CHOGM 2024: Key Insights from Samoa’s Prime Minister and King Charles III

CHOGM 2024 Summit in Samoa: A Milestone for the Commonwealth

The 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Apia, Samoa, marks a pivotal moment in the Commonwealth’s history. For the first time, this biennial summit is hosted by a small island developing state in the Pacific, bringing together leaders from 56 nations. Amid the vibrant cultural displays and rhythmic pulse of Samoan performances, King Charles III emphasised the importance of unity, resilience and collective action for the organisation, highlighting the need to focus on empowering youth and embracing emerging technologies.

Key Insights from the Future of the Commonwealth

In his inaugural CHOGM as Head of the Commonwealth, His Majesty King Charles III delivered a speech that underscored his “unshakeable faith” in the value of the Commonwealth. He highlighted the need to harness emerging technologies, combat misinformation and empower the next generation.

“With 1.5 billion people under thirty in the Commonwealth, we must invest in their skills, opportunities and entrepreneurial drive”, he said. His call to action reflects an urgent need to prepare young people for a rapidly evolving global economy while shielding them from the adverse effects of digital disruption.

Strengthening Global Resilience Through Commonwealth Cooperation

Samoa’s Prime Minister, the Hon. Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa, welcomed leaders with a powerful tribute to the Commonwealth’s legacy and its future potential. She highlighted the theme of CHOGM 2024 — “One Resilient Common Future: Transforming our Commonwealth” — stressing the importance of collective progress in an era of unprecedented global challenges.

“This is a historic first for a small island developing state in the Blue Pacific continent, and it is also the first meeting under the leadership of His Majesty King Charles III”, she noted, paying homage to the late Queen Elizabeth II for her steadfast leadership and commitment to the Commonwealth’s unity.

Exclusive Public Affairs Series: A Conversation with Prime Minister Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa

As part of our Public Affairs Series, we are proud to welcome Prime Minister Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa, a pioneering leader in the Commonwealth and Pacific politics. Currently serving as Chair-in-Office of the Commonwealth, she has broken barriers as Samoa’s first female Prime Minister and a champion for education, social justice and economic resilience.

This exclusive event offers a unique opportunity to engage with one of the Commonwealth’s most influential voices. As Samoa takes a leadership role in shaping the future of global cooperation, Prime Minister Mataʻafa’s insights will be invaluable in exploring how international partnerships, sustainability and economic development can drive lasting change.

Join us at our upcoming Public Affairs Series talk as we delve deeper into these discussions and explore the evolving role of the Commonwealth in today’s world.

Discover more about our Public Affairs with Prime Minister Mataʻafa