Ankita Yadav, our representative from the Commonwealth Chamber of Commerce, shares key insights from the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2024. The event took place in the stunning island nation of Samoa, bringing together leaders, policymakers, and business leaders from across the Commonwealth. The event was held in Apia, the capital of Samoa. It featured high-level forums and vibrant discussions. These discussions focused on global issues and opportunities for collaboration among Commonwealth nations. Key Forums at CHOGM 2024:
- The People Forum: Focused on empowering communities with inclusive policies.
- The Women’s Forum: Discussed challenges and progress in women’s rights and gender equality.
- The Youth Forum: Engaged young leaders on topics like education, climate action, and leadership.
- The Business Forum: Explored innovation, sustainable business practices, and economic growth strategies.
Many local businesses had the chance to showcase their products and innovations during a vibrant exhibition. This contributed to the broader conversation on building economic sustainability across the region. Prince Charles, a long-time champion of the Commonwealth, and Queen Camilla were present at the event. Their attendance symbolised global unity and added prestige to the event. One of the highlights was a session led by Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland. She discussed ongoing efforts to reduce gender disparities and elevate women’s voices in global conversations.
Music played a key role at CHOGM 2024. Commonwealth Resounds, a network of singers, performed “Only Love” by Lorraine Lionheart, a singer-songwriter from Botswana. The song’s powerful message of unity and love resonated deeply with attendees. A photography competition added a creative element to the event. Winning photographs captured the diversity and shared aspirations of the Commonwealth. The exhibition highlighted landscapes and personal stories from across the member states.
The event concluded with delegates reaffirming their commitment to creating a sustainable, resilient, and inclusive future. Samoa’s beautiful natural backdrop reminded everyone of the Commonwealth’s strength, built on unity and shared values.
For more updates watch our video here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DB-xe1QxXdQ/?igsh=MWlvM2FyYnA2eGJqdA==