CHOGM2024 Samoa

Samoa Village Preparations for CHOGM 2024: A Showcase of Tradition and Global Unity

As Samoa hosts the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (#CHOGM2024), our local villages are buzzing with activity, embodying the true essence of "fa'asamoa"—the spirit of community, respect, and hospitality. Villagers and community groups, with the full support of our government, have come together to prepare our homes, roads, and public spaces for the arrival of distinguished guests from around the world. Decorations featuring traditional Samoan art, local produce, and vibrant cultural symbols now adorn our beautiful villages, a testament to both our rich heritage and the natural beauty of our island home.

In the heart of every village, we are not just preparing physical spaces, but also readying ourselves to serve our visitors with genuine Samoan hospitality. As per our cultural traditions, we welcome the world through acts of kindness, through sharing the bountiful produce of our lands, and through our enduring respect for nature and community. The efforts made by local villagers are not just about aesthetics, but about creating an environment that embodies peace, unity, and the joy of sharing our culture with others.

The People's Forum: Voices of Change

Amidst the vibrant preparations, the People's Forum of CHOGM 2024 has brought to the forefront crucial discussions on pressing global issues. Climate change, human rights, freedom of expression, and global justice are at the center of these conversations. The forum has been a powerful reminder that civil society plays a vital role in shaping the future of our world. When the voices of ordinary people unite, we can confront issues that affect not only individual nations but humanity as a whole.

One key focus of the forum has been on the ongoing conflict in Palestine, as well as the broader challenges posed by the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, health crises, and the erosion of justice and freedoms around the globe. In times like these, it is essential that we come together, across borders and communities, to make our voices heard on these vital matters. The platform offered by CHOGM allows civil society to assert that these issues must be addressed not just by governments but through the active participation of people.

The Role of Civil Society: A Call to Action

While the discussions at the People's Forum have been serious and sobering, they offer hope. Hope that through collective action, persistent advocacy, and the unified voices of communities around the world, change is possible. It is vital that people continue to speak out, to challenge systems that may suppress voices, and to hold governments, corporations, and institutions accountable when the peace, stability, and freedoms of people are threatened.

The very foundations of the Commonwealth are built on shared values of democracy, human rights, and peace, and it is up to civil society to ensure these principles are upheld. We cannot let financial, political, or corporate agendas dictate the future without open and transparent discussion. In this moment, we must stand together and advocate for a future where every voice is heard, and every community has the opportunity to thrive.

Disclaimer: This is an opinion piece, and the views expressed may not reflect those of all members of the community or the Commonwealth. In many parts of the Commonwealth, voices are still underrepresented or suppressed, and this post is a call for all people, regardless of status or geography, to join in the effort to foster open dialogue and create positive change.

Let us continue to speak up, not just for ourselves but for future generations, so that the issues at the heart of our communities, regions, and nations can be addressed with integrity, compassion, and justice.