Next year’s CHOGM, hosted in Malta, will see if the Commonwealth will remain in continuous decline or if a rebirth of sorts will occur, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said today during a meeting with the Royal Commonwealth Society in London.

“We are aware that many countries look at Valletta as a watershed as to how things in the Commonwealth will change,” Dr Muscat said.

The PM mentioned several changes he has in mind for CHOGM, one of which would see the removal of slow moving communiques and will replace them with statements which are, for the most part, a summary of events, he said.

Following the meeting, Dr Muscat, in comments to the press, said that, together with NGOs like The Royal Commonwealth Society, are proposing a reduction in the diplomatic process in terms of time wasted on wording, in order to focus on community action and economy.

The Royal Commonwealth Society was founded in 1868 and is a network of individuals and organisations committed to improving the lives and prospects of Commonwealth citizens.

The Society campaigns, in partnership with other organisations, on behalf of Commonwealth citizens to promote human rights and sustainable development. It also promotes young peoples’ voice and leadership around the world while creating opportunities for youth through projects such as the Commonwealth essay competition and the youth leadership programmes. It was heavily engaged in anti-apartheid movement in South Africa.

Director of the Royal Commonwealth Society Michael Lake said that it aims to champion values. It works, primarily, within civil society however does work with the British royal family, faith organisations as well as the private sector.

Critical friends vs silent enemies

The Director said that the current manifestation of issues it is working on are against forced marriages. “We are the critical friend to the Commonwealth. There is a great expectation for CHOGM, which will be held in Malta next year”.

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat expressed his appreciation for critical friends, which are “better than silent enemies”.

Today’s meeting surrounds the future of the Commonwealth and will look at the role of civil society and how to tackle challenges such as gender, LGBTI, and peace and social cohesion issues within the Commonwealth states.

The common observance for next year will focus on 'The Young Commonwealth', the Director added, which will surround several activities held in London leading up to CHOGM in Malta. "We hope that the Maltese Prime Minister would be able to attend".

Aside from the Prime Minister, Maltese attendees included Maltese High Commissioner Norman Hamilton, MP Etienne Grech, Head of the Maltese CHOGM taskforce Phyllis Muscat, Head of Government Communications Kurt Farrugia and Julia Farrugia

When asked by this newsroom why Julia Farrugia was present, the Prime Minister said that she is part of the government structure called project Malta.

Following these opening statements, the media was whisked out so that discussions could commence.