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{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}}
{{Infobox summit meeting
{{Infobox summit meeting
| summit_name = 25th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting
| summit_name = 25th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting
Line 6: Line 7:
| dates = 19–20 April 2018<ref name="goal" />
| dates = 19–20 April 2018<ref name="goal" />
| venues = [[Buckingham Palace]], [[Lancaster House]], and [[Windsor Castle]] (retreat)
| venues = [[Buckingham Palace]], [[Lancaster House]], and [[Windsor Castle]] (retreat)
| cities = [[London, England|London]] and [[Windsor, Berkshire|Windsor]], England
| cities = [[London]] and [[Windsor, Berkshire|Windsor]]
| participants =
| participants =
| heads_of_state_label = {{nowrap|Heads of State}} or Government
| heads_of_state_label = {{nowrap|Heads of State}} or Government
| heads_of_state =
| heads_of_state =
| chairperson = [[Theresa May]], [[Prime Minister of the United Kingdom]]
| chairperson = [[Theresa May]], [[Prime Minister of the United Kingdom]]
| follows = [[Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2015|CHOGM 2015]]
| follows = [[2015 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting|2015]]
| precedes = [[2021 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting|CHOGM 2021]]
| precedes = [[2022 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting|2022]]
| keypoints = [[Head of the Commonwealth]] succession; [[Commonwealth Blue Charter]] on ocean conservation and plastic waste; trade and investment, Commonwealth Cyber Declaration
| keypoints = [[Head of the Commonwealth]] succession; [[Commonwealth Blue Charter]] on ocean conservation and [[plastic waste]]; trade and investment, Commonwealth Cyber Declaration
| website = {{URL|https://www.chogm2018.org.uk}}
| website = {{URL|https://www.chogm2018.org.uk}} {{dead link|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220707224111/https://www.chogm2018.org.uk/|date=May 2023}}
}}
}}
[[File:Commonwealth Heads meeting 2018 (40942285303).jpg|thumb|[[Theresa May]] speaks as chair of the meeting]]
[[File:Commonwealth Heads meeting 2018 (40942285303).jpg|thumb|[[Theresa May]] speaks as chair of the meeting]]
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The '''2018 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting''', also known as '''CHOGM 2018''', was the 25th [[Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting|Meeting]] of the [[List of Commonwealth heads of government|Heads of Government]] of the [[Commonwealth of Nations]]. It was held in the United Kingdom. The meeting had been planned to have been held by [[Vanuatu]] at the end of 2017, but was moved to the United Kingdom after the impact of [[Cyclone Pam]] on the infrastructure of Vanuatu. The meeting was then postponed to April 2018 due to other international commitments.<ref>{{cite news|title=Britain to host next Commonwealth summit in 2018|url=http://www.globalpost.com/article/6695806/2015/11/28/britain-host-next-commonwealth-summit-2018|access-date=28 November 2015|work=Global Post|agency=Agence France-Presse|date=28 November 2015}}</ref>


⚫
The position of [[Commonwealth Chair-in-Office]], held by the government leader of the CHOGM host country, was transferred at the summit from the [[Prime Minister of Malta]] to the [[Prime Minister of the United Kingdom]], who held the post until the 26th CHOGM in 2022.<ref name="comm">{{cite web|title=Our History|url=http://thecommonwealth.org/our-history#88|website=The Commonwealth|date=23 May 2013|publisher=The Commonwealth|access-date=25 November 2015|archive-date=24 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151124185159/http://thecommonwealth.org/our-history#88|url-status=dead}}</ref>
⚫
The '''Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2018''', also known as '''CHOGM 2018''', was the 25th [[Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting|meeting of the heads of government]] of the [[Commonwealth of Nations]]. It was held in the United Kingdom. The meeting had been planned to have been held by [[Vanuatu]] at the end of 2017, but was moved to the United Kingdom after the impact of [[Cyclone Pam]] on the infrastructure of Vanuatu. The meeting was then postponed to April 2018 due to other international commitments.<ref>{{cite news|title=Britain to host next Commonwealth summit in 2018|url=http://www.globalpost.com/article/6695806/2015/11/28/britain-host-next-commonwealth-summit-2018|access-date=28 November 2015|work=Global Post|agency=Agence Frace Presse|date=28 November 2015}}</ref>

⚫
The position of [[Commonwealth Chair-in-Office]], held by the government leader of the CHOGM host country, was transferred at the summit from the [[Prime Minister of Malta]] to the [[Prime Minister of the United Kingdom]], who will hold the post until the 26th CHOGM (expected in 2021).<ref name="comm">{{cite web|title=Our History|url=http://thecommonwealth.org/our-history#88|website=The Commonwealth|date=23 May 2013|publisher=The Commonwealth|access-date=25 November 2015}}</ref>


==Agenda==
==Agenda==
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===Trade===
===Trade===
This was the first CHOGM held following the [[United Kingdom]]'s decision to [[Brexit|withdraw from the European Union]], a decision which has resulted in calls for Britain to strengthen its economic ties with and play a greater role in the Commonwealth.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://thecommonwealth.org/media/news/commonwealth-and-brexit|title=Brexit and the Commonwealth – The Commonwealth|first=Site designed and built by Hydrant|last=(http://www.hydrant.co.uk)|website=thecommonwealth.org|date=4 April 2017}}</ref> The Commonwealth, as of 2018, was responsible for one-tenth of British trade compare to the EU with which the UK currently conducts half of its trade. Intra-Commonwealth trade, overall, is expected to increase by at least 17% to around US$700 billion by 2020.<ref name=afp>{{cite news|title=Britain hoping for Brexit boost from Commonwealth summit|url=http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/world/2018/04/16/britain-hoping-for-brexit-boost-from-commonwealth-summit/|access-date=16 April 2018|work=Free Malaysia Today|agency=Agence France Presse|date=16 April 2018}}</ref>
This was the first CHOGM held following the [[United Kingdom]]'s decision to [[Brexit|withdraw from the European Union]], a decision which has resulted in calls for Britain to strengthen its economic ties with and play a greater role in the Commonwealth.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://thecommonwealth.org/media/news/commonwealth-and-brexit|title=Brexit and the Commonwealth – The Commonwealth|website=thecommonwealth.org|date=4 April 2017|access-date=3 December 2016|archive-date=13 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161213222118/http://thecommonwealth.org/media/news/commonwealth-and-brexit|url-status=dead}}</ref> The Commonwealth, as of 2018, was responsible for one-tenth of British trade compare to the EU with which the UK currently conducts half of its trade. Intra-Commonwealth trade, overall, is expected to increase by at least 17% to around US$700 billion by 2020.<ref name=afp>{{cite news|title=Britain hoping for Brexit boost from Commonwealth summit|url=http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/world/2018/04/16/britain-hoping-for-brexit-boost-from-commonwealth-summit/|access-date=16 April 2018|work=Free Malaysia Today|agency=Agence France-Presse|date=16 April 2018}}</ref>


The British government reportedly hoped to use the CHOGM to open negotiations for expanded trade with Commonwealth nations to replace lost trade with the EU, however, as the summit began ''[[The Economist]]'' dismissed the belief that the Commonwealth could fill the gap created by [[Brexit]] as “an amiable delusion”.
The British government reportedly hoped to use the CHOGM to open negotiations for expanded trade with Commonwealth nations to replace lost trade with the EU, however, as the summit began ''[[The Economist]]'' dismissed the belief that the Commonwealth could fill the gap created by [[Brexit]] as "an amiable delusion".


===Head of the Commonwealth and the Royal Family===
===Head of the Commonwealth and the Royal Family===
The succession of the [[Head of the Commonwealth|Headship of the Commonwealth]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-43040240|title=Commonwealth in secret succession plans|first=James|last=Landale|author-link = James Landale|date=13 February 2018|access-date=10 March 2018|work=BBC News}}</ref>
The succession of the [[Head of the Commonwealth|Headship of the Commonwealth]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-43040240|title=Commonwealth in secret succession plans|first=James|last=Landale|author-link = James Landale|date=13 February 2018|access-date=10 March 2018|work=BBC News}}</ref>
and the roles of other members of the [[British Royal Family|Royal Family]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/prince-harry-to-take-commonwealth-role-f98q9qc22|title=Prince Harry to take Commonwealth role|first=Roya, ''Royal Correspondent'' |last=Nikkhah|date=18 February 2018|work=The Times|access-date=10 March 2018|url-access=subscription}}</ref> was discussed, and a proposal to nominate Queen [[Elizabeth II]] for the [[Nobel Peace Prize]] is also expected to feature in discussions.<ref>{{cite news | last = Ilse | first = Jess | title = What is the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting? (blog) | url = http://royalcentral.co.uk/blogs/what-is-chogm-100508 | work = Royal Central | date = 16 April 2018}}</ref>
and the roles of other members of the [[British Royal Family|Royal Family]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thetimes.com/article/prince-harry-to-take-commonwealth-role-f98q9qc22|title=Prince Harry to take Commonwealth role|first=Roya|last=Nikkhah|date=18 February 2018|work=[[The Times]]|access-date=10 March 2018|url-access=subscription}}</ref> was discussed, and a proposal to nominate Queen [[Elizabeth II]] for the [[Nobel Peace Prize]] was also expected to feature in discussions.<ref>{{cite news | last = Ilse | first = Jess | title = What is the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting? (blog) | url = http://royalcentral.co.uk/blogs/what-is-chogm-100508 | work = Royal Central | date = 16 April 2018}}</ref>


At a speech welcoming Commonwealth leaders to Buckingham Palace on the first day of the summit, the Queen said "It is my sincere wish that the Commonwealth will continue to offer stability and continuity for future generations, and will decide that one day the Prince of Wales should carry on the important work started by my father in 1949."<ref name=bbcopen>{{cite news|title=Commonwealth meeting: Queen hopes Prince Charles will succeed her|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-43820328|access-date=20 April 2018|work=BBC News|date=19 April 2018}}</ref>
At a speech welcoming Commonwealth leaders to Buckingham Palace on the first day of the summit, the Queen said "It is my sincere wish that the Commonwealth will continue to offer stability and continuity for future generations, and will decide that one day the Prince of Wales should carry on the important work started by my father in 1949."<ref name=bbcopen>{{cite news|title=Commonwealth meeting: Queen hopes Prince Charles will succeed her|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-43820328|access-date=20 April 2018|work=BBC News|date=19 April 2018}}</ref>


On 20 April, the second day of the summit, the Commonwealth leaders agreed that [[Prince Charles]] would succeed the Queen as Head of the Commonwealth.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-43840710|title=Charles 'to be next Commonwealth head'|date=20 April 2018|work=BBC News|access-date=20 April 2018|language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://news.sky.com/story/prince-charles-to-succeed-queen-as-commonwealth-head-11338957|title=Prince Charles to succeed Queen as Commonwealth head|date=20 April 2018|work=Sky News|access-date=20 April 2018|language=en-GB}}</ref>
On 20 April, the second day of the summit, the Commonwealth leaders agreed that [[Prince Charles]] would succeed the Queen as Head of the Commonwealth.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-43840710|title=Charles 'to be next Commonwealth head'|date=20 April 2018|work=BBC News|access-date=20 April 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://news.sky.com/story/prince-charles-to-succeed-queen-as-commonwealth-head-11338957|title=Prince Charles to succeed Queen as Commonwealth head|date=20 April 2018|work=Sky News|access-date=20 April 2018}}</ref>


===LGBT rights===
===LGBT rights===
The British government was accused by [[LGBT]] activists of backing away from plans to make [[LGBT rights in the Commonwealth of Nations]] an issue during the summit. Homosexuality remains a criminal offence in 37 out of 53 Commonwealth states. LGBT-rights campaigners from the UK and across the Commonwealth picketed [[Marlborough House]], the headquarters of the [[Commonwealth Secretariat]], on 19 April in order to draw attention to the issue.<ref>{{cite news | last = Quinn | first = Ben | title = UK rows back on plans to promote gay rights at Commonwealth summit | url = https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/apr/14/uk-rows-back-on-plans-to-promote-gay-rights-at-commonwealth-summit | work = The Guardian | date = 14 April 2018 |access-date=14 April 2018}}</ref> UK Prime Minister Theresa May said in a speech to Commonwealth leaders that she "deeply regrets" Britain's role in having same-sex conduct criminalized in colonial laws that remain in force in many Commonwealth countries, saying of these laws that “They were wrong then and they are wrong now” and that the UK government supports the reform of these laws in former colonies.<ref>{{cite news | last = Jain | first = Sagaree |title= Theresa May 'Deeply Regrets' Colonial Anti-LGBT Laws|url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2018/04/18/theresa-may-deeply-regrets-colonial-anti-lgbt-laws|access-date=20 April 2018|work=Human Rights Watch|date=18 April 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Crerar | first = Pippa |title= Theresa May says she deeply regrets Britain's legacy of anti-gay laws|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/apr/17/theresa-may-deeply-regrets-britain-legacy-anti-gay-laws-commonwealth-nations-urged-overhaul-legislation|access-date=20 April 2018|work=The Guardian|date=17 April 2018}}</ref>
The British government was accused by [[LGBT]] activists of backing away from plans to make [[LGBT rights in the Commonwealth of Nations]] an issue during the summit. Homosexuality remains a criminal offence in 37 out of 53 Commonwealth states. LGBT-rights campaigners from the UK and across the Commonwealth picketed [[Marlborough House]], the headquarters of the [[Commonwealth Secretariat]], on 19 April in order to draw attention to the issue.<ref>{{cite news | last = Quinn | first = Ben | title = UK rows back on plans to promote gay rights at Commonwealth summit | url = https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/apr/14/uk-rows-back-on-plans-to-promote-gay-rights-at-commonwealth-summit | work = The Guardian | date = 14 April 2018 |access-date=14 April 2018}}</ref> UK Prime Minister Theresa May said in a speech to Commonwealth leaders that she "deeply regrets" Britain's role in having same-sex conduct criminalized in colonial laws that remain in force in many Commonwealth countries, saying of these laws that "They were wrong then and they are wrong now" and that the UK government supports the reform of these laws in former colonies.<ref>{{cite news | last = Jain | first = Sagaree |title= Theresa May 'Deeply Regrets' Colonial Anti-LGBT Laws|url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2018/04/18/theresa-may-deeply-regrets-colonial-anti-lgbt-laws|access-date=20 April 2018|work=Human Rights Watch|date=18 April 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Crerar | first = Pippa |title= Theresa May says she deeply regrets Britain's legacy of anti-gay laws|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/apr/17/theresa-may-deeply-regrets-britain-legacy-anti-gay-laws-commonwealth-nations-urged-overhaul-legislation|access-date=20 April 2018|work=The Guardian|date=17 April 2018}}</ref>


===Commonwealth Clean Oceans Alliance===
===Commonwealth Clean Oceans Alliance===
The UK promised to spend [[Pound sterling|£]]61m to combat the pollution of the world's oceans by plastics and announced that it would ban plastic straws, [[microbead]]s, and other waste and to help developing countries curb plastics and other environmental pollutants from contaminating the oceans, and urged other Commonwealth countries to do the same. Five countries have joined the Commonwealth Clean Oceans Alliance: the UK, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Vanuatu and Ghana.<ref name=bbcopen/><ref>{{cite news|title=Government promises £61m to tackle scourge of ocean plastic pollution with Commonwealth nations|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/environment/theresa-may-commonwealth-plastic-climate-change-ocean-pollution-david-attenborough-blue-planet-a8305721.html|access-date=20 April 2018|date=15 April 2018|work=The Independent}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Britain urges Australia and the Commonwealth to tackle plastic waste|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-04-19/chogm-britain-urges-commonwealth-to-tackle-plastic-waste/9677786|access-date=20 April 2018|work=ABC News|date=20 April 2018}}</ref>
The UK promised to spend [[Pound sterling|£]]61m to combat the pollution of the world's oceans by plastics and announced that it would ban plastic straws, [[microbead]]s, and other waste and to help developing countries curb plastics and other environmental pollutants from contaminating the oceans, and urged other Commonwealth countries to do the same. Five countries have joined the Commonwealth Clean Oceans Alliance: the UK, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Vanuatu and Ghana.<ref name=bbcopen/><ref>{{cite news|title=Government promises £61m to tackle scourge of ocean plastic pollution with Commonwealth nations|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/environment/theresa-may-commonwealth-plastic-climate-change-ocean-pollution-david-attenborough-blue-planet-a8305721.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/environment/theresa-may-commonwealth-plastic-climate-change-ocean-pollution-david-attenborough-blue-planet-a8305721.html |archive-date=1 May 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|access-date=20 April 2018|date=15 April 2018|work=The Independent}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Britain urges Australia and the Commonwealth to tackle plastic waste|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-04-19/chogm-britain-urges-commonwealth-to-tackle-plastic-waste/9677786|access-date=20 April 2018|work=ABC News|date=20 April 2018}}</ref>


===Commonwealth Cyber Declaration===
===Commonwealth Cyber Declaration===
The Commonwealth unanimously adopted the Commonwealth Cyber Declaration with leaders agreeing to work closely to strengthen their cybersecurity frameworks and response mechanisms by 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.jagranjosh.com/current-affairs/commonwealth-countries-adopt-commonwealth-cyber-declaration-1524470490-1|title = Commonwealth countries adopt Commonwealth Cyber Declaration|date = 23 April 2018}}</ref>
The Commonwealth unanimously adopted the Commonwealth Cyber Declaration with leaders agreeing to work closely to strengthen their cybersecurity frameworks and response mechanisms by 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.jagranjosh.com/current-affairs/commonwealth-countries-adopt-commonwealth-cyber-declaration-1524470490-1|title = Commonwealth countries adopt Commonwealth Cyber Declaration|date = 23 April 2018}}</ref>


==Participants==
==Notable attendees==
[[File:Commonwealth Foreign Ministers - 2018 (26673968607).jpg|thumb|[[Foreign minister]]s present at CHOGM 2018]]
[[File:Commonwealth Foreign Ministers - 2018 (26673968607).jpg|thumb|[[Foreign minister]]s present at CHOGM 2018]]


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Of the 53 Commonwealth member countries, 19 were presented by the respective heads of state (1 Sultan and 18 Presidents), 28 countries by their respective heads of government including the host country, 2 by their respective deputy heads of state, 1 by their deputy head of government, 1 by the presiding officer of the national legislature, and remaining 2 by their foreign ministers.<ref name=bbcopen/><ref>{{cite web | last = PA | author-link = Press Association | title = Queen winding down Commonwealth duties, suggests Ghana president | url = http://home.bt.com/news/uk-news/queen-winding-down-commonwealth-duties-suggests-ghana-president-11364265512212 | website = bt.com | publisher = [[BT Group|BT]] | date = 20 April 2018 | access-date = 20 April 2018}}</ref>
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* [[Jacinda Ardern]], [[Prime Minister of New Zealand]]; this was her first time attending CHOGM.

* [[Adama Barrow]], [[President of the Gambia]]; after the Gambia had returned to its status as a [[Commonwealth republic]] on 8 February 2018.
The Commonwealth was represented by the presence of [[Queen Elizabeth II]] as Head of the Commonwealth and [[Charles, Prince of Wales]] while the Commonwealth Secretariat was represented by the Secretary-General [[Patricia Scotland]].
⚫
* [[Narendra Modi]], [[Prime Minister of India]]; marking the first time since [[Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2011|CHOGM 2011]] that a Prime Minister of India has attended the summit.<ref name="SBS">{{cite news | last1 = Lewis | first1 = Ben | last2 = Elton-Pym | first2 = James |title= Who should replace the Queen? Just one topic on the CHOGM agenda |url= https://www.sbs.com.au/news/who-should-replace-the-queen-just-one-topic-on-the-chogm-agenda |work=[[SBS World News|SBS News]] |date=16 April 2018 |access-date= 16 April 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title=Modi and CHOGM 2018: Reimagining the Commonwealth|url=https://www.orfonline.org/research/modi-and-chogm-2018-reimagining-the-commonwealth/|access-date=18 April 2018}}</ref>
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*[[President of South Africa|South African President]] [[Cyril Ramaphosa]] had to leave the summit early, returning to [[South Africa]] to deal with riots in [[North West (South African province)|North West province]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/apr/21/south-africa-riots-force-president-to-leave-commonwealth-summit|title=South Africa riots force president to leave Commonwealth summit|first=Agence|last=France-Presse|date=21 April 2018|website=The Guardian}}</ref>
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*[[Shahid Khaqan Abbasi]], [[Prime Minister of Pakistan]]; this was his first time attending CHOGM
*[[Zimbabwe]]'s Foreign Minister, [[Sibusiso Moyo]], was in London and requested to attend the summit as an observer in an attempt by the country to re-engage with the Commonwealth following the departure of longtime President [[Robert Mugabe]]. Moyo's presence would have been the first time Zimbabwe has attended a CHOGM in any capacity since leaving the Commonwealth in 2003.<ref>{{cite news | last = AFP | author-link = Agence France-Presse |title=Zimbabwe heads to Commonwealth summit to 're-engage'|url=https://citizen.co.za/news/news-africa/1895967/zimbabwe-heads-to-commonwealth-summit-to-re-engage/|access-date=16 April 2018|work=[[The Citizen (South Africa)|The Citizen]] | location = South Africa|date=16 April 2018}}</ref> Moyo met various Commonwealth leaders on the sidelines of the summit, and the UK expressed its support for readmitting Zimbabwe to the Commonwealth,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-britain-chogm-zimbabwe/britain-wants-zimbabwe-back-in-the-commonwealth-but-eyes-july-election-idUSKBN1HR12G|title=Britain wants Zimbabwe back in the Commonwealth, but eyes July...|first=William|last=James|newspaper=Reuters|date=20 April 2018}}</ref> but Moyo was not permitted to attend the summit itself as the Commonwealth has no provision for observer status.<ref>{{cite news|title=Zimbabwe denied C'wealth observer status|url=https://www.theindependent.co.zw/2018/04/20/zimbabwe-denied-cwealth-observer-status/|access-date=20 April 2018|work=Zimbabwe Independent|date=20 April 2018}}</ref>
*[[Julie Bishop]], [[Minister for Foreign Affairs (Australia)]]


*{{flagicon|Commonwealth}} [[Queen Elizabeth II]], Head of the Commonwealth
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Overall, 47 out of 53 Commonwealth states were represented at the summit by their heads of government, with foreign ministers being the most senior attendees of the remaining countries.<ref name=bbcopen/><ref>{{cite web | last = PA | author-link = Press Association | title = Queen winding down Commonwealth duties, suggests Ghana president | url = http://home.bt.com/news/uk-news/queen-winding-down-commonwealth-duties-suggests-ghana-president-11364265512212 | website = bt.com | publisher = [[BT Group|BT]] | date = 20 April 2018 | access-date = 20 April 2018}}</ref>
*{{flagicon|Commonwealth}} [[Patricia Scotland]], Secretary-General of the Commonwealth
*{{flagicon|Antigua and Barbuda}} [[Gaston Browne]], Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda
*{{flagicon|Australia}} [[Malcolm Turnbull]], Prime Minister of Australia
*{{flagicon|Bahamas}} [[Hubert Minnis]], Prime Minister of the Bahamas
*{{flagicon|Bangladesh}} [[Sheikh Hasina]], Prime Minister of Bangladesh
*{{flagicon|Barbados}} [[Maxine McClean]], Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Barbados
*{{flagicon|Belize}} [[Wilfred Elrington]], Minister of Foreign Affairs and Home Affairs of Belize
*{{flagicon|Botswana}} [[Mokgweetsi Masisi]], President of Botswana
*{{flagicon|Brunei}} Sultan [[Hassanal Bolkiah]], Sultan and Prime Minister of Brunei
*{{flagicon|Cameroon}} [[Philémon Yang]], Prime Minister of Cameroon
*{{flagicon|Canada}} [[Justin Trudeau]], Prime Minister of Canada
*{{flagicon|Cyprus}} [[Nicos Anastasiades]], President of Cyprus
*{{flagicon|Dominica}} [[Roosevelt Skerrit]], Prime Minister of Dominica
*{{flagicon|Fiji}} [[Frank Bainimarama]], Prime Minister of Fiji
*{{flagicon|Gambia}} [[Adama Barrow]], President of The Gambia
*{{flagicon|Ghana}} [[Nana Akufo-Addo]], President of Ghana
*{{flagicon|Grenada}} [[Keith Mitchell]], Prime Minister of Grenada
*{{flagicon|Guyana}} [[David A. Granger]], President of Guyana
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*{{flagicon|India}} [[Narendra Modi]], Prime Minister of India<ref name="SBS">{{cite news | last1 = Lewis | first1 = Ben | last2 = Elton-Pym | first2 = James |title= Who should replace the Queen? Just one topic on the CHOGM agenda |url= https://www.sbs.com.au/news/who-should-replace-the-queen-just-one-topic-on-the-chogm-agenda |work=[[SBS News]] |date=16 April 2018 |access-date= 16 April 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title=Modi and CHOGM 2018: Reimagining the Commonwealth|url=https://www.orfonline.org/research/modi-and-chogm-2018-reimagining-the-commonwealth/|access-date=18 April 2018}}</ref>
*{{flagicon|Jamaica}} [[Andrew Holness]], Prime Minister of Jamaica
*{{flagicon|Kenya}} [[Uhuru Kenyatta]], President of Kenya
*{{flagicon|Kiribati}} [[Taneti Maamau]], President of Kiribati
*{{flagicon|Lesotho}} [[Tom Thabane]], Prime Minister of Lesotho
*{{flagicon|Malawi}} [[Peter Mutharika]], Prime Minister of Malawi
*{{flagicon|Malaysia}} Tan Sri Dato' Sri [[Vigneswaran Sanasee]], President of Dewan Negara of Malaysia
*{{flagicon|Malta}} [[Joseph Muscat]], Prime Minister of Malta
*{{flagicon|Mauritius}} [[Pravind Jugnauth]], Prime Minister of Mauritius
*{{flagicon|Mozambique}} [[Filipe Nyusi]], President of Mozambique
*{{flagicon|Namibia}} [[Hage Geingob]], President of Namibia
*{{flagicon|Nauru}} [[Baron Waqa]], President of Nauru
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*{{flagicon|New Zealand}} [[Jacinda Ardern]], Prime Minister of New Zealand
*{{flagicon|Nigeria}} [[Muhammadu Buhari]], President of Nigeria
⚫
*{{flagicon|Pakistan}} [[Shahid Khaqan Abbasi]], Prime Minister of Pakistan
*{{flagicon|Papua New Guinea}} [[Peter O'Neill]], Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea
*{{flagicon|Rwanda}} [[Paul Kagame]], President of Rwanda
*{{flagicon|Saint Kitts and Nevis}} [[Timothy Harris]], Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis
*{{flagicon|Saint Lucia}} [[Allen Chastanet]], Prime Minister of Saint Lucia
*{{flagicon|Saint Vincent and the Grenadines}} Sir [[Louis Straker]], Deputy Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
*{{flagicon|Samoa}} [[Tuilaʻepa Saʻilele Malielegaoi]], Prime Minister of Samoa
*{{flagicon|Seychelles}} [[Danny Faure]], President of Seychelles
*{{flagicon|Sierra Leone}} [[Julius Maada Bio]], President of Sierra Leone
*{{flagicon|Singapore}} [[Lee Hsien Loong]], Prime Minister of Singapore
*{{flagicon|Solomon Islands}} [[Rick Houenipwela]], Prime Minister of Solomon Islands
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*{{flagicon|South Africa}} [[Cyril Ramaphosa]], President of South Africa<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/apr/21/south-africa-riots-force-president-to-leave-commonwealth-summit|title=South Africa riots force president to leave Commonwealth summit|agency=Agence France-Presse|date=21 April 2018|website=The Guardian}}</ref>
*{{flagicon|Sri Lanka}} [[Maithripala Sirisena]], President of Sri Lanka
*{{flagicon|Swaziland}} [[Barnabas Sibusiso Dlamini]], Prime Minister of Swaziland
*{{flagicon|Tanzania}} [[Samia Suluhu]], Vice President of Tanzania
*{{flagicon|Tonga}} [[ʻAkilisi Pōhiva]], Prime Minister of Tonga
*{{flagicon|Trinidad and Tobago}} [[Keith Rowley]], Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago
*{{flagicon|Tuvalu}} [[Enele Sopoaga]], Prime Minister of Tuvalu
*{{flagicon|Uganda}} [[Yoweri Museveni]], President of Uganda
*{{flagicon|United Kingdom}} [[Theresa May]], Prime Minister of the United Kingdom '''''(Chair)'''''
*{{flagicon|Vanuatu}} [[Charlot Salwai]], Prime Minister of Vanuatu
*{{flagicon|Zambia}} [[Inonge Wina]], Vice President of Zambia


==Outcomes==
==Outcomes==
The leaders issued a Communiqué at the close of the summit in which they:
The leaders issued a Communiqué at the close of the summit in which they:
*committed their countries to ratifying and implementing the [[Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women]],<ref name=communique>https://www.chogm2018.org.uk/sites/default/files/CHOGM%202018%20Communique.pdf</ref>
*committed their countries to ratifying and implementing the [[Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women]],<ref name=communique>{{Cite web |url=https://www.chogm2018.org.uk/sites/default/files/CHOGM%202018%20Communique.pdf |title=Summit Communiqué |access-date=20 April 2018 |archive-date=21 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180421031736/https://www.chogm2018.org.uk/sites/default/files/CHOGM%202018%20Communique.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>
*"mainstream youth priorities into national development policies and plans",<ref name=communique/>
*"mainstream youth priorities into national development policies and plans",<ref name=communique/>
*"address the stigma around disability in all its forms and manifestations",<ref name=communique/>
*"address the stigma around disability in all its forms and manifestations",<ref name=communique/>
Line 80: Line 130:
*adopted a Commonwealth Cyber Declaration that "reflects Commonwealth values, and sets out a common commitment to an open, democratic peaceful and secure internet, respecting human rights and freedom of expression"<ref name=communique/>
*adopted a Commonwealth Cyber Declaration that "reflects Commonwealth values, and sets out a common commitment to an open, democratic peaceful and secure internet, respecting human rights and freedom of expression"<ref name=communique/>
*called for a strengthening of the implementation of the [[Chemical Weapons Convention]]<ref name=communique/>
*called for a strengthening of the implementation of the [[Chemical Weapons Convention]]<ref name=communique/>
*agreed to work together to [[climate change mitigation|combat climate change]] – particularly with reference to "small island developing states"<ref name=guard>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/apr/20/prince-charles-next-head-commonwealth-queen|title=Prince Charles to be next head of Commonwealth|first=Peter|last=Walker|date=20 April 2018|website=The Guardian}}</ref>
*agreed to work together to [[combat climate change]] – particularly with reference to "small island developing states"<ref name=guard>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/apr/20/prince-charles-next-head-commonwealth-queen|title=Prince Charles to be next head of Commonwealth|first=Peter|last=Walker|date=20 April 2018|website=The Guardian}}</ref>
*to coordinate efforts countering extremism as well as human trafficking.<ref name=guard/>
*to coordinate efforts countering extremism as well as human trafficking.<ref name=guard/>
*agreed that [[Rwanda]] will host the next [[Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2020|CHOGM in 2020]] and that [[Samoa]] would host the CHOGM 2022.<ref name=communique/>
*agreed that [[Rwanda]] will host the next CHOGM in 2020 (later rescheduled as [[2022 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting|CHOGM in 2022]] due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]]<ref>{{Cite news |last=CHOGM |first=CHOGM |date=31 January 2022 |title=New date announced for Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting |pages=1–2 |work=The Commonwealth |url=https://thecommonwealth.org/news/new-date-announced-commonwealth-heads-government-meeting#:~:text=Hon.,of%20the%20COVID%2D19%20pandemic. |access-date=31 January 2022}}</ref>) and that [[Samoa]] would host the CHOGM in 2022 (later rescheduled as CHOGM in 2024 due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]]).<ref name=communique/>


The leaders also issued a statement announcing their decision that Prince Charles will be the next Head of the Commonwealth.<ref>https://www.chogm2018.org.uk/sites/default/files/CHOGM%20{{Dead link|date=July 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
The leaders also issued a statement announcing their decision that [[Prince Charles]] would be the next [[Head of the Commonwealth]].<ref>[https://www.chogm2018.org.uk/sites/default/files/CHOGM%20 Summit website] {{Dead link|date=July 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>


==Commonwealth Forums==
==Commonwealth Forums==


Parallel Commonwealth Summit Forums were held at the [[Queen Elizabeth II Centre|Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre]] from 16 to 19 April, with 5,000 participants attending from government, business, and [[civil society]] engaged in Women's, Youth, and Peoples Forums with a Business Forum being held at [[Guildhall, London|Guildhall]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.chogm2018.org.uk/forums|title = The Forums|date = 21 August 2017}}</ref> A joint plenary of all four fora was held for the first time on 17 April.<ref name="Stan"/>{{Update inline|date=April 2018}}
Parallel Commonwealth Summit Forums were held at the [[Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre]] from 16 to 19 April, with 5,000 participants attending from government, business, and [[civil society]] engaged in Women's, Youth, and Peoples Forums with a Business Forum being held at [[Guildhall, London|Guildhall]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.chogm2018.org.uk/forums|title = The Forums|date = 21 August 2017}}</ref> A joint plenary of all four fora was held for the first time on 17 April.<ref name="Stan"/>{{Update inline|date=April 2018}}


The Commonwealth Summit Forums saw participation from a number of Commonwealth heads of government and ministers. UK Prime Minister [[Theresa May]] opened the Business Forum on 16 April 2018 <ref>[https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-britain-commonwealth-may/may-seeks-commonwealth-trade-boost-as-final-brexit-talks-begin-idUKKBN1HM0YY Reuters]</ref> and South African President [[Cyril Ramaphosa]] delivered a keynote address at the Business Forum Banquet.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.iol.co.za/business-report/economy/president-ramaphosas-full-speech-at-the-commonwealth-business-forum-14506108|title = President Ramaphosa's full speech at the Commonwealth Business Forum}}</ref>
The Commonwealth Summit Forums saw participation from a number of Commonwealth heads of government and ministers. UK Prime Minister [[Theresa May]] opened the Business Forum on 16 April 2018 <ref>{{Cite news|date=2018-04-15|title=May seeks Commonwealth trade boost as final Brexit talks begin|language=en|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-britain-commonwealth-may-idUKKBN1HM0YY|access-date=2021-12-30}}</ref> and South African President [[Cyril Ramaphosa]] delivered a keynote address at the Business Forum Banquet.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.iol.co.za/business-report/economy/president-ramaphosas-full-speech-at-the-commonwealth-business-forum-14506108|title = President Ramaphosa's full speech at the Commonwealth Business Forum}}</ref>


Various members of the royal family—including [[Charles, Prince of Wales|The Prince of Wales]] and the [[Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall|Duchess of Cornwall]]; [[Prince William, Duke of Cambridge]], and the [[Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex|Duke]] and [[Meghan, Duchess of Sussex|Duchess of Sussex]]— hosted and participated in various receptions and events being held as part of the forums or the heads of government meeting itself.<ref>{{cite news | last = Samhan | first = Jamie |title = Meghan Markle to join Prince Harry at Commonwealth Heads of Government Meetings|url=http://royalcentral.co.uk/uk/princeharry/meghan-markle-to-join-prince-harry-at-commonwealth-heads-of-government-meetings-100276 | work = Royal Central | date = 12 April 2018 | access-date = 14 April 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Nicholl | first = Katie | title = Meghan Markle takes on a new, and highly unusual, Royal duty |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2018/04/meghan-markle-takes-on-a-new-and-highly-unusual-royal-duty | work = [[Vanity Fair (magazine)|Vanity Fair]] | date = April 2018 | access-date = 14 April 2018}}</ref> Prince Harry, in his new role as Commonwealth [[Youth Ambassador]], opened the Youth Forum telling delegates: "In my new role, I will work to support the Queen, my father the Prince of Wales, and my brother William, all of whom know that young people are the answer to the challenges of today."<ref>{{cite news|last1=Heffer|first1=Greg|title=Cheers as Prince Harry praises Meghan Markle at Commonwealth summit|url=https://news.sky.com/story/cheers-as-prince-harry-praises-meghan-markle-at-commonwealth-summit-11333664|access-date=16 April 2018|work=Sky News|date=16 April 2018}}</ref>
Various members of the royal family—including [[Charles, Prince of Wales|The Prince of Wales]] and the [[Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall|Duchess of Cornwall]]; [[Prince William, Duke of Cambridge]], and the [[Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex|Duke]] and [[Duchess of Sussex]]— hosted and participated in various receptions and events being held as part of the forums or the heads of government meeting itself.<ref>{{cite news | last = Samhan | first = Jamie |title = Meghan Markle to join Prince Harry at Commonwealth Heads of Government Meetings|url=http://royalcentral.co.uk/uk/princeharry/meghan-markle-to-join-prince-harry-at-commonwealth-heads-of-government-meetings-100276 | work = Royal Central | date = 12 April 2018 | access-date = 14 April 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Nicholl | first = Katie | title = Meghan Markle takes on a new, and highly unusual, Royal duty |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2018/04/meghan-markle-takes-on-a-new-and-highly-unusual-royal-duty | work = [[Vanity Fair (magazine)|Vanity Fair]] | date = April 2018 | access-date = 14 April 2018}}</ref> Prince Harry, in his new role as Commonwealth [[Youth Ambassador]], opened the Youth Forum telling delegates: "In my new role, I will work to support the Queen, my father the Prince of Wales, and my brother William, all of whom know that young people are the answer to the challenges of today."<ref>{{cite news|last1=Heffer|first1=Greg|title=Cheers as Prince Harry praises Meghan Markle at Commonwealth summit|url=https://news.sky.com/story/cheers-as-prince-harry-praises-meghan-markle-at-commonwealth-summit-11333664|access-date=16 April 2018|work=Sky News|date=16 April 2018}}</ref>


On the final day of the meeting, Prince Harry and Markle attended a reception to promote women's empowerment and girls' education.<ref>{{cite news | last1 = Kindelan | first1 = Katie | last2 = Durand | first2 = Carolyn | title = Meghan Markle joins Prince Harry in support of women's empowerment | url = https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Culture/meghan-markle-joins-prince-harry-support-womens-empowerment/story?id=54579177 | work = [[ABC News]] | date = 19 April 2018 | access-date = 20 April 2018}}</ref>
On the final day of the meeting, [[Prince Harry]] and [[Meghan Markle]] attended a reception to promote women's empowerment and girls' education.<ref>{{cite news | last1 = Kindelan | first1 = Katie | last2 = Durand | first2 = Carolyn | title = Meghan Markle joins Prince Harry in support of women's empowerment | url = https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Culture/meghan-markle-joins-prince-harry-support-womens-empowerment/story?id=54579177 | work = [[ABC News (United States)|ABC News]] | date = 19 April 2018 | access-date = 20 April 2018}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
Line 100: Line 150:


==External links==
==External links==
*[https://www.chogm2018.org.uk/sites/default/files/CHOGM%202018%20Communique.pdf CHOGM 2018 Communiqué]
*[https://www.chogm2018.org.uk/sites/default/files/CHOGM%202018%20Communique.pdf CHOGM 2018 Communiqué] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180421031736/https://www.chogm2018.org.uk/sites/default/files/CHOGM%202018%20Communique.pdf |date=21 April 2018 }}


{{Commonwealth Heads of Government Meetings}}
{{Commonwealth Heads of Government Meetings}}

Latest revision as of 07:48, 12 December 2024

25th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting
CHOGM 2018
Host country United Kingdom
Dates19–20 April 2018[1]
Venue(s)Buckingham Palace, Lancaster House, and Windsor Castle (retreat)
CitiesLondon and Windsor
ChairTheresa May, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
Follows2015
Precedes2022
Websitewww.chogm2018.org.uk [dead link‍]
Key points
Head of the Commonwealth succession; Commonwealth Blue Charter on ocean conservation and plastic waste; trade and investment, Commonwealth Cyber Declaration
Theresa May speaks as chair of the meeting

The 2018 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, also known as CHOGM 2018, was the 25th Meeting of the Heads of Government of the Commonwealth of Nations. It was held in the United Kingdom. The meeting had been planned to have been held by Vanuatu at the end of 2017, but was moved to the United Kingdom after the impact of Cyclone Pam on the infrastructure of Vanuatu. The meeting was then postponed to April 2018 due to other international commitments.[2]

The position of Commonwealth Chair-in-Office, held by the government leader of the CHOGM host country, was transferred at the summit from the Prime Minister of Malta to the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, who held the post until the 26th CHOGM in 2022.[3]

Agenda

[edit]

The theme of the summit was "Towards a Common Future". The British hosts set out four main goals for the summit:[1]

  • 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

Under consideration were: A Commonwealth Blue Charter on ocean governance, a Commonwealth connectivity agenda for trade and investment, a declaration on cybercrime, and revised Commonwealth guidelines on election observation in member countries.[4][5]

Trade

[edit]

This was the first CHOGM held following the United Kingdom's decision to withdraw from the European Union, a decision which has resulted in calls for Britain to strengthen its economic ties with and play a greater role in the Commonwealth.[6] The Commonwealth, as of 2018, was responsible for one-tenth of British trade compare to the EU with which the UK currently conducts half of its trade. Intra-Commonwealth trade, overall, is expected to increase by at least 17% to around US$700 billion by 2020.[7]

The British government reportedly hoped to use the CHOGM to open negotiations for expanded trade with Commonwealth nations to replace lost trade with the EU, however, as the summit began The Economist dismissed the belief that the Commonwealth could fill the gap created by Brexit as "an amiable delusion".

Head of the Commonwealth and the Royal Family

[edit]

The succession of the Headship of the Commonwealth,[8] and the roles of other members of the Royal Family[9] was discussed, and a proposal to nominate Queen Elizabeth II for the Nobel Peace Prize was also expected to feature in discussions.[10]

At a speech welcoming Commonwealth leaders to Buckingham Palace on the first day of the summit, the Queen said "It is my sincere wish that the Commonwealth will continue to offer stability and continuity for future generations, and will decide that one day the Prince of Wales should carry on the important work started by my father in 1949."[11]

On 20 April, the second day of the summit, the Commonwealth leaders agreed that Prince Charles would succeed the Queen as Head of the Commonwealth.[12][13]

LGBT rights

[edit]

The British government was accused by LGBT activists of backing away from plans to make LGBT rights in the Commonwealth of Nations an issue during the summit. Homosexuality remains a criminal offence in 37 out of 53 Commonwealth states. LGBT-rights campaigners from the UK and across the Commonwealth picketed Marlborough House, the headquarters of the Commonwealth Secretariat, on 19 April in order to draw attention to the issue.[14] UK Prime Minister Theresa May said in a speech to Commonwealth leaders that she "deeply regrets" Britain's role in having same-sex conduct criminalized in colonial laws that remain in force in many Commonwealth countries, saying of these laws that "They were wrong then and they are wrong now" and that the UK government supports the reform of these laws in former colonies.[15][16]

Commonwealth Clean Oceans Alliance

[edit]

The UK promised to spend £61m to combat the pollution of the world's oceans by plastics and announced that it would ban plastic straws, microbeads, and other waste and to help developing countries curb plastics and other environmental pollutants from contaminating the oceans, and urged other Commonwealth countries to do the same. Five countries have joined the Commonwealth Clean Oceans Alliance: the UK, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Vanuatu and Ghana.[11][17][18]

Commonwealth Cyber Declaration

[edit]

The Commonwealth unanimously adopted the Commonwealth Cyber Declaration with leaders agreeing to work closely to strengthen their cybersecurity frameworks and response mechanisms by 2020.[19]

Participants

[edit]
Foreign ministers present at CHOGM 2018

Of the 53 Commonwealth member countries, 19 were presented by the respective heads of state (1 Sultan and 18 Presidents), 28 countries by their respective heads of government including the host country, 2 by their respective deputy heads of state, 1 by their deputy head of government, 1 by the presiding officer of the national legislature, and remaining 2 by their foreign ministers.[11][20]

The Commonwealth was represented by the presence of Queen Elizabeth II as Head of the Commonwealth and Charles, Prince of Wales while the Commonwealth Secretariat was represented by the Secretary-General Patricia Scotland.

Outcomes

[edit]

The leaders issued a Communiqué at the close of the summit in which they:

  • committed their countries to ratifying and implementing the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women,[24]
  • "mainstream youth priorities into national development policies and plans",[24]
  • "address the stigma around disability in all its forms and manifestations",[24]
  • agreed to Report of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group on the Commonwealth's fundamental political values,[24]
  • adopted the Revised Commonwealth Guidelines on Election Observation in Member Countries[24]
  • called for strengthening the international response to the large movement of refugees, including return to their country of origin in safety and dignity[24]
  • "adopted a Declaration on the Commonwealth Connectivity Agenda for Trade and Investment and mandated the Secretariat to develop an accompanying action plan that considers capacity building and hard and soft connectivity"[24]
  • adopted the Commonwealth Blue Charter on sustainable development and protection of the world's oceans[24]
  • adopted a Commonwealth Cyber Declaration that "reflects Commonwealth values, and sets out a common commitment to an open, democratic peaceful and secure internet, respecting human rights and freedom of expression"[24]
  • called for a strengthening of the implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention[24]
  • agreed to work together to combat climate change – particularly with reference to "small island developing states"[25]
  • to coordinate efforts countering extremism as well as human trafficking.[25]
  • agreed that Rwanda will host the next CHOGM in 2020 (later rescheduled as CHOGM in 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic[26]) and that Samoa would host the CHOGM in 2022 (later rescheduled as CHOGM in 2024 due to the COVID-19 pandemic).[24]

The leaders also issued a statement announcing their decision that Prince Charles would be the next Head of the Commonwealth.[27]

Commonwealth Forums

[edit]

Parallel Commonwealth Summit Forums were held at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre from 16 to 19 April, with 5,000 participants attending from government, business, and civil society engaged in Women's, Youth, and Peoples Forums with a Business Forum being held at Guildhall.[28] A joint plenary of all four fora was held for the first time on 17 April.[4][needs update]

The Commonwealth Summit Forums saw participation from a number of Commonwealth heads of government and ministers. UK Prime Minister Theresa May opened the Business Forum on 16 April 2018 [29] and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered a keynote address at the Business Forum Banquet.[30]

Various members of the royal family—including The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall; Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex— hosted and participated in various receptions and events being held as part of the forums or the heads of government meeting itself.[31][32] Prince Harry, in his new role as Commonwealth Youth Ambassador, opened the Youth Forum telling delegates: "In my new role, I will work to support the Queen, my father the Prince of Wales, and my brother William, all of whom know that young people are the answer to the challenges of today."[33]

On the final day of the meeting, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attended a reception to promote women's empowerment and girls' education.[34]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "PM to call for revitalised Commonwealth at reception ahead of 2018 Heads of Government Meeting – GOV.UK". gov.uk.
  2. ^ "Britain to host next Commonwealth summit in 2018". Global Post. Agence France-Presse. 28 November 2015. Retrieved 28 November 2015.
  3. ^ "Our History". The Commonwealth. The Commonwealth. 23 May 2013. Archived from the original on 24 November 2015. Retrieved 25 November 2015.
  4. ^ a b "CHOGM summit to begin next week". Business Standard. 10 April 2018. Retrieved 13 April 2018.
  5. ^ "Anglican Communion to play active role in next week's Commonwealth leaders' meeting". Anglican Communion News Service. 10 April 2018. Retrieved 13 April 2018.
  6. ^ "Brexit and the Commonwealth – The Commonwealth". thecommonwealth.org. 4 April 2017. Archived from the original on 13 December 2016. Retrieved 3 December 2016.
  7. ^ "Britain hoping for Brexit boost from Commonwealth summit". Free Malaysia Today. Agence France-Presse. 16 April 2018. Retrieved 16 April 2018.
  8. ^ Landale, James (13 February 2018). "Commonwealth in secret succession plans". BBC News. Retrieved 10 March 2018.
  9. ^ Nikkhah, Roya (18 February 2018). "Prince Harry to take Commonwealth role". The Times. Retrieved 10 March 2018.
  10. ^ Ilse, Jess (16 April 2018). "What is the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting? (blog)". Royal Central.
  11. ^ a b c "Commonwealth meeting: Queen hopes Prince Charles will succeed her". BBC News. 19 April 2018. Retrieved 20 April 2018.
  12. ^ "Charles 'to be next Commonwealth head'". BBC News. 20 April 2018. Retrieved 20 April 2018.
  13. ^ "Prince Charles to succeed Queen as Commonwealth head". Sky News. 20 April 2018. Retrieved 20 April 2018.
  14. ^ Quinn, Ben (14 April 2018). "UK rows back on plans to promote gay rights at Commonwealth summit". The Guardian. Retrieved 14 April 2018.
  15. ^ Jain, Sagaree (18 April 2018). "Theresa May 'Deeply Regrets' Colonial Anti-LGBT Laws". Human Rights Watch. Retrieved 20 April 2018.
  16. ^ Crerar, Pippa (17 April 2018). "Theresa May says she deeply regrets Britain's legacy of anti-gay laws". The Guardian. Retrieved 20 April 2018.
  17. ^ "Government promises £61m to tackle scourge of ocean plastic pollution with Commonwealth nations". The Independent. 15 April 2018. Archived from the original on 1 May 2022. Retrieved 20 April 2018.
  18. ^ "Britain urges Australia and the Commonwealth to tackle plastic waste". ABC News. 20 April 2018. Retrieved 20 April 2018.
  19. ^ "Commonwealth countries adopt Commonwealth Cyber Declaration". 23 April 2018.
  20. ^ PA (20 April 2018). "Queen winding down Commonwealth duties, suggests Ghana president". bt.com. BT. Retrieved 20 April 2018.
  21. ^ Lewis, Ben; Elton-Pym, James (16 April 2018). "Who should replace the Queen? Just one topic on the CHOGM agenda". SBS News. Retrieved 16 April 2018.
  22. ^ "Modi and CHOGM 2018: Reimagining the Commonwealth". Retrieved 18 April 2018.
  23. ^ "South Africa riots force president to leave Commonwealth summit". The Guardian. Agence France-Presse. 21 April 2018.
  24. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k "Summit Communiqué" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 21 April 2018. Retrieved 20 April 2018.
  25. ^ a b Walker, Peter (20 April 2018). "Prince Charles to be next head of Commonwealth". The Guardian.
  26. ^ CHOGM, CHOGM (31 January 2022). "New date announced for Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting". The Commonwealth. pp. 1–2. Retrieved 31 January 2022.
  27. ^ Summit website [permanent dead link‍]
  28. ^ "The Forums". 21 August 2017.
  29. ^ "May seeks Commonwealth trade boost as final Brexit talks begin". Reuters. 15 April 2018. Retrieved 30 December 2021.
  30. ^ "President Ramaphosa's full speech at the Commonwealth Business Forum".
  31. ^ Samhan, Jamie (12 April 2018). "Meghan Markle to join Prince Harry at Commonwealth Heads of Government Meetings". Royal Central. Retrieved 14 April 2018.
  32. ^ Nicholl, Katie (April 2018). "Meghan Markle takes on a new, and highly unusual, Royal duty". Vanity Fair. Retrieved 14 April 2018.
  33. ^ Heffer, Greg (16 April 2018). "Cheers as Prince Harry praises Meghan Markle at Commonwealth summit". Sky News. Retrieved 16 April 2018.
  34. ^ Kindelan, Katie; Durand, Carolyn (19 April 2018). "Meghan Markle joins Prince Harry in support of women's empowerment". ABC News. Retrieved 20 April 2018.
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