Commenting on the forthcoming meeting, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said: “The government and people of Malta look forward to welcoming Commonwealth leaders to our country. This summit will allow us to further strengthen the Commonwealth’s political, social, developmental and economic programmes.”
Commonwealth secretary general Don McKinnon said that the Commonwealth secretariat was working closely with the Maltese government to ensure a smooth and successful meeting. “I am confident that this meeting will be another historic Commonwealth event. It will be 12 years since a small state last hosted a CHOGM and I am looking forward to a summit which delivers concrete outcomes for all Commonwealth citizens.”
The Commonwealth of Nations is a voluntary association of governments and people of 53 independent countries around the world.
Every two years, the 53 Commonwealth leaders meet in a different Commonwealth country to discuss matters of common interest and progress initiatives to benefit the Commonwealth’s diverse membership.
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 programmes 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 communique of mandates and policies is issued at the end of each CHOGM. Declarations or statements on important matters are also issued by the leaders.
Previous CHOGMs have been held in Nigeria (2003), Australia (2002), South Africa (1999), the United Kingdom (1997), New Zealand (1995), Cyprus (1993), Zimbabwe (1991), Malaysia (1989), Canada (1987), the Bahamas (1985), India (1983), Australia (1981), Zambia (1979), the United Kingdom (1977), Jamaica (1975), Canada (1973) and Singapore (1971).