He pointed at the significance of Rwanda hosting the biennial event. “The 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.” 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. Mozambique, formerly a Portuguese colony, joined in 1995. Several other countries with no history of constitutional links to Britain are understood to have also applied. The Commonwealth defines itself as “a voluntary association of 54 independent and equal sovereign states”. It boasts a combined population of 2.5 billion people, 60 per cent of whom are aged below 30. “We 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,” Kagame said. “That’s why we shall always remain open to new voices and new members.” The Head of State added, “And whatever might fall short, we find solutions through consensus and dialogue. We build each other and we move forward together.” ‘Values, friendships transcend ties of history’ Prince Charles also paid tribute to the Queen saying she “has 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.” “As 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.” 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’s a path to build a future for humanity that is sustainable, prosperous and just.” He stressed the principle of equality among Commonwealth members as well as the importance of the values and goals that members share. “Our 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.” Prince Charles, who travelled to Rwanda with his wife, Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, hailed what he described as the “close and trusted partnership…and values and shared goals” between Commonwealth members. “And perhaps, most importantly, the strong and enduring connections between the peoples of the Commonwealth which strengthen us all,” he noted. “These 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.” ‘A force for global public good’ Prince Charles also weighed in on the potential of the Commonwealth to impact the world, positively, urging the leaders to leverage the bloc’s united voice and influence. “As leaders, you’ll consider how to define and strengthen our own commitment to common purpose and I’d only offer you the view that our Commonwealth family of some of the world’s most vulnerable and some of the world’s wealthiest nations has the ability, indeed the obligation, to be a force for global public good.” “Why else,” he posed, “would an increasing number of countries want to join this association?” “In 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,” the heir apparent to the British throne said. He added: “I believe that the Commonwealth is uniquely positioned to achieve such positive change in our world,” he said. Several CHOGM forums and side-events were held ahead of the leaders’ meeting, with delegates discussing a wide-range of issues, including barriers to equality, women’s empowerment, youth involvement and entrepreneurship, and inclusivity, as well as issues related to climate change, debt sustainability, public health, unemployment, and food security. 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’s foreign minister Kamina Johnson Smith.
