CHOGM Gets Started

The 26th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) started in Kigali, Rwanda today.

The event will host all the members of the Commonwealth and discuss their joint values of democracy, rule of law, good governance, human rights, and free speech.

The first day will host the Women’s Forum which will discuss issues focused on gender equality, women’s leadership and ending Gender-Based Violence.

Additionally, a Youth Action Lab will look at a variety of issues ranging from Trade and Entrepreneurship to Health and Covid 19.

Other forums such as the People’s Forum and the Business Forum will also be hosted in the next five days.

The Meeting, which was postponed twice due to the pandemic, will last a week with various sessions scheduled at different venues across the city.

Over 5000 delegates, including 35 Heads of Government, will be attending. There will also be a notable appearance by his Royal Highness, Prince Charles.

Rwanda will be the youngest country to host the meeting, having joined the Commonwealth in 2009.

Following the meeting, President Paul Kagame will take over Boris Johnson’s, Prime Minister of the UK, role as Chair-in-Office for the next two years.

In preparation for the event, Rwanda has allocated $10 million to upgrading infrastructure.

 Photo: Commonwealth