The 2022 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, also known as CHOGM 2022, was the 26th Meeting of the Heads of Government of the Commonwealth of Nations.
The meeting was originally scheduled for 26–27 June 2020 preceded by various fora between 22–25 June, but was postponed twice due to the COVID-19 pandemic. On 31 January 2022, it was announced that the meeting would be held on 24 and 25 June 2022 and the pre-meeting fora held from 20 to 23 June.This theme highlights how the 54 member countries in the Commonwealth family are ‘innovating, connecting and transforming’ to help achieve some of its biggest goals, like protecting natural resources and boosting trade. It was chosen because Commonwealth countries are connected by deep-rooted networks of friendship and goodwill.
The theme for CHOGM 2022 was ‘Delivering a Common Future: Connecting, Innovating, Transforming.’ which had in attendance delegates from all over the world with The Executive Director of Working for Our Wellbeing Cameroon being part of this prestigious event in Rwanda 🇷🇼.
While there, he did represent the needs of a broder Cameroonian society it terms to its contributions to the CHOGM goals.
The meeting began on the 22 June with CHOGM Breakfast Meeting – Climate Change and the Commonwealth: Accelerating Action atKigali Conference CentreThis event was to showcase the steps that climate-vulnerable member states are taking in response to climate change, land degradation and biodiversity loss, and brief CHOGM members and related stakeholders on key priorities. This included joint action among the three Rio Conventions for enhanced climate action through the Living Lands Charter – A Commonwealth Call to Action on Living Lands (CALL) – and highlighting the progress and steps being undertaken through Commonwealth Climate Finance Access Hub (CCFAH) for enhancing climate action, especially access to global climate finance for member countries.
On the 23rd June, it was Antimicrobial Resistance Event which took place at Four Points Sheraton, KigaliHigh-level event convened by Global Leaders Group on antimicrobial resistance (AMR), chaired by Her Excellency Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley of Barbados and moderated by Deputy Prime Minister Christopher Fearne of Malta in a panel discussion of leaders on political actions needed to address the global AMR crisis. The Global Leaders Group on Antimicrobial Resistance did compris of world leaders and experts from across sectors working together to accelerate political action on AMR based on the One Health approach. Its mission is to collaborate globally with governments, agencies, civil society and the private sector to advise on and advocate for political action for the mitigation of drug-resistant infections through responsible and sustainable access to and use of antimicrobials. Action on AMR is essential now as part of the global health, development, climate, and the pandemic response agenda and under the priorities set out for the 2022 CHOGM theme, delivering a common future: connecting, innovating, transforming.
On the 24th was the Commonwealth Fashion Week – at the Collective Rwanda Various venues in KigaliRwanda – Commonwealth Fashion week did showcase local and Commonwealth fashion, accessories and interior designers. A list of of activities were organised throughout the week including a panel on sustainable fashion in the Commonwealth at the Commonwealth Business Forum, a fashion night out, the launch of a common marketplace and digital exhibition, shop tours and visits to artisans. Rwandan and Commonwealth designers had the opportunity to learn from each other, co-create, network and build synergies for future collaboration.
The 25th was dedicated for Executive Sessions ns and Ministerial MeetingsOn: The Intergeneration DialogueThis was a chance for young people to share their declaration and action plan on youth development with Heads of Government followed by a press briefing.
THE AFTERMATH
During and after the conference, counties began taking financial engagements in supporting these goals. Like the UK announcing new support for Commonwealth LGBT rights campaigners published on the official UK government website: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-announces-new-support-for-commonwealth-lgbt-rights-campaigners”
The UK is announcing further funding today to support grassroots human rights defenders and advance equality and freedom across the Commonwealth£2.7 million funding will support civil society organisations working to amend discriminatory laws and practicesPM confirms funding for Birmingham Pride House at the upcoming Commonwealth GamesUK has committed £11m to the protection of LGBT rights as Commonwealth chair-in-officeThe UK is announcing further funding today [Friday] to support grassroots human rights defenders and advance equality and freedom across the Commonwealth.
Despite welcome progress in recent years, many LGBT people in Commonwealth countries continue to face discrimination and criminalisation.The £2.7 million package announced by the Prime Minister at the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting today will continue work with partners, including The Commonwealth Equality Network and Kaleidoscope Trust, to encourage the reform of outdated laws and policies that fail to protect all individuals from violence and discrimination.The Prime Minister will also confirm funding for the Pride programme at next month’s Commonwealth Games in the UK, with the project being backed by over £40,000 from Government and £50,000 from the Commonwealth Sport Foundation. Delivered by Pride House Birmingham, the programme will include a Pride House presence at the three main athlete village sites for the first time ever at a Commonwealth Games.Since taking over as Chair-In-Office 2018, the UK has invested over £11 million in the promotion and protection of LGBT rights across the Commonwealth.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said:The Commonwealth is a voluntary grouping of independent and equal nations, but as a collective it has long been a powerful force for good. The values that our members hold dear, from human rights to equality, should apply to everyone in society.I am immensely proud of the UK’s record on LGBT rights – the freedom to love who you want is a core British value and a vital component of any democracy. I hope world will see these values in action at next month’s Commonwealth Games.The majority of the new funding (£2.5m) announced today will go to civil society organisations and human rights defenders working to amend and repeal discriminatory laws and policies, and to safeguard progress in equalities.A further funding allocation will support a secure data storage system for LGBT refugees from Afghanistan, and fund the UK’s continued work alongside the global Equal Rights Coalition as co-chairs.The UK plays a leading role in promoting LGBT rights around the world. Last year, the Prime Minister appointed Nick Herbert (The Rt Hon The Lord Herbert of South Downs CBE PC) as the UK’s Special Envoy on LGBT rights, bringing together the Government’s domestic work and global leadership on the issue.
Working for Our Wellbeing 