Head CHOGM Malta 2015 Taskforce

The hosting of a Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting twice in 10 years by a country of Malta’s size is an unprecedented event in CHOGM history. That being said, we are rising to the challenge and gearing up for a summit which we trust will meet the aim of Adding Global Value.

Through the four fora which will precede the discussions among the Commonwealth Heads of Government, we shall pave the way for fruitful and informed discussions and significant outcomes. The Commonwealth Business Forum, by far the most established of the fora, is designed to provide a space for high level dialogue between business and Government leaders from the Commonwealth and beyond, under the heading of ‘Adding Global Value - Creating a More Prosperous Commonwealth’. CBF 2015 is being organised by the Commonwealth Economic and Investment Council (CWEIC) and the Government of Malta and will take place at the Hilton St Julian’s between November 24-26.

Another forum which is attracting a lot of interest is the Commonwealth People’s Forum, the discussion for which will revolve around the theme of ‘What Makes Societies Resilient?’ This forum is for civil society to discuss various subjects including, among others, diversity issues, climate change, migration, education and security. This forum is being organised in conjunction with the Commonwealth Foundation and will be held at the Corinthia St George Hotel, between the November 23-26.

Youths are also being given a voice during the days leading to CHOGM through the Commonwealth Youth Forum, organised in conjunction with the Commonwealth Youth Council. This shall be taking place between November 21-25 at the db San Antonio Hotel & Spa, Qawra, St. Paul’s Bay. Over the five days, youths from all over the Commonwealth shall be discussing topics – captured under economic, environmental, political and social agendas – which are close to their heart and common to all, despite regional and cultural differences.

For the first time in CHOGM history, a Commonwealth Women’s Forum is being organised in collaboration with the Gender Section of the Commonwealth Secretariat. Malta’s proposal to add this forum to the already established platforms for discussion has been welcomed and we are delighted that issues such as female genital mutilation, early, child and forced marriage, women in leadership positions in ICT, media and politics among others, will be given the required attention through this forum.

Over and above the four fora and the Heads of Government Meeting itself, we have an extensive programme of events open to the public, which will add dimension to the event and give the public a better understanding of the Commonwealth’s role in the world.

We are confident that through these events, Malta’s strategic position, both physically and politically, will be strengthened and further established as the world’s meeting place for diplomatic encounters.