24 October 2024
As Samoa hosts the 27th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) this week, the spotlight falls on the role of the Commonwealth in addressing urgent global challenges, including climate change, equity, and justice. This year's meeting, themed "One Resilient Common Future: Transforming Our Commonwealth," will see 56 country representatives gather in the Pacific Islands for the first time. It also marks the first CHOGM address by King Charles III as Head of the Commonwealth, a symbolic position intended to unify the diverse member nations.
This year’s CHOGM in Samoa is especially significant for small island developing states (SIDS), whose vulnerability to climate change will be a focal point. Climate Action Network (CAN) nodes of the Commonwealth countries and regions including CAN South Asia, CAN Southeast Asia, CAN Latin America, Southern African Region CAN, Pacific Islands CAN, CAN UK, CAN Australia, CAN-Rac Canada and CAN New Zealand are calling for immediate action on climate justice, equity, and accountability urging Commonwealth leaders to confront the shared history of colonialism and work collectively toward a resilient and just common future.
The brief emphasises the urgent need for a justice-based approach to climate action, which addresses the ongoing impacts of colonialism while centring vulnerable communities in the climate resilience agenda.
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