Every two years, Commonwealth leaders meet to discuss global and Commonwealth issues, and to agree on collective policies and initiatives. These summits provide a unique forum for consultation at the highest level of government. They are organised by the host nation in collaboration with the Commonwealth Secretariat.
After a public opening ceremony and a formal Executive Session, the leaders – for the most part Presidents and Prime Ministers – meet privately in a ‘Retreat’ setting. The atmosphere is informal, encouraging a full and frank exchange of views, and decisions are normally reached by consensus. Many important Commonwealth initiatives have emerged from these Retreats.
Issues discussed include international peace and security, democracy, good governance, sustainable development, debt management, education, environment, gender equality, health, human rights, information and communication technology, law, multilateral trade issues, small states and youth affairs.
Videos from the 2009 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting held in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, from 27-29 November 2009.
Commonwealth Heads of Government met in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago from 27-29 November 2009
