentiments Regional Representative for Europe and Canada, Namir Chowdury, revealed the Council’s intention to work with ministers and organisations on creating holistic education programmes and curriculum that will prepare young people for the changing landscape of work.  “This CHOGM”, he said, “could really be immortalised for one reason - which is we are reimaging what education can look like.” Speaking for the Pacific, regional representative Sagufta Janif, focused on climate and sustainability solutions. Easy access to climate finance, she stressed, was needed to build resilient infrastructure so that businesses can focus on growth and employment instead of rebuilding again and again. Responding to the young people, H.E. Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda promised to continue listening to and working with young people Echoing his sentiments, Canadian Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau highlighted the importance of including young people in solutions to today’s challenges. He said: "We don't need you to be leaders of tomorrow, we need you to be the leaders you are today. You should be directly contributing to the policies and positions of the Commonwealth.” Agreeing, Prime Minister of Samoa, Hon Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa told participants: "Governments can no longer do things by themselves, whether we ever thought we could. But there is growing acknowledgment that governments are not enough. In going forward, we need to ensure all of society is involved." While Seychelles President H.E. Wavel Ramkalawan highlighted the need to engage young people in politics: "As we go about campaigning, we realise our young people become disconnected with the politics. It's only by getting in, that you will make your voice heard. And changes will happen. [...] You are leaders in your own rights." Congratulating the young people for speaking on behalf of the billions of youths in the Commonwealth, Secretary-General Patricia Scotland said: “Today is a moment for us to reset the agenda, for us to start to reimagine what our world could be, what our world should be, and you are shaping it for us.” During the meeting the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif, announced, by video link, that Pakistan would be hosting the Commonwealth Youth Ministers Meeting in Pakistan in January 2023.  The dialogue was the last youth-led event in a week of activities leading up to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. Notes to Editors The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 54 independent and equal sovereign states. Our combined population is 2.5 billion, of which more than 60 per cent is aged 29 or under. The Commonwealth spans the globe and includes both advanced economies and developing countries. Thirty-two of our members are small states, many of which are island nations. The Commonwealth Secretariat supports member countries to build democratic and inclusive institutions, strengthen governance and promote justice and human rights. Our work helps to grow economies and boost trade, deliver national resilience, empower young people, and address 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 organisations.

 

Commonwealth unveils new project incubator for ocean-climate solutions Initial funding of £400,000 committed for pilot projects

A new initiative launched today in the margins of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Kigali, Rwanda, will support Commonwealth ocean states in cultivating and scaling-up projects that protect the marine environment while also tackling climate change. With 47 out of 54 Commonwealth countries bordering the sea - including 25 small island developing states or ‘large ocean states’ - the Commonwealth Blue Charter Project Incubator will assist governments in developing pilot projects that accelerate their transition to sustainable and inclusive maritime development and conservation, while mitigating and adapting to climate change. The initiative is supported by an initial contribution from the Commonwealth Fund for Technical Cooperation, with matching commitments from various partners, to the tune of approximately GBP 400,000 in total, with more expected in the coming year. Focusing on proof-of-concept and small-scale projects in particular, the incubator will be managed by the Commonwealth Secretariat, in close cooperation with member countries and Commonwealth Blue Charter Action Groups. The project aims to address the dearth of financial support for ocean action worldwide, with Sustainable Development Goal 14 (‘Life Under Water’) receiving the least funding globally among all the SDGs. Small island and coastal states are particularly affected, with even fewer funding options for typically marginalised groups, including women, youth, indigenous peoples and local communities. Deputy Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Dr Arjoon Suddhoo, said: “Commonwealth member nations are stewards of more than one third of the global ocean within national jurisdictions. Our island states have many times more ocean area than land… The pandemic over the past year has underlined how mutually reliant we all are upon one another. We now know that decisive joined-up, cooperative, multilateral actions are the only way to tackle global ocean challenges. There is no doubt that we need to redouble our efforts.” Head of Oceans and Natural Resources at the Commonwealth Secretariat, Dr Nicholas Hardman-Mountford added: “The ocean sustains the lives and livelihoods of billions on this planet but its core life-support functions are critically threatened by climate change, pollution and unsustainable exploitation.  Yet, the ocean continues to be eclipsed in climate financing discussions. SDG14 is the least funded of any of the sustainable development goals. For ocean investments to be sustainable Governments need to be supported to lead on the projects they know are most needed in their context. The Blue Charter Project Incubator will uniquely enable Governments to develop a pipeline of bankable projects to mobilise ocean financing where it is needed the most.” Ocean Governance Adviser and Blue Charter programme lead, Dr Jeff Ardron noted: “There are many very good ocean incubators out there already, but none address the needs of governments. The Blue Charter Project Incubator fills that critical gap.” All Commonwealth member countries will have access to the project incubator. Among the many services it offers, the incubator will provide mentoring and technical support to governments on the development of ocean-related pilot projects that build social, ecological and climate resilience, while also facilitating project partnerships with non-governmental entities. It will review proposals, leverage seed funding for projects and encourage planning for sustainability and scaling up initiatives, including at the regional level. Support will also be provided through unique customised tools, including machine-learning. Project ideas that ‘dare to be different’, offering innovative and cooperative solutions, while also engaging women, youth, indigenous peoples and local communities, will receive particular attention. Commonwealth Blue Charter progress This new initiative continues the significant track record of practical solutions delivered by the Commonwealth Secretariat under the Commonwealth Blue Charter – an agreement by all 54 countries made in 2018 to work collaboratively to address global ocean challenges. It is implemented by 10 Action Groups, led by 16 champion countries. Over the past four years, more than 450 officials from 40 countries have been trained in ten topic areas. Members have benefitted from 13 online learning courses and 15 resource ‘toolkits’ on various themes, such as mangrove restoration and ‘blue carbon’. In addition, more than sixty case studies illustrating good and best practices have been published by the Secretariat and shared to Commonwealth member states. An online database of more than 200 online training opportunities, and another database of more than 100 marine funding opportunities have been launched. The long-term goal of the Commonwealth Blue Charter is to build on its track record of supporting countries through capacity-building, towards small-scale project development and eventually mainstream impact, with enhanced financial support via a potential dedicated ‘action fund’. Find out more about the progress of the Commonwealth Blue Charter in the report ‘An Ocean of Opportunity’ Notes to Editors The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 54 independent and equal sovereign states. Our combined population is 2.5 billion, of which more than 60 per cent is aged 29 or under. The Commonwealth spans the globe and includes both advanced economies and developing countries. Thirty-two of our members are small states, many of which are island nations. The Commonwealth Secretariat supports member countries to build democratic and inclusive institutions, strengthen governance and promote justice and human rights. Our work helps to grow economies and boost trade, deliver national resilience, empower young people, and address 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 organisations.

 

Gabon and Togo join the Commonwealth 25 June 2022 ​

The Commonwealth has admitted Gabon and Togo as its 55th and 56th members respectively. Both countries are former French colonies.   Leaders accepted applications by the two west African countries at the closing session of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Kigali, Rwanda. It follows formal expressions of interest by Gabon and Togo and consultation with member countries.   Rwanda was the last country to join the Commonwealth, in 2009.   Welcoming the announcement, Commonwealth Secretary-General The Rt Hon Patricia Scotland, QC, said:   “The Commonwealth, which began as eight nations in 1949, is growing to 56. Our continued growth, beyond the scope of our history, reflects the advantages of Commonwealth membership and the strength of our association. I am thrilled to see these vibrant countries join the Commonwealth family and dedicate themselves to the values and aspiration of our Charter.”   Gabon is a sparsely populated country of two million people, bordering Cameroon - also a member of the Commonwealth - and Equatorial Guinea, and the Republic of Congo.   Togo is bordered by Ghana – a Commonwealth member - and Benin and Burkina Faso. It has a population of approximately 7.8 million people.   Neither country has an historic association with the Commonwealth, with both gaining independence from France in the 1960’s.   The eligibility criteria for Commonwealth membership, amongst other things, state that an applicant country should demonstrate commitment to democracy and democratic processes, including free and fair elections and representative legislatures; the rule of law and independence of the judiciary; good governance, including a well-trained public service and transparent public accounts; and protection of human rights, freedom of expression, and equality of opportunity.   Notes to Editors The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 54 independent and equal sovereign states. Our combined population is 2.5 billion, of which more than 60 per cent is aged 29 or under. The Commonwealth spans the globe and includes both advanced economies and developing countries. Thirty-two of our members are small states, many of which are island nations. The Commonwealth Secretariat supports member countries to build democratic and inclusive institutions, strengthen governance and promote justice and human rights. Our work helps to grow economies and boost trade, deliver national resilience, empower young people, and address 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 organisations. Media Contact CHOGM 2022 Communications and Media Office of the Government Spokesperson Tel: +250 7891 15904 Email: media@chogm2022.rw CHOGM Communications Team Commonwealth Secretariat Tel: + 44 7894 593508 Email: media@commonwealth.int