Side events at Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2024

Climate Vulnerability and Resilient Youth Health

This high-level side event will provide a platform for Commonwealth leaders and policymakers to address the challenges of youth health in the context of climate vulnerability. It aims to raise awareness about the unique issues young people face due to climate change, including extreme weather, air pollution, and food insecurity. These factors threaten their physical and mental health. Building resilience among youth is essential for mitigating these impacts. Empowering them with knowledge and resources will enhance their ability to adapt and thrive, while a collaborative, multi-faceted approach involving governments, communities, and stakeholders is vital for ensuring future generations' well-being.

Contact person and e-mail:

• Sonia Munni, First Secretary, Bangladesh High Commission London, Email Address

One Resilient Common Future: where all children are cared for and protected. Accelerating implementation of the 2022 Kigali Declaration on Child Care and Protection Reform.

At CHOGM 2022, leaders adopted the Kigali Declaration on Child Care and Protection Reform, committing to advocate for child welfare and uphold a zero-tolerance policy against violence and discrimination. Despite political rhetoric emphasising family, child-focused policies often lack priority in resource allocation. Sustainable development hinges on protecting children, aligning with child-related SDGs to enhance well-being and community resilience. Failure to prioritise this area can lead to abuse and lost opportunities. Children and young people will share their challenges at the event, aiming to foster dialogue on accelerating reforms, and the role they play in representing our common wealth and future.

Contact person and e-mail:

• Miski Omar, Youth Officer, Social Policy Development – Youth, Commonwealth Secretariat, Emal Address
• Layne Robinson, Head of Social Policy Development, Secretary General’s Office, Commonwealth Secretariat, Email Address 
• David Jones, Chair, ComCIG (Commonwealth Children Interest Group) and Main Representative to the Commonwealth Institutions, Commonwealth Organisation for Social Work (COSW) Email Address 
• Helen Jones, ComCIG Steering Group member; Commonwealth Consortium for Education; Commonwealth Adviser, CommonProtect/It’s a Penalty; and Advisory Committee Member, Commonwealth Year of Youth, Email Address

Decriminalising poverty and status breaking chains and building resilient societies across the Commonwealth

The Institute of Commonwealth Studies (ICWS), the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ), and the Commonwealth Secretariat (ComSec) will launch a legal Practitioners’ Guide focused on a human rights-based approach to criminal law, aiming to decriminalise actions related to poverty and homelessness. Marginalised communities face disproportionate criminalisation for minor offences such as loitering and begging, which exacerbate justice system backlogs without addressing root causes. This guide, based on the ICJ’s “8 March Principles,” will serve as a resource for justice sector actors, developed through consultations across the Commonwealth. A panel event will present the guide and discuss further decriminalisation strategies.

Contact person and e-mail:

• Prof Kingsley Abbott, Email Address

Implementing the Commonwealth Ocean Declaration to meet international commitments and accelerate financing for a healthy, sustainable and resilient ocean.

Since CHOGM 2018, the Commonwealth Blue Charter has fostered collaborative ocean action among Commonwealth countries through ten Action Groups, led by 16 champion nations. At CHOGM 2022, leaders agreed to create a Commonwealth Ocean Declaration (COD) to guide ocean action for the next four years. Key priorities include effective marine management, achieving the 30x30 ocean protection target, and mobilising finance for ocean commitments. This event will introduce the COD and its implementation pathway to CHOGM delegations, allowing leaders to share their ambitions. Partners will showcase successful projects and financing mechanisms to support these goals ahead of the Third UN Ocean Conference in June 2025.

Contact person and e-mail:

• Nicholas Hardman-Mountford, Email Address
• Heidi Prislan, Email Address

Trouble in Paradise: Climate Change in the Pacific Photographic Exhibition

In the lead-up to COP26, the UK Government invited Pacific communities to document climate change's everyday impacts. This exhibition features winning entries from the Pacific Climate Photography Competition across categories such as Marine, Land, People, Youth, and Junior. The photographs highlight the challenges faced by island nations while showcasing the resilience of Pacific peoples. Curated by the British Council New Zealand and the Pacific, the travelling exhibition has been displayed at significant venues, including New Zealand Parliament. At CHOGM 2024, it offers a chance to share these powerful images with Commonwealth leaders. The exhibition will remain in Samoa until the end of 2024. See more at: www.britishcouncil.org.nz/programmes/arts-creative/climate-connection/exhibition

The exhibition, at Falemata’aga/Museum of Samoa, is open 22-25 October to delegates from 9.30am-4.00pm.

Delegates are invited to the opening of the exhibition on Monday 21 October at 5.00pm. As the venue capacity is limited, please register your interest in attending by contacting the British Council team by Wednesday 18 October using the details provided below. They will respond to confirm attendance and provide further details in due course. 

Contact person and e-mail:

• Natasha Beckman, Director, British Council New Zealand and the Pacific, Email Address
• Richard Knowles, Programme Manager - Arts, British Council New Zealand and the Pacific, Email Address

Strengthening urban resilience for all – implementation of Commonwealth Declaration on Sustainable Urbanisation for  Our Common Wealth

The event will advance the Declaration on Sustainable Urbanisation adopted at CHOGM 2022, focusing on effective implementation and strategies to tackle climate change, rapid urbanisation, and economic development pressures. Organised by the Commonwealth Sustainable Cities Initiative (CSCI) with support from The King’s Foundation and the governments of Rwanda and Samoa, the event aims to strengthen sustainable urban development across the Commonwealth. It will highlight urban resilience within the CHOGM theme, share best practices since CHOGM 2022, and facilitate discussions to mobilise a coalition for collaborative action. High-level attendees, including potentially at least one Head of State, will explore pathways for enhanced cooperation and knowledge exchange.

Contact person and e-mail:

• Lucy Slack (on behalf of the CSCI partners), Email Address 
• Ruth Kattumuri, EYSDD Commonwealth Secretariat, Email Address 

Empowering Resilience: Education for Climate Action and Inclusive Growth

Climate change and environmental degradation underscore the urgent need for resilient societies. Education is vital for equipping individuals and communities to adapt to these challenges. This event will explore the role of formal, non-formal, and informal education in fostering resilience against climate threats. Key actions will be outlined to align education systems with climate policies and advocate for increased climate finance, aiming to triple the current allocation of USD $70 million. The session will also address the issue of out-of-school children, emphasising the importance of investing in education to break poverty cycles and empower vulnerable populations to respond to climate challenges effectively.

Contact person and e-mail:

• Mr Layne Robinson, Head, SPD, Commonwealth Secretariat Email Address 
• Dr Amina Osman, Adviser, SPD, Commonwealth Secretariat, Email Address

The National University of Samoa’s (NUS) resilience contribution to the development of Samoa: A case for our Commonwealth aiga

This year marks the National University of Samoa’s (NUS) 40th anniversary, established on February 14, 1984. To celebrate, NUS will highlight its contributions to Samoa’s national resilience through innovative research, teaching, and services, exemplifying resilience in sustainable development. This side event offers a platform for NUS - a member of the Association of Commonwealth Universities - to engage with Commonwealth partners, share experiences, and exchange practical ideas for shared prosperity. Additionally, the event will showcase NUS's outreach efforts, emphasising its commitment to local communities and grassroots resilience through interactive exhibits, discussions, and networking opportunities that promote a prosperous future for the Commonwealth Aiga - Samoan for family.

Contact person and e-mail:

• Professor Tuifuisaa Patila Malua Amosa (Vice Chancellor, NUS), Email Address,

Protecting Freedom of Speech and Expression in the Commonwealth

Freedom of expression is essential for vibrant democracies, protected by international human rights law, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and recognised by Article 5 of the Commonwealth Charter. However, many Commonwealth states still enforce colonial-era laws that restrict free expression, using criminal sanctions to suppress critical voices. This chilling effect hinders public debate and investigative journalism, violating international standards. The 'Commonwealth Principles on Freedom of Expression and the Role of Media in Good Governance' aim to promote necessary legal reforms. At this high-level event, a report on the status of freedom of expression will be launched, exploring pathways for safeguarding these rights.

Contact person and e-mail:

• Sneh Aurora, Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative, Email Address

Empowering Resilience: Celebrating the Role of Open, Distance, and Flexible Learning in Samoa and the Pacific.

In the Pacific, where communities face challenges from climate change and economic vulnerability, digital education has become vital for resilience. This event will highlight contributions from the Commonwealth of Learning (COL), the National University of Samoa (NUS), and UNESCO, on how to transform education through technology. Samoa has led in integrating Open, Distance and Flexible Learning (ODFL) for more than three decades, enhancing access to education and promoting gender equality. The event will launch the Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Regional Report on Technology and Education in the Pacific, addressing critical areas such as access and resilience. By showcasing ODFL impacts, the event aims to strengthen policy frameworks and foster collaboration among Commonwealth countries to enhance educational systems amid the climate crisis.

Contact person and e-mail:

• Commonwealth of Learning, Email Address

Empowering Commonwealth Youth through AI and Digital Transformation

The Commonwealth Secretariat, in partnership with Intel Corporation and champion country Fiji, presents an event highlighting successes in empowering Commonwealth youth through AI education and digital transformation. Key initiatives include the Commonwealth AI Academy, AI Policy Helper Toolkit, AI Make-A-Thon for small business, and AI Incubator Programme. Speakers will discuss the opportunities and challenges youth face and how AI can address socio-cultural issues in a digital world. The event will emphasise the need to equip the next generation with essential AI skills, showcase innovative youth-focused solutions, and demonstrate the impact of the CAIC-Intel collaboration in providing comprehensive AI education resources.

Contact person and e-mail:

• Osmal Wood, Email Address

Digital Transformation Critical Success Factors and Challenges in the Commonwealth

The event will present a Commonwealth Telecoms Organisation report examining the critical success factors and challenges of digital transformation in Commonwealth countries. This will be followed by a panel discussion featuring representatives from Commonwealth nations and industry experts. The session aims to raise awareness of the need for digital transformation and provide tools for measuring progress. It will share valuable insights and best practices for governments and organisations pursuing digital initiatives, highlighting the benefits of digitalisation, such as increased productivity, cost savings, scalability, resilience, flexibility, and information security—achievable through enhanced digital capacity.

Contact person and e-mail:

• Mr. Leonard Obonyo, Manager, ICT Development, Email Address

Ensuring a Resilient Common Future for Everyone  – strengthening  capacity on implementation of the UNCRPD    

Approximately 16% of the world’s population, or 1.3 billion people, experience some form of disability, with 400 million living in the Commonwealth. Despite progress, people with disabilities still face barriers to full inclusion. The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), adopted in 2006, aims to promote the rights of people with disabilities. Commonwealth countries reaffirmed their commitment to CRPD implementation during recent meetings. The Commonwealth Secretariat and New Zealand will convene this discussion of practical ways to strengthen CRPD implementation, focusing on inclusive education and removing barriers to equal participation in society.

Contact person and e-mail:

• Steve Onwuasoanya, Email Address           

CHOGM Climate Breakfast: Building Consensus for Climate Finance Targets in the Commonwealth   

This event provides a platform for Commonwealth countries to raise ambition in addressing land, biodiversity, and climate challenges. As nations prepare for the New Collective Quantified Goal on Climate Finance (NCQG) at COP29, it offers a vital opportunity to set ambitious climate finance targets. At CHOGM 2022, the Commonwealth adopted the Living Lands Charter, committing to coordinated climate and biodiversity actions. Financing nature-based solutions like reforestation is crucial. The Commonwealth Climate Finance Access Hub (CCFAH) will showcase its successes, and the event aims to build partnerships, strengthen collaboration, and create an equitable climate finance landscape, prioritising small and vulnerable nations.

Contact person and e-mail:

• Unnikrishnan Nair, Head of Climate Change Commonwealth Secretariat, Email Address

Finance and Investment for Resilient Growth- A Commonwealth Plan of Action    

This side event will centre on the launch of a new Commonwealth Plan of Action on Investment. The Action Plan has been co-developed by the UK, Malaysia and the Commonwealth Secretariat, and sets out a roadmap of work to the next CHOGM in 2026. The event will kick off with a high-level top table discussion that outlines the key needs and opportunities underpinning this Plan of Action. This will be followed by an interactive session which will draw on the experience of civil society, regional organisations and other practitioners of climate and/or private finance. The event will also showcase ongoing initiatives, led by the Secretariat and members, on enhancing intra-Commonwealth investment.  

Contact person and e-mail:

• Abi Burns, Email Address

Together Against the NCD Crisis: A Commonwealth Summit for Multisectoral Action on Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health    

Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of death globally, with 150 million premature deaths among people aged 30 to 70, mostly in developing countries. NCD deaths rose from 61% of all deaths in 2000 to 74% in 2019, and seven of the top 10 causes of death were NCDs. In the Commonwealth, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer, cause more than 7 million deaths annually. At CHOGM 2022 and the 2023 Bridgetown Declaration, leaders committed to strengthening health systems to reduce NCD-related deaths. A multisectoral approach, involving education, finance, and urban planning, is essential to reducing NCDs.

Contact person and e-mail:

• Layne Robinson, Email Address 
• Dr Janneth Mghamba, Email Address 
• Aiono Prof Alec Ekeroma, Email Address 
• Dr Kim Dickson, Email Address

Fiscal Policies for Resilient and Sustainable Development    

A high-level panel will explore fiscal sustainability, focusing on national budgets, debt management, and transparency. The discussion will cover sustainable fiscal and sovereign debt strategies, initiated by the Commonwealth Borrowers Network at the 2024 IMF-WBG Spring Meetings, with 23 member countries participating. Key topics include ensuring equitable treatment in external debt negotiations and developing principles for fiscal and debt transparency to safeguard long-term prosperity. The event aims to promote peer-to-peer knowledge exchange, with governments sharing best practices and challenges. It will help the Commonwealth create a collective programme to support members in navigating modern fiscal policy and enhancing debt transparency.         

Contact person and e-mail:

• Dr Ruth Kattumuri, Senior Director, EYSD Programme Email Address 
• Raymond Prasad (PhD), Adviser and Head of Debt Management, Email Address

Kava: the Green Gold of the Pacific     

Kava is a key export for Pacific Island countries such as Fiji (FJD$32m) and Vanuatu (FJD$55.7m), with increasing supply from traditional producers and new entrants, such as the Solomon Islands. Major export markets include the USA, New Zealand, and other Pacific Islands, with growing opportunities in Europe, Australia, and Asia. In 2023, Forum Trade Ministers endorsed the Regional Kava Development Strategy (RKDS). A major barrier to growth is the lack of awareness and data infrastructure. The Commonwealth Secretariat, through the National Agricultural Data Infrastructure initiative, aims to improve data systems to boost kava trade. The event will discuss kava’s economic and cultural significance, recent RKDS progress, and partnership opportunities.

Contact person and e-mail:

• His Excellency Mr Georges Maniuri, Vanuatu’s Ambassador to Belgium, the European Union, and High Commissioner to the United Kingdom. Chair of the Supply Side Cluster of CCA, Email Address 
• Ms. Paulini Cakacaka, First Secretary, Fiji High Commission London, Email Address

Fostering Collaborative Actions to Fast Track Clean Energy Transition in the Commonwealth     

At CHOGM 2018 and 2022, Commonwealth Heads reaffirmed their commitment to accelerating the transition to cleaner energy. The Commonwealth Sustainable Energy Transition Agenda (CSET) is a collaborative platform for member countries and development partners to fast-track SDG 7 ("Affordable & Clean Energy") and net zero commitments under the Paris Agreement. Achieving clean energy transition goals requires global collaboration, and CSET supports member-led action groups, youth initiatives, and partnerships to advance sustainable energy transitions. This CSET event will highlight opportunities for collaboration, particularly for SIDS and developing countries, to accelerate inclusive and sustainable energy transitions across the Commonwealth.   

Contact person and e-mail:

• Nicholas Hardman-Mountford, Commonwealth Secretariat, Email Address

Malta’s Commonwealth Small States Centre of Excellence: Future-Proofing Small States

Since 2017, the Malta Commonwealth Small States Centre of Excellence has led capacity-building initiatives for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and vulnerable coastal communities, in partnership with the University of Malta. Its relaunch reflects lessons learned over seven years and adapts to the evolving needs of Small States. The Centre will focus on the Climate Vulnerability and Resilience Index (CVRI), complementing global indices, to assess climate risks and resilience. Serving as a data hub, it will collaborate with Antigua’s SIDS Centre. The Centre will also enhance the Commonwealth’s Virtual Centre for Small States, providing resources and fostering knowledge exchange for sustainable development.         

Contact person and e-mail:

• Ms Gabriella Cassola, Email Address

Celebrating Commonwealth Natural Resources Programme Six Decades of catalysing prosperity and safeguarding people and the planet.   

For more than 55 years, the Commonwealth Secretariat has provided impartial advice and support in natural resources, unlocking trillions in investment and fostering socio-economic development while protecting people and the environment. More than 70 per cent of Commonwealth countries, especially small states and least developed countries (LDCs), have benefitted from this technical assistance. Starting with Botswana’s diamond negotiations in 1968, the Secretariat has aided more than 20 countries in areas such as policy, investment, and regulation. Today, the Commonwealth Natural Resource Programme focuses on climate-resilient, inclusive development, and supporting members in managing the complex energy-climate nexus. The 2024 milestone will highlight this transformative impact.    

Contact person and e-mail:

• Nicholas Hardman-Mountford, Commonwealth Secretariat Email Address 
• Naadira Ogeer, Email Address

Resilient Futures: Shaping Environment and Climate Justice Across the Commonwealth

This event, organised by the Institute of Commonwealth Studies (ICWS), explores challenges and opportunities in advancing environmental and climate justice through national, regional, and international legal frameworks. Drawing on ICWS’s work, including a recent Joint Comment to the International Criminal Court and the Vanuatu ICJ Initiative, the event will discuss how legal mechanisms can combat climate change. Key topics include the role of international courts, strengthening Commonwealth legal frameworks, and the intersection of governance and democracy. This event is part of ICWS’s ongoing programme to foster collaboration on environmental justice beyond the 2024 CHOGM, aiming for lasting solutions and action.       

Contact person and e-mail:

• Prof Kingsley Abbott, Email Address 
• Maud Sarliève, Email Address

A resilient Pacific Island is based on their Rights to a Clean and Healthy Ocean – A   Moratorium on Deep Sea Mining.

This panel discussion, themed "A Resilient Pacific Islands through the Right to a Clean and Healthy Ocean – Calling for a Moratorium on Deep-Sea Mining", emphasises the need to maintain ocean health without compromising sustainable development, peace, security, human rights, and well-being. The Pacific faces crises from climate change, mounting debts, and depleting resources. Strengthening resilience is vital to protect people, ecosystems, and economies. A healthy ocean ecosystem is crucial for combating the climate emergency, sustaining Pacific livelihoods, and ensuring future resilience. Deep-sea mining poses a serious threat to these goals and the Pacific's future.         

Contact person and e-mail:

• Pelenatita Kara, Email Address

Scientific academies and knowledge sharing for sustainable development in the Commonwealth  

As the world faces challenges like social cohesion, environmental collapse, climate change, and rapidly advancing technologies, Commonwealth members must harness diverse scientific knowledge, including social sciences, humanities, and indigenous knowledge, to find equitable solutions. However, access to knowledge is uneven, and addressing this gap is crucial for inclusive participation in scientific debates. This event will launch the Pacific Academy of Sciences, promoting science education and representing the region’s cultural and disciplinary diversity. It will convene science academies, government advisers, and Commonwealth leaders to strengthen collaborations and enhance scientific capacity, ensuring collective leadership in tackling these global challenges.

Contact person and e-mail:

• Professor Tuifuisa’a Patila Amosa, National University of Samoa, Email Address

Intersectional Political Leadership: Empowering Underrepresented Voices

This panel will explore the importance of inclusion and representation of marginalised groups, addressing systemic barriers that hinder their participation in decision-making. Attendees will learn strategies to amplify these voices through real-life examples, highlighting the intersection of political leadership and the need for inclusivity. Women in the Commonwealth are leading, with 55 Parliaments achieving 30 per cent female representation, yet they continue to face challenges such as harassment. Young people and people with disabilities are making strides but encounter discrimination and limited resources. Despite progress for LGBTI+ individuals, challenges remain. This event provides a platform to share best practices and overcome these obstacles.        

Contact person and e-mail:

• tbc

Collaboration between zoos, museums and botanical gardens for biodiversity conservation   

BGCI (Botanic Gardens Conservation International), ICOM NATHIST International Committee for Museums and Collections of Natural History of the International Council of Museums), and WAZA (World Association of Zoos and Aquariums) support biodiversity research, education, and training. They recommend collaboration between zoos, museums, and botanic gardens, aligning with the Commonwealth Call for Action on Living Lands. This event will explore biodiversity archiving, mapping, conservation, and Indigenous knowledge integration to foster sustainable behaviors. Highlighting initiatives by the Samoa Conservation Society, the event will discuss the Pacific Islands Threatened Species Recovery Network and the reintroduction of the Samoan swallowtail butterfly. It will also explore the role of zoos and botanical gardens in biodiversity conservation across the Commonwealth.         

Contact person and e-mail:

• Dr Nicholas Watts, Email Address
• Fogamomi Nicc Moeono, Email Address

On the Move and at Risk: climate change, human trafficking and the right to safe and healthy working environments in the Commonwealth  

Climate change displaces millions, increasing vulnerability to exploitation, disrupting livelihoods, and worsening working conditions. Environmental degradation and poverty push vulnerable people into deteriorating work environments, fostering modern slavery, including human trafficking, forced and child labour, and child marriage, particularly in Commonwealth small island developing states (SIDS). Poor occupational safety and health (OSH) threatens life and security, while good OSH reduces illness, injury, and poverty. This event will showcase innovative legislative and community resilience measures to protect displaced populations, empower vulnerable groups, and promote sustainable development. It will also emphasise the importance of ratifying International Labour Organisation conventions on forced labour and safe working environments.

Contact person and e-mail:

• Sneh Aurora, Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative, Email Address 
• Owen Tudor, Commonwealth Trade Union Group, Email Address 
• Brigid Watson, Commonwealth Lawyers Association, Email Address 
• Marcel Le Roux, Institution of Occupational Safety and Health, Email Address  
• Helen Jones, It’s a Penalty/CommonProtect, Email Address

“Human Rights and Climate Change” To address the impacts of Climate Change on Human Rights

This event will explore the impacts of climate change on human rights within the Commonwealth, focusing on solutions for building resilient societies and sustainable resource use. The session aims to raise awareness of the UN’s resolution for a clean, healthy environment, and the connection between human rights and climate change. It will emphasise integrating human rights into environmental protection policies, particularly in small states. The event, held alongside the Biennial Conference of the Commonwealth Forum of National Human Rights Institutions, will feature discussions on best practices and resilience, with diverse participants from the Commonwealth and beyond. 

Contact person and e-mail:

• Maualaivao Pepe Seiuli, Acting Ombudsman, Office of Ombudsman & NHRI Samoa,  Email Address 
• Providence Umurungi, Chairperson of Rwanda NCHR, Email Address 
• Ellenlina Moala – Tumua, Principal Human Rights Advisor, Office of Ombudsman/ NHRI Samoa, Email Address 
• Umutoni Aissa, Commonwealth Forum of National Human Rights institutions communication specialist, Email Address

Developing Disability Inclusion and Equality across the Commonwealth   

The meeting will highlight the need for a paradigm shift in implementing the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities across the Commonwealth. It emphasises moving from a medical/charity model to a social, rights-based approach in areas such as education, work, climate, health, law, and political participation. Speakers will discuss how this shift promotes solutions that engage the whole community to ensure no-one is left behind. The meeting will relate to all CHOGM themes, focusing on human rights, climate resilience, economic inclusion, and societal empowerment, urging support for the Disability Inclusion Action Plan as a key transformative tool.         

Contact person and e-mail:

• Richard Rieser, General Secretary CDPF, Email Address, Website: https://commonweealthdpf.org

Commonwealth Music Conference       

The Commonwealth Music Conference will provide a platform for musicians to network, form alliances, and foster partnerships. It aims to strengthen musical organisations and include new member countries in initiatives such as the Commonwealth Resounds. Key themes include:

• Developing musical organisations as beacons of democracy, opportunity, and cultural identity.
• The impact of climate change on Pacific communities' musical heritage.
• Promoting musical composition as a creative outlet for young people.
• Exploring how music technology and digital resources can enhance careers, collaboration, and musical enterprise across the Commonwealth.  

Contact person and e-mail:

• Susau Solomona, Email Address 
• Alison Cox, Email Address

Indigenouswealth of Commonwealth   

This event will emphasise commitments central to the survival and resilience of Commonwealth nations, particularly small island states and vulnerable economies. Stemming from the 1979 Lusaka meeting’s call to support Indigenous minorities, the event will focus on Indigenous knowledge and its role in addressing climate change and development challenges. The Commonwealth Living Lands Charter highlights the importance of Indigenous contributions to sustainable land use and biodiversity. The event will propose the "Indigenous wealth of the Commonwealth" project, focusing on three pillars: Indigenous knowledge systems, equitable resource sharing, and the ethical custodianship of knowledge and resources.       

Contact person and e-mail:

• Rev. Professor Upolu Luma Vaai, Principal, Pacific Theological College, Email Address

Gender Based Violence (GBV) - A joined up approach  

Ending violence against women and girls,  which rose sharply during the COVID pandemic, is a priority for the Commonwealth and requires coordinated action. Addressing gender-based violence (GBV) in the workplace, supply chains, and beyond is essential, focusing on protecting the most vulnerable and addressing power imbalances. We call for:

1. Immediate ratification of the ILO Convention on Violence and Harassment (C190) by all Commonwealth states.
2. Increased ratification of the CEDAW Optional Protocol to combat violence and discrimination.
3. Implementation of policies to address online harassment, such as the 2024 EU Directive on Gender-Based Violence, to criminalise technology-facilitated violence.     

Contact person and e-mail:

• Arif Zaman, Email Address

Prevention of Violent Extremism through Empowerment inclusion of Women and Youth in mediation efforts.     

The root causes of violent extremism are complex, linked to self-determination, political instability, and economic inequality. Corruption fuels extremist groups, retaliating against unequal wealth distribution. Women Mediators across the Commonwealth urge governments to show political will in countering violent extremism and involve women in peace efforts.

As violent extremism and violence against women and children rise, this event will highlight Women Mediators' roles in prevention and peacebuilding. The event will feature speakers from the Women Mediators network, advocating for policy and financial support to enhance inclusive peace processes, especially at a local level.

Contact person and e-mail:

• Quhramaana Kakar, Email Address

Generally Accepted Performance Principles (GAPP): Sixteen Habits of a Highly Effective Government 

The Governance and Peace Directorate (GPD) of the Commonwealth Secretariat conducted advanced training programmes for 2,000 senior officials, including permanent secretaries, across all 56 member countries. These sessions focused on designing and implementing best practice government performance management systems (GPMS). Experts agree that a country's competitive advantage relies on government effectiveness, not resource endowment. Based on these trainings, GPD identified 16 key principles, called the Generally Accepted Performance Principles (GAPP), endorsed by Commonwealth public service leaders in 2024. This session will share these principles, offer technical assistance resources, and demonstrate the SMART toolkit for managing government performance systems.       

Contact person and e-mail:

• Commonwealth Secretary General’s Special Envoy for SDG Implementation, Email Address
• Mr. Rajiv Nair, Governance Adviser, Commonwealth Secretariat, Email Address

Joining the Dots for Commonwealth Disaster Resilience

This exciting event will launch the new Commonwealth Disaster Resilience Centre (CRDC) by the Secretary-General and Heads of Governments.  The CDRC is a digital platform designed to support member countries in addressing climate change and natural disasters.  This resource will provide policy guidance, evidence-based solutions, geospatial data, and case studies to assist countries to mitigate and adapt to vulnerabilities.  The CRDC will, also, improve the efficiency of early warning systems by integrating geospatial technologies through partnerships including CommonSensing and other technical focused organisations.  Included in the available resources, member countries will find multiple climate finance resources.

The platform will foster a virtual community of practice, enabling knowledge sharing and collaboration among member countries.  This is intended to contribute to best practices and innovations which will be disseminated across the Commonwealth family, strengthening their resilience to climate change-related challenges.

The overall outcome will highlight the challenges, opportunities, and examples of transformative solutions to enhance investments in resilient infrastructure. We will explore pathways for improved risk information, capacity development and innovative finance mechanisms, instruments, and frameworks to enable access to finance for resilient and sustainable infrastructure, especially in Commonwealth Small States.

Contact person and e-mail:

• Alison Raw, Adviser and Head, Public Health and Disaster Resilience, Email Address