The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, known as CHOGM, is the Commonwealth’s highest-level gathering.
CHOGM brings together leaders from across the Commonwealth to address shared challenges, agree common priorities and drive collective action towards a more sustainable and prosperous future for all.
1. CHOGM takes place every two years
Commonwealth leaders meet every two years to discuss global and regional issues and agree how member countries can work together to improve the lives of their people.
Each meeting provides an opportunity to review progress, respond to emerging challenges and set priorities for the years ahead.
2. It brings together 56 Commonwealth countries
CHOGM brings together leaders and representatives from the Commonwealth’s 56 member countries across Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and the Americas, Europe and the Pacific.
Commonwealth countries are home to 2.7 billion people, representing around one-third of the world's population.
3. The first CHOGM was held in Singapore in 1971
The first Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting took place in Singapore in 1971.
It introduced the modern CHOGM format, replacing the earlier Commonwealth Prime Ministers’ Conferences. The new name reflected the growing diversity of Commonwealth countries and their different systems of government.
4. Hosting rotates across the regions and countries of the Commonwealth
Every two years, the meeting is held in a different region and member country. It is chaired by that country’s prime minister or president, who becomes the Commonwealth Chair-in-Office until the next meeting.
This gives countries and regions across the Commonwealth the opportunity to welcome leaders and help shape the meeting’s agenda.
Rwanda hosted CHOGM in Kigali in 2022, followed by Samoa in 2024 – the first Pacific Small Island Developing State to host the meeting. Antigua and Barbuda will host the next CHOGM in St John’s from 1 to 4 November 2026.
5. It is led by Commonwealth Heads of Government
Prime Ministers, Presidents and other Heads of Government attend CHOGM to represent their countries and contribute to collective decision-making.
They are joined by government ministers and senior officials, as well as invited guests from business, civil society, youth organisations and other Commonwealth networks.
6. Leaders agree shared priorities and commitments
CHOGM provides a forum for Commonwealth leaders to reach consensus on issues of shared importance.
The outcomes of the meeting are set out in official declarations, communiqués and other agreements. These can cover a wide range of priorities, including democracy and good governance, peace and security, climate change, sustainable development, trade, economic resilience, equality and opportunities for young people.
Decisions taken at CHOGM also help guide the work of the Commonwealth Secretariat, the Commonwealth Foundation, the Commonwealth of Learning and Commonwealth Accredited Organisations.
7. Major forums take place at CHOGM
CHOGM is more than a meeting of political leaders. It includes forums that bring together people from across the Commonwealth to exchange ideas, build partnerships and develop recommendations for action.
These include forums focused on young people, women, business and civil society. Their perspectives help broaden participation in CHOGM and contribute to discussions among Commonwealth leaders.
8. It combines formal discussions with informal diplomacy
CHOGM includes formal meetings where leaders consider shared priorities and make collective decisions.
Leaders also meet in more informal settings, including the traditional leaders’ retreat. These discussions provide space for open and candid exchanges, helping leaders build trust, strengthen relationships and explore solutions to complex issues.
9. The Head of the Commonwealth plays a key role
The Head of the Commonwealth traditionally participates in CHOGM and plays an important ceremonial role, including at the official opening of the meeting.
His Majesty King Charles III is the current Head of the Commonwealth. The role is an important symbol of the Commonwealth’s shared values and the voluntary association of its independent and equal member countries.
10. CHOGM helps shape the Commonwealth’s future
The decisions made by leaders at CHOGM shape the Commonwealth’s priorities, partnerships and programmes, helping to guide its work for the years ahead.
By bringing member countries together around shared values and common goals, CHOGM strengthens co-operation and builds momentum for collective progress. CHOGM 2026 will focus on shared priorities including climate resilience, trade, innovation, equality and sustainable development, bringing nations together in a spirit of partnership and shared prosperity.
