Commonwealth Secretariat
  1. Home
  2. What's New
  3. Who We Are
  4. What We Do
    1. Democracy
    2. Economics
    3. Education
    4. Gender
    5. Governance
    6. Health
    7. Human Rights
    8. Law
    9. Small States
    10. Sport
    11. Sustainability
    12. Youth
    13. Millennium Development Goals
    14. Funding
  5. News
    1. Events
    2. News Archive Search
    3. Picture Stories
  6. Media Room
    1. Press Archive Search
    2. Media Contacts
    3. CommonwealthTV
    4. Podcast: Pick of the Commonwealth
    5. Events
    6. In the Media
    7. Updates
    8. Downloads
  7. Resources
    1. Documents
    2. Image Library
    3. Libary & Archives
    4. Publications
  8. Publications
  9. Employment
  10. FAQs
    1. Acronyms
  11. Contact Us

Commonwealth Summit to focus on Digital Divide, Co-operation, Development and Democracy

8 June 2005

In a joint statement released today in London and Malta, the Commonwealth Secretary-General Don McKinnon and the Prime Minister of Malta, Lawrence Gonzi announced that the special theme for the next Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) would be 'Networking the Commonwealth for Development'. The Meeting would take place in Malta from 25-27 November 2005.

Maltese Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said: "The Maltese Government and people of Malta look forward to welcoming the Commonwealth Heads of Government to our country for this important summit. Malta is ideally placed to host this Meeting as it stands at the cross roads of the Mediterranean, the European Union and the Commonwealth. Its history and heritage provides a unique and exceptional backdrop for a constructive and forward looking discussion about development through networking."

Secretary General Don McKinnon said: "I know that Commonwealth leaders greatly look forward to their meeting in Malta. The theme of 'Networking the Commonwealth for Development' will allow leaders not only to discuss the important issue of bridging the digital divide but also identify ways of enhancing co-operation for prosperity, development and democracy, and using Commonwealth networks to achieve these goals. The timing of CHOGM is significant as there are a number of major international meetings on either side of it."

Note to Editors:

The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meetings are held every two years.

Previous CHOGMs have been held in Nigeria (2003), Australia (2002), South Africa (1999), the United Kingdom (1997), New Zealand (1995), Cyprus (1993), Zimbabwe (1991), Malaysia (1989), Canada (1987), The Bahamas (1985), India (1983), Australia (1981), Zambia (1979), the United Kingdom (1977), Jamaica (1975), Canada (1973) and Singapore (1971).

Prior to 1971, Commonwealth Prime Ministers Meetings were usually held every two years.

Malta has hosted several Commonwealth Meetings in the past. This is the first time it is hosting a Heads of Government Meeting.

 


05/40  8 June 2005

Share this page
About this