Assistant Foreign Affairs Minister Lenora Qereqeretabua emphasized the significance of Fiji’s participation in the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) scheduled for 2024 in Samoa. In a conversation with The Fiji Times, Ms. Qereqeretabua highlighted that this is an opportune moment for Fiji to be heard on the international stage.
“It is essential for us to be present and to represent one of the many voices from the Pacific, particularly as Fiji aims to play a leading role in the region,” she stated. She noted that with the theme of the “Ocean of Peace,” it is crucial for Fiji to have representation alongside nearly 60 other Commonwealth member nations at CHOGM.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka is expected to arrive today and will engage with the Fijian community in Samoa. According to local Fijian representatives, Mr. Rabuka will meet them at the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP).
Furthermore, women’s issues are set to be a major topic of discussion at the event. Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland, speaking at a recent gathering, stressed the importance of maintaining dialogue on violence against women. She remarked, “A day like this serves as a reminder that women are central to the Commonwealth’s progress. However, despite our achievements, women still confront significant challenges.” Scotland highlighted persistent issues such as violence against women, income inequality, and the exclusion of women from leadership roles.