Samoa to the World: CHOGM 2024 Kicks Off In Samoa

CHOGM Samoa 2024 has kicked off with a stunning morning ceremony lead by the Gaualofa vaka and Samoan voyaging society, opening the epic fortnight of Commonwealth leaders meetings.

This involves around 6000 visitors, and involves ministerial and bilateral meetings, the Commonwealth Youth, People, Business and Women's Forums, 35 side events, and launches of publications and initiatives. 

It's the first time the biennial event is being hosted by a Pacific island nation and the first time King Charles III will deliver the opening address as Head of the Commonwealth - in his largely symbolic role. 

The Commonwealth organsiation is a voluntary association of 56 independent and equal countries, with says its goals are ‘to protect the environment, boost trade, support democracy and promote education and gender equality’.

Most of the members are small states that maintain ties with the British monarchy having been under its colonial rule where the English language was also adopted as part of the colonial regime. 

Rwanda and Mozambique are two exceptions,  as countries that were never colonized by Britain, and joined the international voluntary association. 

Villages around Samoa are exploding with the colours and banners of all these nations, as the island steps into the global spotlight, hosting the event that hopefully also shines a light on the needs of the Pacific region.