At the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2024 in Samoa, Ankita Yadav, our representative from the Commonwealth Chamber of Commerce, had the unique opportunity to meet with the Prime Minister of Tuvalu. The forum discussions centred on the critical issue of climate change, which has taken a central role in the talks, especially for Pacific nations.
Climate change emerged as a dominant theme at CHOGM. This emphasis is crucial for Pacific nations disproportionately affected by climate impacts. This was especially significant for Pacific members, with the announcement that COP 31, scheduled for 2026, will be jointly hosted by Australia and the Pacific.
During the summit, Tuvalu, Fiji, and Vanuatu launched the latest report on the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative, which specifically targeted Australia’s coal and gas industries. This initiative underscores the urgent need to transition away from fossil fuels to mitigate climate impacts. The meetings also set the groundwork for COP 29, scheduled for next month in Baku, Azerbaijan. The leaders’ communiqué stressed the necessity for enhanced climate finance to support developing nations most vulnerable to climate change.
As discussions progressed, it became evident that the Commonwealth was striving to balance environmental urgency with economic interests. There are increasing calls for more robust actions to combat the climate crisis, reflecting a collective recognition of its existential threat to many member states.