Starting this week, a series of high-level ministerial meetings will bring together representatives from across the Commonwealth to engage in vital discussions ahead of next month's Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). These strategic conversations, taking place in the margins the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, are crucial for preparing for CHOGM, scheduled for 21-26 October in Samoa.
Arriving in New York on Saturday, 21 September 2024, Commonwealth Secretary-General, The Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC will remain in the city until Monday, 30 September 2024.
Secretary-General Scotland will participate in various high-level engagements throughout the week, including the 24th Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting (CFAMM), the 65th Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) Meeting, the Commonwealth Small States Advocacy Champions Meeting, and Climate Week NYC.
On Sunday, 22 September 2024, she will deliver a speech at the opening ceremony of Climate Week NYC, one of the largest international climate events. In her remarks, Secretary-General Scotland will highlight the urgent need for global collaboration to combat the climate crisis, particularly focusing on the vulnerabilities faced by the 25 small island developing states (SIDS) within the Commonwealth. She will urge world leaders to translate their commitments into meaningful action against climate change.
Ahead of her arrival, Secretary-General Scotland stated:
"With world leaders gathering in New York, and Commonwealth leaders preparing for our Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa, we must generate ever-greater levels of unity and purpose. With the world’s most vulnerable people in our hearts and at the forefront of our minds, we must ensure that climate finance promises are kept.
"We must fundamentally reform the financial system to remove its imbalances. We must act with urgency on emissions, and on justice."
On the same day, the 65th Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) meeting will focus on upholding Commonwealth values such as democracy, the rule of law, and good governance while addressing political developments across member states.
The 24th Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting (CFAMM) will be held on Monday, 23 September 2024 at the United Nations Headquarters. Chaired by His Excellency Olivier Nduhungirehe, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Rwanda, this meeting will discuss preparations for CHOGM 2024 and explore strategies to enhance infrastructure, governance, and resilience across the Commonwealth.
The Secretary-General will also participate in the Commonwealth Small States Advocacy Champions Meeting, where leaders from the Commonwealth’s small states will address pressing issues such as climate resilience, economic sustainability, and their role in the global community.
This week of high-level engagements will play a pivotal role in advancing the Commonwealth’s agenda, building on mandates from the 2022 CHOGM and setting the stage for the upcoming summit in Samoa.
Press interviews
For interview opportunities with the Commonwealth Secretary-General, journalists are encouraged to contact Rena Gashumba, details below.
Media contact
- Rena Gashumba Communications Adviser, Communications Division, Commonwealth Secretariat
- T: +44 7483 919 968 | E-mail
