CHOGM 2024: Day 1 highlights

Man in Samoan traditional dress blowing conch shell at CHOGM joint forum opening ceremony

The first ever Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting hosted by a small-island Pacific nation has launched. The first day of CHOGM was opened with a traditional Samoan ceremony.

In case you missed it

The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting week opened today in Apia, Samoa where delegates were moved by the symbolic arrival of the Torch of Change.

Hon Fiame Naomi Mata’afa, Prime Minister of Samoa

“This gathering marks the start of a historic week for our Commonwealth Aiga. The three forums we are launching represent the critical voices of our people, our women youth and children”

Nearly 1,000 delegates gathered for the opening of the Commonwealth Youth, Women’s and People’s Forums.

Commonwealth Youth Forum

The vibrant colours and rich Samoan culture filled the room as the 13th Commonwealth Youth Forum (CYF) opened in Apia, Samoa. Hundreds of dynamic leaders from the 56 Commonwealth countries gathered for the two-day event. They were celebrating their achievements since the last Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), which resulted in the Commonwealth Year of Youth.

The Women's Forum

The Hon Mulipola Anarosa Ale-Molio’o MP, the Minister for Women, Community and Social Development of Samoa and the Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, opened the Commonwealth Women’s Forum, which saw hundreds of women from across the Commonwealth gather to call for stronger action on gender equity.

The People's Forum

The People's Forum got underway on the first day of CHOGM, with opening speeches by dignitaries, including the Prime Minister of Samoa, Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa. The Forum weaved in poetry, photography and music to highlight challenges facing small and vulnerable states, as well as women and youth.