The Commonwealth’s push for greater inclusion was showcased during this staging of the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Samoa. Samoa's Prime Minister, the Hon Fiamē Naomi Mata'afa, said that CHOGM Samoa 2024’s outcomes should foster resilient societies which would “empower individuals for a peaceful and productive life”.
Youth Voices
Kyannalei Agamalu Lesā-Ah Liki’s voice rang out loud and clear in Samoa’s Ministry of Justice:
“Children have voices and can contribute. It’s time to stop saying children should be seen and not heard”.
The 12-year-old deputy head girl of Samoa’s Vaiala Beach School addressed delegates at the One Resilient Common Future: Where All Children are Cared For and Protected event during CHOGM Week.
For the first time, CHOGM welcomed children aged 4 to 14 to share their experiences and aspirations with stakeholders. Their inclusion was informed by the Kigali Declaration on Child Care and Protection Reform from Rwanda CHOGM 2022.
The Commonwealth Year of Youth was also highlighted in Samoa, which was initiated in Rwanda and concluded at this year’s CHOGM. The focused period marked several significant milestones:
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During the Year of Youth, several sustainable development projects were developed by young people across the Commonwealth and supported by the Secretariat. Heads applauded their work and the highlights shared of the projects implemented during this period.
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With a legacy of empowering young people for over 50 years, CHOGM endorsed the Commonwealth Youth Program’s revised Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
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The 10th anniversary of the Commonwealth Youth Council saw a newly-elected executive committee, marking a new chapter in youth leadership.
CHOGM also reaffirmed its commitment to empower young people through the Youth Declaration, which was finalised during the two-day deliberations at the Commonwealth Youth Forum. It serves as a blueprint for the Commonwealth to accelerate progress toward the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
Layne Robinson, the Head of Social Policy Development at the Commonwealth Secretariat, said:
“The Commonwealth is committed to ensure that all people, regardless of age, ability or gender, have a powerful voice and a place in our communities. The outcomes of CHOGM Samoa 2024 are a testament to the Commonwealth’s dedication to inclusive growth, placing children, women, the elderly, and people with disabilities at the heart of sustainable development”.
A more inclusive Commonwealth
During the events of CHOGM Week in October, member nations also:
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Highlighted the fact that millions of young people cannot attend school, particularly in vulnerable regions, and agreed to a renewed focus on inclusive and safe learning;
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Agreed to increase efforts to tackle non-communicable diseases and prioritise mental health while recommitting to eliminate cancer, including cervical cancer;
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Discussed a new model for sport–government engagement;
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Recognised the challenge of ageing populations and welcomed the launch of the Ageing Well in the Commonwealth: A Roadmap for Healthy Ageing Across the Life Course report, underscoring the need to promote holistic wellness at all stages of life; and
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Agreed to establish a high-level advisory group and a Disability Inclusion Action Plan.
Media contact
CHOGM Communications Team
Commonwealth Secretariat
Tel: + 44 7894 593508
