Musalia Mudavadi highlights key outcomes at Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Samoa

By Robert Mutasi 

Kenyan Prime Cabinet Secretary, Musalia Mudavadi, hailed the closure of the 27th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Apia, Samoa. Leaders of 56 member states met from 24th to 26th October, 2024, under the theme of building a resilient, shared future.

Mudavadi expressed this in a statement while reiterating that this year's CHOGM falls in line with the 75th year of the Modern Commonwealth.

"This year's CHOGM is a milestone as we celebrate 75 years of the Modern Commonwealth, bound by a common purpose of building a resilient shared future," Mudavadi said.

The anniversary, therefore, indicated the determination of the organization to cooperate on facing challenges across the world, such as climate change, human rights, and economic equality.

Among the most outstanding features of the occasion was the election of Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, Ghana's Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, as the new Secretary-General of the Commonwealth. 

Mudavadi hailed Botchwey's appointment, adding that it was a testament to her distinguished career and commitment to international diplomacy.

"I also welcomed the decision to appoint Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey. as the next Secretary-General of the Commonwealth," Mudavadi said, expressing optimism about her leadership in steering the Commonwealth toward an inclusive and forward-looking future.

CHOGM 2024 also adopted several critical declarations, termed by Mudavadi as "impactful." One of them was the Declaration on Ocean Conservation with the aim of reenergizing the Commonwealth's commitment toward the protection of marine ecosystems, an issue of utmost importance to many member states, especially those in the Pacific and the Caribbean. 

The declaration points out the centrality of sustainable ocean management to addressing climate change and maintaining biodiversity.

Another important resolution deliberated was reparatory justice, one of the most debated issues within the Commonwealth, especially within the contexts of slavery and colonialism. 

Leaders at CHOGM 2024 re-engaged on this cause to realize that what was required was restorative processes that would attend to past injuries and hurt reconciliation.

As CHOGM 2024 closes, Mudavadi goes down memory lane, reflecting on what has taken center stage for leaders: a future resilient in cooperation, environmental sustainability, and justice.

Next will be the enforcement of the adopted policies among member states, as global problems demand common fronts.