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CHOGM

Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting - CHOGM

Every two years, Commonwealth leaders meet for a few days to discuss global and Commonwealth issues, and to agree collective policies and initiatives.

These summits provide a unique forum for consultation at the highest level of government. They are organised by the host nation in collaboration with the Commonwealth Secretariat.

After a public opening ceremony and a formal Executive Session, the leaders – for the most part Presidents and Prime Ministers – meet privately in a ‘Retreat’ setting. The atmosphere is informal, encouraging a full and frank exchange of views, and decisions are normally reached by consensus. Many important Commonwealth initiatives hae emerged from these Retreats.

Issues discussed include international peace and security, democracy, good governance, sustainable development, debt management, education, environment, gender equality, health, human rights, information and communication technology, law, multilateral trade issues, small states and youth affairs.

History

Commonwealth leaders have met regularly for more than a century. The first meetings, known as Colonial Conferences, began in 1887. In 1911, these were replaced by Imperial Conferences, held regularly until 1937. Between 1944 and the early 1960s, Commonwealth Prime Ministers Meetings were held almost annually in London.

In Singapore, in 1971, the term Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) was adopted to encompass both Presidents and Prime Ministers. Since then, CHOGMs have taken place on a biennial basis.

Next Meeting

Trinidad & Tobago - 2009

At their 2007 summit in Kampala, Uganda, Heads of Government reaffirmed their decision to meet in Trinidad and Tobago in 2009 at the invitation of the Government of that country.

The meeting is scheduled to take place in Port of Spain from 27-29 November 2009.

Click on the link below for more information

Official Website