Ahead of the 2018 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (2018 CHOGM) meeting in April next year, UK Prime Minister Theresa May took to the stage at the UN General Assembly, alongside Maltese Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland, to announce the theme and priorities for the summit: 'Towards a Common Future'.
Taking place 16-18 April between London and Windsor, 2018 CHOGM will focus on split the theme into four main areas of interest:
- Prosperity: boosting intra-Commonwealth trade and investment
- Security: increasing cooperation across security challenges including global terrorism, organised crime and cyber attacks
- Fairness: promoting democracy, fundamental freedoms and good governance across the Commonwealth
- Sustainability: building the resilience of small and vulnerable states to deal with the effects of climate change and other global crises
Speaking ahead of the announcement, May said:
"As the world changes, so must the Commonwealth if it is to rise to the new challenges that the 21st century presents. It is the responsibility of all members to ensure we are working together towards a common future that will meet the needs of all our peoples, particularly our youth. I look forward to this unique organisation coming together at next year’s Heads of Government Meeting to pursue an ambitious agenda for a more prosperous, secure, fair and sustainable future for everyone."
As an accredited Commonwealth organisation, ROSL is tasked with promoting and nurturing Commonwealth links around the world, through our activities and through our members. As such, look out for more events next year which aim to do so. Overseas magazine will also be featuring a Commonwealth themed issue to coincide with 2018 CHOGM.
More information on the summit can be found on the newly-launched website www.CHOGM2018.org.uk.
