Thank you, Chair.
Excellencies and esteemed colleagues of the Commonwealth Family,
We gather today, united by a shared commitment to the principles and values that define the Commonwealth, and by our desire to address our shared concerns.
Foremost among these concerns, is the imminent crisis of climate change. As a family of nations composed of low-lying islands and climate-vulnerable countries, we in the Commonwealth family, must do all we can to combat the climate crisis. We welcome the convening of the first Commonwealth Environment and Climate Ministers Meeting, that will take place later today. We also welcome the offer for Member States to utilize the Commonwealth’s pavilion during COP28. In the coming months, let us work together to operationalize the Loss and Damage Fund in the lead up to COP28 and strive for an ambitious outcome of the first ever Global Stocktake.
In a similar vein, we are also happy to note our efforts to protect the ocean and sustainably manage its resources in the Commonwealth Blue Charter. Along with Kiribati, we continue to co-champion the Action Group on Sustainable Coastal Fisheries. As a “large ocean” state, our commitment towards protecting our oceans, its ecosystems and resources has never been stronger.
Excellencies,
Trade is another facet of our shared responsibility. As we navigate the post-pandemic recovery, we must ensure that our trade practices are equitable, fostering economic growth while leaving no one behind.
Enhancing intra-Commonwealth trade can only be achieved with debt relief and sustainability. The collective voice of the Commonwealth can mobilise positive change for its members, towards sustainable debt management, including equitable access to concessional financing and championing the use of the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index.
Excellencies,
This month, we welcomed back election observers from the Commonwealth family to observe our Presidential Elections, for the first time since rejoining in 2020. We are happy to note that the first round proceeded peacefully and in an orderly manner. We look forward to welcoming back the Commonwealth Observers for the run-off later this month.
We also look forward to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa next year and assure the host of our full support in ensuring it is a success.
Excellencies,
Let us, in the true spirit of the Commonwealth, work collaboratively to forge a better, more equitable world for all our citizens.
I thank you.