Hon Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, former Ghanaian Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, assumed office as Secretary-General of the Commonwealth yesterday, pledging to advance the values of the Commonwealth Charter at a time of growing global tensions and shifting alliances.

The announcement of the first-ever Commonwealth Peace Prize has led to an overwhelming response, and eligible entrants now have until 17 January 2025 to submit nominations for the inaugural award.

Outgoing Secretary-General the Rt Hon. Patricia Scotland KC (right), congratulated her successor, the Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, currently Ghana's Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, following her selection by Heads of Government.

Commonwealth countries today adopted the Apia Commonwealth Ocean Declaration for One Resilient Common Future, which calls on all 56 Commonwealth nations to protect and restore the ocean in the face of severe climate change, pollution and impacts related to over-exploitation.

The 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting officially opened today in Apia, Samoa.

On day four of CHOGM 2024, women leaders, including the Prime Minister of Samoa and Her Majesty The Queen, advocated for women’s health and safety. Member countries discussed the Commonwealth Ocean Declaration, and youth leaders voiced priorities like climate change.

King Charles III arrived in Samoa for his first CHOGM as Head of the Commonwealth. Day 3 featured the launch of the Disaster Resilience Centre, a health partnership with WHO, and significant climate financing from Canada.

The Commonwealth Youth, Women’s and People’s Forums continued into their second day at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa.

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.