Commonwealth Heads of Government Meetings (CHOGM)
The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) is a pivotal biennial summit where leaders from the 56 member countries of the Commonwealth convene to discuss global and Commonwealth-specific issues, formulate policies, and strengthen the bonds of cooperation. Established in 1971, CHOGM has evolved into a significant platform for dialogue and decision-making, reflecting the diverse interests and shared values of its member states.
Below is a chronological overview of the CHOGMs, highlighting key themes and outcomes from each meeting:
Singapore, 1971
The inaugural CHOGM was held in Singapore from 14 to 22 January 1971. This meeting marked the formalisation of regular gatherings of Commonwealth leaders. A significant outcome was the Singapore Declaration, which articulated the core political values of the Commonwealth, including commitments to individual liberty, racial equality, and international peace.
Ottawa, Canada, 1973
The second CHOGM took place in Ottawa, Canada, in 1973. Leaders focused on economic issues, particularly the challenges faced by developing member states. Discussions emphasised the need for equitable development and the strengthening of trade relations within the Commonwealth.
Kingston, Jamaica, 1975
In 1975, Kingston hosted the third CHOGM. The agenda included debates on global economic disparities and the impact of the oil crisis. Leaders underscored the importance of collective self-reliance and mutual support among member nations.
London, United Kingdom, 1977
The fourth meeting was held in London in 1977. A notable discussion point was the situation in Southern Africa, particularly apartheid in South Africa and the Rhodesian Bush War. The Commonwealth reaffirmed its stance against racial discrimination and colonialism.
Lusaka, Zambia, 1979
Lusaka hosted the fifth CHOGM in 1979. The Lusaka Declaration was adopted, focusing on racism and racial prejudice. Leaders also deliberated on the impending independence of Zimbabwe and strategies to combat apartheid in South Africa.
Melbourne, Australia, 1981
The sixth CHOGM convened in Melbourne in 1981. Economic challenges, particularly those affecting small states, dominated the discussions. The meeting highlighted the need for a more just international economic order and support for vulnerable economies.
New Delhi, India, 1983
In 1983, New Delhi hosted the seventh CHOGM. Key topics included the global security environment, disarmament, and the situation in Southern Africa. The meeting reinforced the Commonwealth’s commitment to peace and security.
Nassau, Bahamas, 1985
The eighth meeting took place in Nassau in 1985. A significant outcome was the Nassau Accord, which intensified pressure on South Africa to dismantle apartheid. Economic issues, including debt and trade, were also prominent on the agenda.
Vancouver, Canada, 1987
Vancouver hosted the ninth CHOGM in 1987. Discussions centred on economic development, environmental concerns, and the ongoing apartheid regime in South Africa. The meeting underscored the Commonwealth’s role in advocating for global change.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 1989
The tenth CHOGM was held in Kuala Lumpur in 1989. Leaders addressed the end of the Cold War and its implications, environmental sustainability, and reaffirmed their commitment to opposing apartheid.
Harare, Zimbabwe, 1991
In 1991, Harare hosted the eleventh CHOGM. The Harare Declaration was adopted, building upon the principles of the Singapore Declaration. It emphasised democracy, good governance, and human rights as core Commonwealth values.
Limassol, Cyprus, 1993
The twelfth meeting took place in Limassol in 1993. Key discussions included the promotion of democracy, sustainable development, and the challenges faced by small island states.
Auckland, New Zealand, 1995
Auckland hosted the thirteenth CHOGM in 1995. The focus was on globalisation, trade liberalisation, and the establishment of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) to address serious or persistent violations of Commonwealth principles.
Edinburgh, United Kingdom, 1997
The fourteenth CHOGM convened in Edinburgh in 1997. Leaders discussed education, the digital divide, and economic cooperation. The Edinburgh Declaration was issued, highlighting the importance of investing in education and technology.
Durban, South Africa, 1999
In 1999, Durban hosted the fifteenth CHOGM. This meeting marked South Africa’s return as a host nation post-apartheid. Discussions centred on bridging the gap between developed and developing nations and enhancing the Commonwealth’s relevance in the new millennium.
Coolum, Australia, 2002
The sixteenth meeting was held in Coolum in 2002. Key topics included terrorism, following the events of 11 September 2001, and the challenges of globalisation. Leaders emphasised the need for collective action to address security threats.
Abuja, Nigeria, 2003
Focus Areas: The Aso Rock Declaration was adopted at this meeting, reaffirming the Commonwealth’s commitment to democracy, good governance, human rights, and sustainable development. Leaders emphasised the importance of economic reform and tackling poverty, particularly in Africa. Nigeria’s hosting of the meeting symbolised the Commonwealth’s support for its transition to democracy.
Valletta, Malta, 2005
Focus Areas: The meeting in Valletta highlighted the challenges posed by climate change, especially for small island developing states. Leaders also discussed global trade issues and the need for reform in international financial systems. The summit reaffirmed the Commonwealth’s dedication to addressing inequalities faced by smaller nations.
Kampala, Uganda, 2007
Focus Areas: The Kampala CHOGM focused on youth development, sustainable development, and peacebuilding. Leaders highlighted the importance of empowering young people within the Commonwealth, marking the significance of initiatives such as the Commonwealth Youth Programme. Uganda’s hosting was also a showcase of its recovery from decades of conflict.
Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, 2009
Focus Areas: Climate change was a central theme in Port of Spain, with leaders issuing the Port of Spain Climate Change Consensus. This document sought to advocate for an ambitious and legally binding global climate agreement, ahead of the Copenhagen Summit. Economic recovery from the global financial crisis was also a key topic.
Perth, Australia, 2011
Focus Areas: The Perth CHOGM included significant discussions on modernising the Commonwealth. Recommendations from the Eminent Persons Group were debated, focusing on reforms to strengthen the organisation. Notably, leaders endorsed changes to royal succession laws, ensuring gender equality in the line of succession for the British monarchy.
Colombo, Sri Lanka, 2013
Focus Areas: The Colombo meeting faced controversy due to concerns over human rights in Sri Lanka, with some leaders choosing to boycott. Nevertheless, discussions emphasised the importance of reconciliation, post-conflict recovery, and sustainable development, especially for vulnerable populations.
Malta, 2015
Focus Areas: Returning to Malta for the second time, CHOGM 2015 prioritised climate action, migration, and counterterrorism. The summit occurred just before the COP21 Climate Conference in Paris, allowing Commonwealth leaders to unify their stance on addressing global warming. Special attention was also given to the refugee crisis.
London, United Kingdom, 2018
Focus Areas: Hosted at Buckingham Palace and other key venues, the London CHOGM centred on building a “Commonwealth that is fairer, more prosperous, and more sustainable.” Leaders agreed on measures to combat plastic pollution in oceans and strengthened commitments to sustainable development goals. The meeting also saw the formal agreement that King Charles III would succeed Queen Elizabeth II as Head of the Commonwealth.
Kigali, Rwanda, 2022
Focus Areas: Delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Kigali CHOGM marked Rwanda’s first time hosting. Leaders discussed post-pandemic recovery, economic resilience, and climate action. Emphasis was placed on youth engagement, gender equality, and digital transformation. Rwanda’s hosting reflected the evolving composition of the Commonwealth, highlighting the organisation’s embrace of diversity.
Conclusion
The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meetings have evolved significantly since their inception, adapting to address the changing priorities of member states and global challenges. From tackling apartheid to spearheading climate action, CHOGMs remain a crucial platform for dialogue, fostering collaboration among nations large and small. As the Commonwealth moves forward, these summits will continue to shape its role in promoting peace, prosperity, and sustainability on a global scale.