What is CHOGM?

The Commonwealth of Nations is a voluntary association of governments and people of 54 independent countries around the world.

Every two years, the 54 Commonwealth leaders meet in a different Commonwealth country to discuss matters of common interest and progress initiatives to benefit the Commonwealth's diverse membership. This summit is called a Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting or CHOGM.

A CHOGM is arguably the only international forum where such a diverse group of countries with differing levels of capacity and resources come together as equals to find common positions through consensus, in a relatively informal manner.

International programs and other initiatives promoting democracy, racial equality, conflict resolution, cultural diversity, education, economic development and access to modern technology are key areas of achievement from the 30-year history of CHOGMs. Not surprisingly, these summits provide fundamental direction for the modern Commonwealth.

A Communiqué of mandates and policies is issued at the end of each CHOGM. Declarations or statements on important matters are also issued by the leaders.

What happens at CHOGM?

Each CHOGM brings together almost one third of the world's leaders, mostly Presidents and Prime Ministers. To encourage frank exchanges and views between them during the summit, every effort is made to promote an informal atmosphere.

After a public ceremony, which in recent years the Head of the Commonwealth, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II addresses, discussions are held in-camera. The number of advisers is restricted and written speeches are discouraged.

A one or two day 'retreat' is included where Commonwealth leaders, unaccompanied by other ministers or officials, continue their discussions in complete privacy. Many important initiatives emerge from these retreats.

Formal social events are limited to allow the Heads of Government maximum opportunity to pursue their discussions bilaterally or in small groups at the retreats.

Meetings of associated committees usually take place in the week preceeding CHOGM. These include the Committee of the Whole, which consists of senior officials. The Commonwealth Ministers' Action Group on the Harare Declaration and the Ministerial Group on Small States may also meet. Their recommendations are considered at CHOGM.

Parallel special events involving non-government organisations, business and youth now coincide with each CHOGM. Action plans are developed at these events to complement official Commonwealth statements.