{"id":20564,"date":"2022-06-24T16:30:32","date_gmt":"2022-06-24T16:30:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/all-news\/kagame-commonwealth-should-be-on-the-frontlines-of-global-challenges"},"modified":"2022-06-24T16:58:00","modified_gmt":"2022-06-24T16:58:00","slug":"kagame-commonwealth-should-be-on-the-frontlines-of-global-challenges","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/policy\/kagame-commonwealth-should-be-on-the-frontlines-of-global-challenges","title":{"rendered":"Kagame: Commonwealth should be on the frontlines of global challenges"},"content":{"rendered":"

Africa-Press – Rwanda. <\/strong><\/span>He pointed at the significance of Rwanda hosting the biennial event.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe fact of holding this meeting in Rwanda, a new member with no historical connection to the British Empire expresses our choice to continue reimagining the Commonwealth for a changing world.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rwanda, once briefly a German colony before it was placed under the Belgian protectorate after World War I, is the youngest member of the Commonwealth, having been admitted into the grouping in 2009. That made it only the second country after Mozambique without colonial ties to the UK.<\/p>\n

Mozambique, formerly a Portuguese colony, joined in 1995.<\/p>\n

Several other countries with no history of constitutional links to Britain are understood to have also applied.<\/p>\n

The Commonwealth defines itself as \u201ca voluntary association of 54 independent and equal sovereign states\u201d. It boasts a combined population of 2.5 billion people, 60 per cent of whom are aged below 30.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are united by a shared language, whether English is our first, second, third or even fourth one. But what really defines us are the values enshrined in the Commonwealth Charter and the commitment to good governance, the rule of law and the protection of rights,\u201d Kagame said. \u201cThat\u2019s why we shall always remain open to new voices and new members.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Head of State added, \u201cAnd whatever might fall short, we find solutions through consensus and dialogue. We build each other and we move forward together.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u2018Values, friendships transcend ties of history\u2019<\/b><\/p>\n

Prince Charles also paid tribute to the Queen saying she \u201chas placed and continues to place the greatest importance on the common friendship, humanity and values that all of us share in this room, not despite, but because of, the diversity the Commonwealth represents.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAs we build back from the pandemic that has devastated so many lives, as we respond to climate change and biodiversity loss that threatens our very existence, and as we see lives destroyed by the unattenuated aggression of violent forces, such friendships are more important than ever.\u201d<\/p>\n

He expressed hope in the future of humanity but said collaboration was key to that. I take heart from the fact that working together and with urgent intent there\u2019s a path to build a future for humanity that is sustainable, prosperous and just.\u201d<\/p>\n

He stressed the principle of equality among Commonwealth members as well as the importance of the values and goals that members share.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur commonwealth family is, and will always remain, a free association of independent, self-governing nations. We meet and talk as equals, sharing our knowledge and experience for the betterment of all citizens of the Commonwealth and indeed the wider world.\u201d<\/p>\n

Prince Charles, who travelled to Rwanda with his wife, Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, hailed what he described as the \u201cclose and trusted partnership\u2026and values and shared goals\u201d between Commonwealth members.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd perhaps, most importantly, the strong and enduring connections between the peoples of the Commonwealth which strengthen us all,\u201d he noted. \u201cThese shared values, goals and friendships transcend the ties of shared history as we saw in welcoming Mozambique and Rwanda to this great family of nations.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u2018A force for global public good\u2019<\/b><\/p>\n

Prince Charles also weighed in on the potential of the Commonwealth to impact the world, positively, urging the leaders to leverage the bloc\u2019s united voice and influence.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs leaders, you\u2019ll consider how to define and strengthen our own commitment to common purpose and I\u2019d only offer you the view that our Commonwealth family of some of the world\u2019s most vulnerable and some of the world\u2019s wealthiest nations has the ability, indeed the obligation, to be a force for global public good.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy else,\u201d he posed, \u201cwould an increasing number of countries want to join this association?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIn a diversity of 2.5 billion people, on whose behalf you speak, comes great strength, which you could use, for instance, to speak up to the values which bind us, to invest in rapid transition to a sustainable future, and to create opportunities for our young people,\u201d the heir apparent to the British throne said.<\/p>\n

He added: \u201cI believe that the Commonwealth is uniquely positioned to achieve such positive change in our world,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Several CHOGM forums and side-events were held ahead of the leaders\u2019 meeting, with delegates discussing a wide-range of issues, including barriers to equality, women\u2019s empowerment, youth involvement and entrepreneurship, and inclusivity, as well as issues related to climate change, debt sustainability, public health, unemployment, and food security.<\/p>\n

The leaders, whose sessions are generally taking place behind closed doors and are due for a retreat Saturday, are expected to engage on some of the most pressing issues as well as pick the next Commonwealth secretary-general. The incumbent, Patricia Scotland, faces stiff competition from Jamaica\u2019s foreign minister Kamina Johnson Smith.<\/p>\n

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