Optimism and Resilience: Shaping a United Future at CHOGM 2024 in Samoa

The 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) is set to take place in Samoa in October.

The theme is "One Resilient Common Future: Transforming our Common Wealth."

This theme focuses on resilience in global challenges, particularly in governance, economics, and sustainability.?

Optimism is the underpinning of resilience. Resilience requires persistence through difficulties, and why would anyone persist unless they believed their efforts would eventually lead to a better outcome? Optimism fuels that persistence, making it indispensable for overcoming obstacles and building a brighter, more resilient future. Optimism should be at the forefront of the speeches, materials, and final communique at CHOGM 2024. By leading with a compelling, optimistic vision, the Commonwealth's leaders can create actionable pathways toward shared prosperity, innovation, and global cooperation.

Samoa's Prime Minister, Fiamē Naomi Mata'afa, has confirmed the attendance of all 56 member nations, including representatives from the British monarchy.

In a historical convergence, three monarchs will attend: King Charles III, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei, and King Mswati III of Eswatini.

A key feature of CHOGM 2024 will be the election of a new Commonwealth Secretary-General. With Patricia Scotland stepping down, candidates for the position include Ghanaian Foreign Minister Shirley Botchwey , Gambian Foreign Minister Mamadou Tangara , and Senator Joshua Setiba of Lesotho.

I look forward to participating in the CHOGM 2024 People's Forum and the Commonwealth Business Forum 2024. These forums will provide rich platforms for engaging with global leaders, entrepreneurs, and civil society representatives on issues that will shape the future of the Commonwealth.

As PM Mata'afa emphasises, "Samoa has an important opportunity to bring a unique perspective to the table and to contribute and influence discussions on all aspects of political and socio-economic development".

A spirit of optimism and joy runs deep in Samoan culture, which I discovered during two study trips to Samoa in 2023.

In a conversation with Samoan lawyer and leader Brenda Heather-Latu MBE at the Nourish Café, she used "Liquid Optimism" to describe the effortless way optimism flows through Samoan society. This positivity influences how the nation approaches both challenges and opportunities.

At The Centre for Optimism , we firmly believe that "The Optimism Principle" - "The answer to life's most pressing questions is optimism" - should guide the discussions at CHOGM.

Leaders who embrace optimism are better positioned to foster collaboration, inspire innovation, and build a more hopeful and resilient future for all Commonwealth nations.

While I expect extensive rhetoric and media focus on "climate change" during CHOGM, embedding optimism into every conversation and decision is the real opportunity. When combined with resilience, optimism is critical to overcoming challenges and enabling nations to thrive. We need more Climate Optimism and Climate Optimists. Pessimism paralyses, whereas optimism fosters innovation and creativity. The best thinkers on climate change advocate for optimism as a driving force, showing that by embracing hope and confidence, we can inspire the necessary breakthroughs to tackle climate challenges while unlocking new opportunities for sustainable growth.

In conclusion, CHOGM 2024 presents a significant opportunity for the Commonwealth to reimagine its future with optimism at the core. By embracing optimism to power resilience, leaders can shape meaningful change that ensures a prosperous, sustainable, and united future for all member nations.

How do you think optimism can shape the outcomes of CHOGM 2024, and in what ways can optimism-driven leadership influence the Commonwealth's future?

Read More: The Optimism Principle

Read More:?Liquid Optimism: Samoa Reflections

Read More: We need more Climate Optimism and Climate Optimists