Every two years, Commonwealth countries and organisations convene for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). This year, the 27th CHOGM is taking place from 21 to 27 October 2024 in Apia, Samoa. This is the first time that a small Pacific Island nation will host the event. The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association is being represented at CHOGM  by Commonwealth Parliamentarians from different jurisdictions and the CPA Secretary-General, Stephen Twigg. The CPA will be attending the conference to highlight some of our core cross-cutting themes, including: 

• The importance of inclusive political leadership. 
• Ensuring that the parliamentary voice is heard as the new Commonwealth Secretary-General is appointed
• Emphasising the role of small jurisdictions in the fight against climate change, especially considering Samoa’s status as the first Pacific small island host nation for CHOGM. 

Throughout the week, the Commonwealth Parliamentarians representing the CPA will also be participating in and hosting events, including: 

• The Commonwealth Women’s Forum and Commonwealth Youth Forum 
• The CPA’s keynote side-event on the theme ‘Intersectional Political Leadership: Empowering Underrepresented Voices’ with Parliamentarians from Fiji, South Africa and New Zealand
• Joining other Accredited and Associated Organisations to the Commonwealth Secretariat in presenting at the Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers Roundtable.

In addition, the CPA Secretary-General will undertake a CPA Samoa Branch visit and attend the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Parliament of Samoa.

Please find below the work the CPA has undertaken in the run up to CHOGM, as well as updates throughout the week on the CPA’s activities: