Queen opens Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II opened the biennial Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting at the Serena Hotel in Kampala, Uganda, on 23 November 2007.

Amidst dancing and cheering the Queen, accompanied by her husband Prince Philip, addressed Heads of State and Government and other dignitaries from the Commonwealth’s member states.

The Queen, who is Head of the Commonwealth, said the theme of this year’s meeting - ‘Transforming Societies’ - conveys a “clear commitment to change for the better”. She acknowledged that while there is no single recipe for success, greater participation of people in decision-making is crucial, if positive change is to be achieved.

She also noted that respecting difference and promoting understanding are important to cementing good relations amongst Commonwealth citizens.

“Recognising that each of us is made up of layer upon layer of identity and that each of our unique personalities has ties to culture, religion, community, country and beyond, is the essence of open and tolerant communities,” the Queen said. She added that “we should treat those around us as we would wish to be treated ourselves.”

Her Majesty commended the Commonwealth for paying more attention to young people, adding that the conclusions drawn from this year’s Youth Forum show “an almost limitless optimism and enthusiasm.”

Over 200 youth delegates attended the Commonwealth Youth Forum, which took place between 14 and 21 November. The Forum’s theme was ‘Breaking barriers: Unleashing young people's potential for development’.

“There is an energy that should be tapped more fully,” the Queen noted. “Young people can and should play a part in the many global challenges that cannot be resolved by older generations alone.”

She commended Commonwealth Secretary-General Don McKinnon for his passion, energy and determination to preserve the relevance of the Commonwealth and described his eight-year tenure at the helm of the organisation as “truly outstanding”.

“Secretary-General, we owe you a very substantial debt and will miss you greatly,” the Queen said, prompting a round of applause from the thousands of delegates attending the ceremony.

At the opening ceremony, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, the chair of this year’s Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, emphasised the need for member countries to work more closely and adopt common positions on strategic issues on world trade, terrorism and global warming.

The Prime Minister of Malta, Lawrence Gonzi, spoke of the ‘digital divide’ within the Commonwealth, which he said must be addressed. He pledged to initiate a fund to promote the work of the Commonwealth Connects programme – a multi-stakeholder partnership which aims to improve access to ICT across the Commonwealth.

The Queen will host a banquet for Heads today before their two-day retreat at the Speke Resort hotel in Munyonyo, 12km from Kampala’s city centre.

Secretariat Links:

• Country Profile: Uganda
• Queen's speech

Related Websites:

• CHOGM Opening Ceremony Photos