News & Events

Ankita Yadav, our representative from the Commonwealth Chamber of Commerce, recently had the opportunity to meet with Hon Myles LaRoda, Member of Parliament and Minister for Social Services, Information, and Broadcasting of The Bahamas, during the Women’s Forum at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2024 held in Apia, Samoa.

At the forum, government, environmental groups, and civil society experts gathered to discuss strategies for closing critical gaps in representation, data, and financing to ensure women are fully engaged in climate action—from policymaking to on-the-ground implementation.

Hon Myles K. LaRoda spoke passionately on the issue, drawing from the recent experiences of The Bahamas, which faced the devastation of Hurricane Dorian, a category five storm. He highlighted that many of those displaced by the storm were women and girls, underscoring the urgent need for gender-responsive climate action.

For more information read here: https://thecommonwealth.org/news/chogm2024/commonwealth-womens-forum-opens-samoa-calls-stronger-action-gender-equality

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.

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==