The opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. [photo by Matthew Neuhaus]
[Australian professor and diplomat Matthew Neuhaus is sharing his experiences and insights at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting CHOGM in Apia, Samoa.]
The weather improved and our Samoan hosts treated us to a spectacular opening ceremony deeply rooted in their traditional singing and dancing. In its sheer simplicity set in a gymnasium hall with no modern costly innovations it was probably the most economical but effective opening ceremony of recent years. A particularly nice touch was an introduction in which all the cultures of the Pacific featured, including Maori dancers and an Aboriginal didgeridoo player.
Turnout was good with almost all nations represented. We counted 20 Heads with another 20 Foreign Ministers or Deputy PMs. The stand out was Canada – represented by its UK High Commissioner because of a political crisis back home. He came in first – the most junior. A sad day for Canada at the Commonwealth.
Speeches from the principals were generally along expected lines. Climate was inevitably the focus of PM Fiame’s address. The Secretary General (SG) paid particular tribute to the late Queen’s commitment to the Commonwealth, and welcomed King Charles to his first CHOGM as Head. Kagame spoke of the importance of finding a consensus that can stand the test of time.
The King noted he had travelled to every corner of the Commonwealth. At a time of heightened global conflict it was more important than ever. We must use the language of respect and reject the language of division, and find creative ways of addressing the past – a nod to the reparatory justice issue for slavery.
He spoke of human rights, the existential threat of climate change and the importance of civil society. The Association of Commonwealth Universities got a particular mention for Commonwealth fellowship program for small island developing states. All in all one of the most substantive speeches ever by the Head.
While the King met new Heads over lunch, the SG held the usual reception for Ministers and civil society representatives. The media were not much in evidence. The presence of Amina Mohamed, the SG’s Special Envoy on Sports and Enterprise, sparked rumours she might be a last minute SG candidate again.
Articles for the Round Table Journal by Matthew Neuhaus
In fact the SG election has got very fraught. It has now been put off to the Retreat tomorrow to allow Leaders to consult more. Antigua’s offer for next CHOGM was agreed at today’s Executive Session.
ComSec (Commonwealth Secretariat) officials told us that the Foreign Ministers meeting on the Communique had gone smoothly and quickly. They may have spoken too soon. Oceans Declaration and climate language is all sorted. But there were still square brackets around reparatory justice and this became the key debating point as Caribbeans sought to pressure Starmer. It has now been kicked to the Retreat tomorrow.
Australia is hoping for a commitment to its bid to host COP in 2026. It has certainly earnt it. Along with New Zealand they have poured resources into supporting Samoa. Announceables are also excellent – these include substantial support to expand the Small States Office in Geneva, further new support to the Climate Access Hub in Mauritius and a $75million food security program for Africa through the Australian Centre of International Agricultural Research.
So much remains for tomorrow – including the new SG!! A sleepless night perhaps for the candidates.
Matthew Neuhaus is the Hon Professor, ANU College of Law, President of the Australian Royal Commonwealth Society and a member of the Round Table’s international advisory board.
