A Week of Connection, Culture and Change:
My CHOGM Experience

By Okalani Mariner

Recently, Samoa had the honour of hosting the 27th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) — a momentous event marking the first time a Pacific Island Nation has hosted CHOGM. This year also celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Commonwealth Youth Program, adding further significance. Alongside CHOGM, Samoa proudly hosted the three core events in the lead-up to the main event: the Women’s Forum, People’s Forum, and Youth Forum, which brought a sense of excitement and unity across our islands.

As part of this historic occasion, I had the privilege of being a member of the Commonwealth Youth Forum (CYF) task force, responsible for accommodating international youth delegates and helping to organise key events. One of my roles was coordinating communication, creating logistics sheets, and organising the youth representatives attending the CYF. The event took place from the 21st to the 24th of October 2024, including two days of engaging dialogue with over 200 youth delegates at the EFKS Hall O Tupulaga in Sogi, and a day of outreach where Commonwealth youth experienced Samoa’s vibrant markets, natural beauty, arts, and cultural heritage.

I joined the task force in March 2023, engaged by the Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development (MWCSD) to support the logistics of bringing CYF to Samoa. Stepping into this role felt intimidating at first — I was keenly aware of the responsibility and significance of this event. Yet, I embraced it as a challenge to draw from my networks and experience as a business owner, operations manager, and community coordinator to support my team and ensure the event’s success.

One of the greatest lessons I learned from my fellow task force members was the importance of trusting in our abilities. Each of us came with a unique set of skills and experiences that collectively allowed us to fulfil our roles effectively. We came from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and professional fields, which not only enriched our teamwork but also highlighted how essential unity and open communication are in such a complex event.

Beyond my role in logistics, I had the honour of being invited to speak at the People’s Forum on the “Creativity for Change” panel. The People’s Forum, like the Youth Forum, served as a platform for people from across the Commonwealth to come together, celebrate ideas, and explore solutions to pressing issues such as climate change and the challenge of preserving our cultures amid globalisation.

On the panel, I shared my experiences as a creative activist, or “artivist,” and how I use creative and performing arts to communicate important messages. For me, art serves as a powerful medium to connect people to causes and make complex issues resonate on a personal level. It was grounding to reconnect with the arts in this way and to see other young Pacific leaders and artists contribute their voices.

One of the most rewarding aspects of this week was witnessing the delegates’ genuine interest and excitement as they experienced Samoa’s culture. From exploring our local markets to learning about traditional customs, delegates connected deeply with our island’s heritage. Their heartfelt appreciation for our people’s warmth and hospitality was a source of immense pride. Many shared how they felt instantly at home, despite having travelled thousands of miles.

In fact, several veteran Commonwealth members mentioned this was the most welcoming and memorable CHOGM they had attended. Outgoing Secretary-General Patricia Scotland even shed tears, saying this was the best Youth Forum she had ever experienced. Hearing this feedback, including from the King himself, who expressed a desire to return, made all the months of hard work incredibly gratifying.

Looking back on this event, I realise just how much I have grown. Being part of CHOGM since its early planning stages, it was uplifting to see all our efforts come to life. As a task force member and a proud Samoan youth, it was an honour to contribute to such a significant event and to represent my country on a global stage.

This experience has been transformative, and I will carry the insights and connections made here into future projects and events. I feel incredibly fortunate to have been a part of it, and I wish my fellow task force members, both local and international, the best as we continue our journey of advocating for change, cultural pride, and unity across the Commonwealth.