The need for transformative change, and one that leaves no one behind was echoed throughout the first day of the Commonwealth People's Forum. The Forum has homed in on climate justice, health justice, and freedom of expression as the main areas of focus. The two-day event will also highlight the challenges faced by small and other vulnerable states, as well as women and young people.
After the forum concludes, the recommendations will go to the leaders attending the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa. One of the speakers at the event said his main request is for leaders to really listen to the voices of the people.
Ahead of CHOGM Samoa 2024, the forums set the stage for the leaders’ meeting and provide outputs for them to consider. The Commonwealth Women's Forum, Commonwealth People's Forum and the Commonwealth Youth Forum are run concurrently, from 21-22 October 2024, at different venues in Apia.
The People's Forum is being organised jointly by the Government of Samoa, the Commonwealth Foundation and the Samoa Umbrella for Non-Governmental Organisations (SUNGO).
Speaking at the opening, HE Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa, Prime Minister of Samoa, reflected on the event’s themes. The Prime Minister said:
"As we focus on these vital issues, we must also think practically about what needs to be in place to advance climate justice, health justice and freedom of expression. For example, developing health resilience and climate resilience is costly.
"It is no secret that small states, like Samoa, face an uphill battle when it comes to accessing the financial support we need to adapt to the challenges that are central to the Peoples Forum. But we are not powerless."
The gathering of the civil society representatives was convened by Commonwealth Foundation, an intergovernmental organisation mandated to advance the interests of Commonwealth civil society.
Dr Anne T. Gallagher, Director-General of the Commonwealth Foundation, said:
“In reflecting on the interconnected themes of this forum—climate, health, and freedom of expression—I am reminded of something fundamental: the urgent need to protect the civic space that allows for dialogue and action. And here is where another important truth must be spoken. Without freedom of expression, without the ability to speak truth to power, none of these conversations can happen.”
Ahead of the Forum in Samoa, the Foundation spoke to over 3,000 civil society members and experts across the Commonwealth in virtual and in-person consultations and published a report reflecting some of the concerns raised.
One of the people quoted in that publication, Shaama Sandooyea, a climate activist from Mauritius, said:
"The way to ensure that no one is left behind is to integrate, to include civil society at every stage of decision making. And when I say civil society, I don't just mean organisations. I also mean activists. I also mean people whose jobs are directly affected by decisions."
The tree forums are being streamed live and are available on the Samoa Radio 2AP YouTube channel, while the Peoples Forum is also available on the Commonwealth Foundation's website. The last of the forums, the Commonwealth Business Forum, will take place from 22-23 October.
