President Paul Kagame urged Commonwealth leaders to take immediate action on climate change during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) on Friday, in Samoa.

He emphasized that rising temperatures pose a critical threat to small island developing states, saying, "For small island developing states in the Pacific and Caribbean, this is literally a matter of survival.”

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Kagame highlighted that "Africa and Asia also share this burden,” noting that two-thirds of the world’s small states are members of the Commonwealth.

"We cannot ignore the voices of those who are bearing the brunt of this crisis, and they should not have to beg for our support,” he said.

As the chair-in-office of the Commonwealth since 2022, Kagame welcomed Samoa as the first Pacific island to host CHOGM. He urged leaders to act decisively ahead of COP-29, warning that "making empty promises can only move the needle for so long.”

Kagame called for increased financial support from wealthier nations to ensure that developing countries do not fall further into debt.

"The terms must be favourable,” he insisted. He also highlighted the potential of the Commonwealth’s youth, advocating for digital job creation and responsible use of technology to address unemployment and irregular migration.

Reflecting on the Commonwealth’s growth, Kagame said, "What was once an association of eight countries is now one of 56.”

The head of state stressed the importance of "equality, diversity, and solidarity” as core values, urging member states to work together for a sustainable future.