Kamalesh Sharma
Secretary General of the Commonwealth of Nations
Every CHOGM has a distinctive character and makes a special contribution to advancing Commonwealth cooperation. We approach CHOGM 2015 in Malta with high expectations for practical action by the governments and people of our member States to build resilience and advance social and economic progress.
CHOGM is taking place during a critical year when the world determines the path forward on significant global issues, particularly development and climate change. CHOGM will be an opportunity for leaders to discuss and highlight issues in these areas that are of particular concern to the Commonwealth.
I anticipate the CHOGM theme, The Commonwealth: Adding Global Value, will generate fruitful discussion leading to agreement on pragmatic steps that the Commonwealth collectively can take to accelerate implementation of the global development agenda.
We expect to see a range of initiatives launched at CHOGM, particularly to assist development capacity in small states. The Commonwealth Climate Finance Access Hub, for instance, will facilitate knowledge exchange and best practice information sharing and collaboration.
More than half of Commonwealth countries are small island States and feel the impact of climate change most keenly. Their future may depend on being able to tap into the ocean economy. Malta’s position as a small island state makes it the ideal setting for discussion on the opportunities of the blue economy and a shared sustainable future.
The Commonwealth Youth Forum will build on our 2015 theme, A Young Commonwealth, and recognises young people’s significant impact and valuable contribution as agents of change in their communities.
Commonwealth commitment to diversity and equality is manifest in its commitment to facilitate opportunities for diverse groups to have their voices and needs heard. This year, for the first time, the Commonwealth will be hosting a Women’s Forum in the wings of CHOGM. And on the first day of CHOGM, the sixth Commonwealth Secretary General will be chosen.
The world is moving into a new period of international development and multilateral cooperation. As home to a third of the world’s people, the Commonwealth is pragmatic and continually evolves. By responding to the needs of our member States, we serve a great global good. More than ever, the Commonwealth is needed as an advocate for those whose voices are not always heard on the international stage.
By realising the potential of our young people and advancing values of democracy and diversity, with a deep commitment to development, the Commonwealth will continue to make an immense contribution globally. Partnerships and relationships fostered over many years give the Commonwealth a very special ability to help shape a world that is more equitable, just and stable for future generations.