In what ways can Malta benefit from CHOGM?

The Commonwealth Heads Of Government Meeting (CHOGM) is a meeting where nations from different parts of the world come together based on their shared history and identity to discuss matters and draw up common policies.

This is important for Malta mainly because it enables our small country with limited resources to share common elements with much larger economies. This allows us to be able to better compete in international business niches, such as financial services, by appearing more attractive to foreign investors and clients. Andrea Gonzi, LLD (Hons), 1st year.

This forum can be an ideal platform to develop international relations with countries outside the EU and this year’s CHOGM would be the perfect way to develop and work on more dialogue. Rebecca Micallef, LLD (Hons), 1st year.

It offers our country the potential and opportunity to look more closely at different cultural backgrounds and tackle issues such as diversity. Ayrton Mifsud, European Studies (Hons), 1st year.

As a youth, what would you like to see discussed on CHOGM’s agenda?

Two important points that should be discussed in future CHOGM sessions are global warming and problems related to overpopulation, such as the world food supply. Policies that address future concerns should be at the forefront of the discussions. Andrea Gonzi

I believe issues such as youth unemployment, international opportunities and migration should be at the forefront of the debate as they directly affect youths, not just in Malta but also in other Commonwealth countries. Rebecca Micallef

At this CHOGM, I look forward to see youths as main protagonists and more promotion related to human rights and civil liberties. Ayrton Mifsud

How relevant is the Commonwealth nowadays compared to institutions such as the EU?

One can’t compare CHOGM meetings to EU meetings. They are both crucial to develop future policies and address pressing issues.

For Malta, CHOGM meetings are more crucial than ever as they enable it to take part in discussions outside of Europe.

This international element makes CHOGM meetings still relevant to today’s times. Andrea Gonzi

Although the Commonwealth may be seen as inferior to institutions such as the EU, Malta should seize this opportunity to further its dialogue with Commonwealth countries and develop the different opportunities provided. Rebecca Micallef

The Commonwealth is an opportunity for the head of states to point out and raise issues that have not been discussed yet in European agendas.

The relevance of the Commonwealth depends on how much effort its member countries are willing to invest in it. Ayrton Mifsud

Compiled by Insite – the student media organisation.

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