CHOGM ends in Kampala

The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) came to a close in Uganda's capital Kampala, on 25 November 2007, with leaders restating their commitment to combat climate change and promote trade, mutual respect and understanding across the member states.

In a communiqué issued after the closing ceremony, Heads reaffirmed their full support for the “the role of the Secretary-General” in preventing and resolving conflicts as well as post-conflict reconstruction and development.

Heads of Government also commended the Commonwealth Secretariat's efforts to strengthen democracy.

The communiqué noted the Commonwealth’s commitment to resolutions on disarmament and non-proliferation, small arms, light weapons and landmines.

Other commitments in the communiqué include combating corruption, human trafficking, and terrorism, promoting human rights, supporting international criminal courts and tribunals and bridging the digital divide.

As is the custom, the communiqué covered submissions from other Commonwealth forums -- the Commonwealth Youth Forum, the Commonwealth Business Forum and the People's Forum -- which were all held just before CHOGM.

Of the 48 member countries that attended this year's CHOGM, 36 were represented by Heads of Government.

India's High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Kamalesh Sharma, is set to officially take over as the next Commonwealth Secretary-General on 1 April 2008.

The next Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting is to be held in Trinidad and Tobago, with Sri Lanka earmarked for CHOGM 2011.