Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Abdul Rashid Thomas
Published on 2024-03-24 11:48:48
Baroness Patricia Scotland KC, the Commonwealth Secretary-General, is set to begin official visits to Samoa and the Kingdom of Tonga starting from 25 March 2024. During her visits, she will engage with Heads of Government, cabinet ministers, and other public figures to discuss matters of importance to the Commonwealth and the Pacific region, focusing on Commonwealth aid and cooperation.
The Secretary-General will kick off her trip in Samoa on 25 March 2024, where she will meet with Prime Minister Hon Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa to talk about the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) scheduled for October in Apia. Subsequently, from 30 March to 3 April 2024, she will make her first official visit to Nuku’alofa, Tonga. Here, she plans to meet with Prime Minister Hon Siaosi Hu’akavameiliku, Deputy Prime Minister Hon Samiu Vaipulu, Foreign Affairs Minister Hon Fekitamoeloa ʻUtoikamanu, and other cabinet ministers to gather their insights on the CHOGM agenda.
Additionally, while in Tonga, the Secretary-General aims to visit communities affected by the 2022 Hunga-Tonga-Hunga-Ha’apai Volcano eruption to gain an understanding of the disaster’s impact on their lives and livelihoods. Expressing her excitement about the upcoming visit, Secretary-General Patricia Scotland emphasized the significance of Samoa and Tonga within the Commonwealth family, praising their active contributions to the organization.
She highlighted the cultural ties and common values shared by the countries, noting their vital role in fostering a resilient and inclusive future for all Commonwealth members. As Samoa prepares to host the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, discussions at the summit will revolve around global political, economic, and environmental developments, showcasing the Commonwealth’s collaborative efforts since the last gathering in Rwanda.
Recognizing the critical nature of the upcoming CHOGM, especially in the face of escalating climate crises, the Secretary-General underscored the Pacific region’s firsthand experience with these challenges. Despite bearing minimal responsibility for environmental degradation, the Pacific’s unwavering advocacy for climate action serves as a powerful inspiration for global initiatives.
During her visits, the Secretary-General will update leaders on various Commonwealth initiatives aimed at promoting democracy, economic resilience, and environmental protection. Specifically, she will highlight programs such as the Climate Finance Access Hub, the Blue Charter, the Living Lands Charter, and the Sustainable Energy Transition Agenda, all geared towards addressing pressing environmental concerns and fostering sustainable development.
Furthermore, the Secretary-General’s agenda includes engagements with youth, women’s rights groups, and civil society organizations, emphasizing the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusivity and empowerment across member states. With a strong focus on collaboration and partnership, Baroness Patricia Scotland’s visits to Samoa and Tonga underscore the Commonwealth’s dedication to addressing shared challenges and building a more prosperous future for all.
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