Networking and advocacy at CHOGM

Every two years, Commonwealth leaders meet for a few days to discuss global and Commonwealth issues, and to agree collective policies and initiatives.  The most recent Commonwealth Heads Government Meeting (CHOGM) was held in Malta during November 2005.  In preparation for the Malta CHOGM, ComHabitat produced a Briefing Paper that highlighted the importance of human settlements issues in meeting the Millennium Development Goals.  As ComHabitat is accredited to CHOGM as a Civil Society Organisation, this Briefing Paper was distributed to all Commonwealth governments.  The Briefing Paper can be downloaded opposite.  A human settlement issue that was highlighted in the CHOGM Communiqué was disasters and development; in particular, the Communiqué called for action to strengthen disaster management.

In the run-up to CHOGM, the Commonwealth Foundation organises a pan-Commonwealth civil society meeting known as the Commonwealth People's Forum.  The purpose of the Forum is to provide a space for interaction among Commonwealth civil society organisations, and between such organisations and government.  More can be read about ComHabitat's participation in this event on the Commonwealth People's Forum page. 

A ComHabitat delegate - Carmen Griffiths from Jamaica - spoke at the first ever Commonwealth roundtable between Foreign Ministers and civil society to be held as part of CHOGM.  She outlined the problems of natural disasters, slums, water and sanitation, highlighting the role of women, community groups and civil society in tackling these issues.