The are coming to Rwanda for Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2022 taking place in Kigali.
Clarence House has revealed via Twitter handle the they will land in Kigali in few hours.
Prince Charles will be representing Queen Elizabeth II at the meeting being held in Rwanda.
The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2022 takes place from 20-25 June 2022, in Kigali, Rwanda under the theme “Delivering a Common Future : Connecting, Innovating, Transforming”.
Commonwealth leaders will travel to Rwanda to reaffirm their common values and agree actions and policies to improve the lives of all their citizens. Decisions taken at CHOGM also guide the work programme of the Commonwealth Secretariat.
The official opening of CHOGM takes place on Friday 24th June and is followed by the main high-level meetings of Heads from Friday 24th to Saturday 25th June.
These events are preceded by four forums, ministerial meetings, side events and other activities.
Charles Philip Arthur George is the first born among four children of Queen Elisabeth II. He was designated as her successor in 2018.
His siblings are; Andrew Albert Christian Edward (Prince Andrew), Anne Elizabeth Alice Louise (Princess Anne) and Edward Antony Richard Louis (Prince Edward).
Prince Charles was born at Buckingham Palace on 14th November 1948. One month later, he was christened by the Archbishop of Canterbury Diocese, Dr. Geoffrey Fisher.
As the oldest son of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Prince Charles is the longstanding heir apparent to the British throne. Under public scrutiny his entire life, Charles graduated from Trinity College before embarking on a military career which culminated with him commanding the HMS Bronington.
He married Diana Spencer in the summer of 1981 to huge media fanfare, though the couple would eventually divorce in 1996 after years of gossip and scandal. Charles later wed longtime love Camilla Parker Bowles some time after Princess Diana’s death.
He is the father of Princes William and Harry and is also a grandfather. Among his many philanthropic and environmental endeavors are the Prince’s Trust and the Prince’s Rainforest Project.
[{{Click here to read more about the biography of Prince Charles}}->https://www.biography.com/royalty/prince-charles#:~:text=Prince%20Charles%20was%20born%20Charles,King%20George%20VI%20in%201952.]
Makolo’s appointment is one of resolutions of the 78th IATA Annual General Meeting (AGM held in Doha, Qatar on Monday 20th June 2022.
She is expected to assume duties in June 2023, replacing Mehmet Tevfik Nane who served on the Board of Governors since 2019.
Makolo will be chairing the Board of Governors including bosses of world’s renowned airlines including Michael Rousseau, the CEO of Air Canada; Benjamin Smith, the CEO of Air France – KLM Group; Douglas Parker, the CEO of American Airlines, Mesfin Tasew Bekele of Ethiopian Airlines and Pieter Elbers of KLM.
Headquartered in Canada, IATA is the trade association for the world’s airlines, representing some 290 airlines from 120 countries. It provides support in many areas of aviation activity and helps formulate industry policy on critical aviation issues.
Makolo becomes the 81st person elected as Chair of IATA Board of Governors.
Yvonne Manzi Makolo was appointed RwandAir’s CEO in 2018. She joined RwandAir in April 2017 as the Deputy CEO in Charge of Corporate Affairs.
Previously, she worked with MTN Rwanda as the Chief Marketing Officer for ten years.
The forum will bring together government leaders, captains of industry and business executives, leaders of global and regional development institutions, young entrepreneurs and representatives of trade and investment organisations from across the Commonwealth.
The Commonwealth Business Forum is the first and largest in-person gathering for governments and businesses across the Commonwealth since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, bringing together over 1,500 delegates from Commonwealth member states.
CBF 2022 will address the CHOGM theme – ‘Delivering a Common Future: Connecting, Innovating, Transforming’, with a focus on “A Global Reset”, dealing with the impact of the pandemic and the Commonwealth’s role in rebuilding and reinvigorating the global economy.
Throughout the 3-days of the forum, participants will explore topics such as financing future growth, trade and regional integration, sustainability, inclusive and resilient food systems and the future of work.
There will be several sessions with discussions that shape agendas, generate insights and share best practice knowledge on strategies businesses in the Commonwealth can apply as they build back post-pandemic.
Speaking about the forum, Clare Akamanzi, the Chief Executive Officer of the Rwanda Development Board, said: “We welcome all our delegates to the Commonwealth Business Forum. The wait is over. Now is the time to discuss together the big ideas and tangible solutions that will drive the global reset after the pandemic but also shape a Commonwealth that is equitable, sustainable and resilient.”
Lord Marland, Chair of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council, said that Rwanda is a fantastic host for CBF 2022.
“Together, we have been able to convene experts and business leaders from every region of the Commonwealth and delegates representing a cross-section of critical Commonwealth sectors. CBF 2022 will showcase the immense opportunities across the Commonwealth to a global business audience and provide a valuable opportunity to connect,” he said.
Museveni was last in Rwanda in 2017 as he attended the swearing-in of President Kagame.
The two neighbouring countries experienced strained relations in the same year as Rwanda accused Uganda of torturing Rwandans and working with dissidents intending to destabilize its security.
Chimp reports has reported that Museveni is making final preparations for the visit to be held in Kigali where a special forces team flew to Kigali last week to prepare for Museveni’s arrival.
Heads of States and Governments attending CHOGM 2022 are expected to meet in Kigali on 25th June.
Museveni is coming to Rwanda, two months after the visit of President Kagame to Uganda where he attended the birthday celebration of the Senior Presidential Advisor on Special Operations and Commander of Land Forces of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), Lt Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
Efforts to mend Rwanda and Uganda relations took shape in February this year following visits of Lt Gen Muhoozi, the first born son of Uganda’s President to mend bilateral relations.
Since he was involved in the process to restore relations to normal, Lt Gen Muhoozi has been warning Rwanda’s dissidents that they have no place in Uganda. He recently revealed that no official fighting Rwanda would retain job in Uganda.
He also echoed similar message in February where he warned Kayumba against using his country to threaten Rwanda’s security.
His first visit to Rwanda was on 22nd January 2022, a move that was followed by the reopening of Gatuna border.
Later on, Rwanda reopened all land borders on 7th March 2022.
Muhoozi visited Rwanda for the second time on 14th March 2022 where held talks with President Kagame on pending issues affecting bilateral relations.
On the occasion of his birthday celebration, Lt Gen Muhoozi said that both countries currently have good relations with optimism that the situation shall improve further in the future.
The meeting is expected to resolve on the deployment of join regional force to restore peace in eastern DRC as requested by Kenyatta who is the incumbent Chairperson of East African Community (EAC).
Rwanda’s Presidency has revealed that Kagame attended the conclave on the security situation in eastern DRC along with Presidents Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, Evariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi, Salva Kiir Mayardit of South Sudan and Felix Tshisekedi of DRC.
Tanzanian President, Samia Suluhu Hassan has been represented by her country’s ambassador to Kenya, John Stephen Simbachawene.
The meeting takes place at a time when tensions continue to escalate between Rwanda and DRC.
The latter accuses Rwanda of supporting M23 rebel group in its clashes with Congolese Army (FARDC) but Rwanda has repeatedly refuted the allegations.
Kenyatta recently called for urgent deployment of regional force to fight rebel groups based in eastern DRC.
Rwanda says that it is willing to contribute to the joint operation but DRC boycotted the support insisting that it doesn’t want Rwandan troops to participate.
The Commonwealth Youth for Sustainable Urbanisation (CYSU) network will use an evidenced-based approach and work collaboratively to address the challenges affecting health, trade, the economy, the environment, and youth employment in cities and human settlements throughout the Commonwealth.
CYSU is the 13th youth network to be set up through the Commonwealth Youth Programme. Supported by the Commonwealth Secretariat for the past 40 years, the youth networks cover various issues and empower those aged 18-29 to make their voices heard by giving them opportunities to shape the future they want to see.
Its launch coincides with the announcement of and first meeting of the newly formed Clean and Sustainable Energy Action Group. A joint effort between members of the CYSU and the Commonwealth Sustainable Energy Transition (CSET) Agenda, its focus will be on scaling up youth-led solutions for clean and sustainable energy and creating a platform for engaging young people in the global discourse on the energy transition.
The CSET will look to help Commonwealth nations with the transition to low carbon energy systems and the achievement of SDGs – in particular SDG 7 on access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy. It is anchored on three key pillars – Inclusive Transition; Technology and Innovation; and Enabling Frameworks and is implemented through targeted approaches including member-led Action Groups.
Both groups were profiled on the second day of the Commonwealth Youth Forum, where 350 youth leaders have gathered to share ideas and generate recommendations for improving youth prospects to be taken forward to the Heads of Government meeting on Saturday.
Young people who meet the criteria are encouraged to express their interest in joining the CYSU and the new CSET Youth Action Group through this Google [{form}}->https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=mRTmJ64SAUS_ZINLGcmfWade3uA46ltJghvgksv7xc9UNlRCTzQ3TjdOVVZJUDgwR0xZTVZBRVNVTy4u].
The competition to design the CYSU logo was launched and interested participants are encouraged to submit their designs, find out more information [{{here}}->https://docs.google.com/document/d/13whTjOHrOcAR_EYrtqyTslfhl2iROkeW/edit]. A £200 prize is on offer.
The CYSU network is the result of a commitment for increased youth involvement in development reached at the 2018 Commonwealth Heads of Government (CHOGM) meeting in London.
It also forms part of the response to a Commonwealth-wide Call to Action on Sustainable Urbanisation, launched in 2021 by the Commonwealth Sustainable Cities Initiative (a multidisciplinary group of comprising of the Association of Commonwealth Universities, the Commonwealth Association of Architects, the Commonwealth Association of Planners and the Commonwealth Local Government Forum supported by the Government of Rwanda and The Prince’s Foundation).
Layne Robinson, Head of Social Policy Development at the Secretariat, said: “With populations booming – and more and more young people living in cities and towns – it has never been more important to look at the world around us and to think about how it can better serve future generations.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for candidates with a passion for sustainable development to have an impact on the world they see around them.”
The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2022 takes place from 20-25 June 2022, in Kigali, Rwanda under the theme “Delivering a Common Future: Connecting, Innovating, Transforming”.
Commenting on the visit held on Friday; Titien Muberangabo, the Chief Executive Officer of Global Risk Advisors Ltd has said that the company organizes similar event every year to help employees learn from the country’s dark history.
“It is an annual event to learn more about the Genocide against Tutsi and recommit our role to resist Genocide denial and trivialization,” he said.
Muberangabo said that such event should remind employees to always play their role to prevent reoccurrence of Genocide.
He encouraged other private institutions to take the lead in helping their staff to learn from history of Genocide against Tutsi.
“We encourage them to help employees learn from history of Genocide against Tutsi. We have to reflect on this history and remain united for the common goal. As people sharing the same history, having a common understanding helps us to move forward together and fast track envisioned national development,” noted Muberangabo.
He highlighted that commemorating is a way of honouring fallen victims and thanked the President of the Republic for his visionary leadership that has seen the country moving fast along the resilience journey and restoring unity among Rwandans.
Justus O. Oricho, a Kenyan working with Global Risk Advisors Ltd revealed that he was moved by the ordeal Tutsis endured during the Genocide.
As he said, what he witnessed at the memorial left him reflecting on the extent at which hatred is destructive to humanity and dreadful experiences victims went through.
Considering Rwanda’s gains; Oricho urged other African countries to learn from the country’s model of conflict resolution which he believed might be a solution to achieve sustainable peace on the continent.
Global Risk Advisors Ltd is an insurance services broker which started operations in 2013 after obtaining licensing from the National Bank of Rwanda.
Hundreds of youth from all corners of the Commonwealth came together for the opening of the Commonwealth Youth Forum (CYF) in Kigali on 19th June 2022, which kicked off with an electrifying and inspiring performance from the Rwandan performing arts and media company, Mashirika.
Held ahead of the main Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), the three-day forum is a unique opportunity for young leaders to bring policy recommendations to their governments – asserting their role in shaping the future of the Commonwealth.
This year’s forum focuses on the adverse impacts of climate change, conflict and Covid-19, which disproportionately hit young people by cutting employment, training and education opportunities. Approximately 60 per cent of the unemployed in Commonwealth countries are young people. With the World Bank warning of a looming global recession, it has never been more important to ensure that young people are prioritised in Commonwealth policies.
Speaking during the opening ceremony, Chair of the CYF taskforce and Chair of the Rwanda National Youth Council, Alodie Iradukunda (pictured below), said: “As the Chairperson of the Rwandan National Youth Council, I have had the opportunity to witness the will and drive that young people have in building our future. I am in awe of the spirit of service and duty that prevailed more than ever throughout the COVID-19 crisis.
Young people across the Commonwealth played an integral role in the handling of this crisis, demonstrating yet again the great value that lies within the drive and brilliance of young people. I am here to reassure our leaders that we have not waited to be called upon. We understand what is at stake when it comes to the numerous issues that our world faces today.”
The newly appointed Chair of the Commonwealth Youth Council, Kim Allen said: “Today’s challenges and issues are more complex than decades ago. The world is slowly coming out of the pandemic, a crisis that affected our lives in many ways. Climate change, loss of biodiversity, hate and discrimination, economic turmoil resulting in high unemployment rates, the digital divide, mental health, inequalities in education and health, conflicts, and political instability, to name a few, all happen due to human actions and certain situations beyond our control.
Amid these challenges arise the opportunities to create a positive change. Fellow youth delegates and partners, your creativity, skill sets and abilities are needed to drive the change we want. Now is the time to act. We have to progress the efforts taken in the past through strategic and transformational approaches.”
Delivering the keynote address at the opening ceremony, Rwanda’s Minister of Youth and Culture, Rosemary Mbabazi, praised the commitment, ingenuity, and hard work of the youth.
“I encourage you to build networks that will turn into the markets needed for your innovations, create innovations that responds to and solves challenges for our communities. I am sure you will leave here with more knowledge and transformed mindsets,” she said.
Also speaking at the opening ceremony Commonwealth Deputy Secretary-General, Dr. Arjoon Suddhoo repeated the call for young people to be included in policy decisions across the Commonwealth.
“Given the huge potential and ingenious proclivity of our young people, we simply cannot afford to exclude young people from the development agenda or equate youthfulness with inexperience and ignorance. This dangerous and damaging discrimination will hold all of us back from achieving our full potential,” he noted.
During the forum young people will agree to a set of policy recommendations which will be recorded and presented to Heads of Government in a Youth Declaration on the final day of the forum. They will also have an opportunity to meet heads of governments during an intergenerational dialogue.
This year’s forum will address thematic areas such as governance and the rule of law, technology, skills, innovation, sustainability, health and trade. It will also include the launch of an historic collaboration between the Commonwealth and the world’s largest youth organisations to create the ‘Commonwealth Alliance for Quality Youth Leadership’.
This meeting supported by the Government of Rwanda and co-ordinated by an International Youth Task Force, made up of 21 young people from around the Commonwealth, co-chaired by Darrion Narine of Trinidad and Tobago and Alodie Iradukunda of Rwanda. It is supported by the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Government of Rwanda.
The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2022 takes place from 20-25 June 2022, in Kigali, Rwanda under the theme “Delivering a Common Future: Connecting, Innovating, Transforming”.
Commonwealth leaders will travel to Rwanda to reaffirm their common values and agree actions and policies to improve the lives of all their citizens. Decisions taken at CHOGM also guide the work programme of the Commonwealth Secretariat.
The official opening of CHOGM takes place on Friday 24 June and is followed by the main high-level meetings of Heads on Friday 24 to Saturday 25 June. These events are proceeded by four forums, ministerial meetings, side events and other activities.
The CYF is one of the four forums which have taken place in the margins of CHOGM since 1998. Young people will focus on the data provided by the Youth Development Index (YDI) Report, a Commonwealth tool which helps us to monitor changes in the situation of young people; recognise their contributions to the world; and support them as we all pursue the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Meetings begin in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda on Sunday 19 June with four forums – covering youth, women, business and civil society – culminating with the official Retreat for leaders at the Intare Conference Arena on Saturday 25 June. At the Leaders Retreat – unique to the Commonwealth – Heads of Government meet privately to discuss collaboration on global and Commonwealth priorities.
Commenting on the development; Commonwealth Secretary-General, Patricia Scotland said: “Since the last time the Commonwealth family came together for CHOGM in 2018, the onset of COVID-19, new and ongoing conflicts, and the accelerated impact of climate change have fundamentally altered the global landscape and tested our resilience.
This succession of events has changed lives, livelihoods, communities and economies. We know that in times of crises, the poor and most vulnerable are disproportionately affected. Many development gains, likewise, have been thrown off track, while others have regressed.
“That’s why with eight years to go until the Sustainable Development Goals ‘endgame,’ leaders at CHOGM are committed to harnessing lessons learned, working together and taking inspiration from the innovative solutions that we’ve seen emerge over the past few years.
“The Commonwealth is a bedrock for member states, rooted in a shared history, collective aspirations and progressive solutions. At a time when multilateralism is under serious strain, CHOGM offers a vital forum to deliver the objectives of member states and an opportunity to draw upon all the talents of the member states to deliver a smarter, more resilient, prosperous, confident and sustainable Commonwealth.”
A Ministerial Meeting for the Commonwealth’s 32 Small Island Developing States is scheduled for Wednesday 22 June at which economic vulnerability, climate action and access to finance and debt sustainability are expected to top the agenda. The Commonwealth has a long history championing the needs of Small States, which face unique challenges related to climate change and external economic shocks.
The Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group – which assesses countries at risk of breaching fundamental political values , will also meet on 22 June.
On Thursday 23rd June, Foreign Ministers will convene ahead of the main CHOGM sessions to review the leaders’ agenda and receive outcomes from the four forums for consideration by Heads. The traditional Commonwealth Sports Breakfast, also on Thursday 23 June, will showcase preparations for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, which begin on 28 July.
Several side meetings will take place during CHOGM and cover topics including violence against women and girls, climate change, access to justice and sustainable ocean protection and economic development.
The formal Opening Ceremony takes place on Friday 24 June at the Kigali Convention Centre and is followed by closed-door Executive Sessions at which leaders will consider a range of topical issues including post COVID-19 economic recovery, debt sustainability, climate change, trade and food security.
The Women’s, Youth, People and Business Forums will run concurrently at different venues in Kigali. Participants will include Commonwealth leaders, government ministers, members of the British royal family, senior UN figures, business leaders, civil society activists and literary figures.
The Women’s Forum will explore the Commonwealth’s role in achieving gender equality in line with UN aspirations and the crucial role women have to play in politics, business and peace building. The theme for 2022 is ‘Delivering a Common Future: Transforming for Gender Equality’.
The Youth Forum, held under the theme ‘Taking Charge of Our Future’ will bring 350 young people together to network, exchange ideas, build skills, and generate solutions to the most pressing youth-related challenges. These priorities will be cemented in a Youth Declaration at the end of the three-day event and will be presented to leaders The six-point plan will be implemented by the Commonwealth Youth Council and youth-led organisations across the Commonwealth.
The People’s Forum is the single largest gathering of civil society representatives in the Commonwealth. It is aimed at discussing solutions and building solidarity around some of the most pressing issues facing Commonwealth people, from the COVID-19 pandemic to the climate crisis. This year’s forum will address the theme: Our Health, Our Planet, Our Future.
The Business Forum is a unique platform for dialogue, bringing together business and government leaders from across the Commonwealth. Hosted as a partnership between the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC) and the Government of Rwanda, the Forum will discuss a range of issues affecting businesses across the Commonwealth with a focus on ‘A Global Reset’, dealing with the impact of the pandemic and the Commonwealth’s role in rebuilding and reinvigorating the global economy.
CHOGM 2022 was originally due to take place in 2020 but has twice been postponed due to COVID-19. The last country to host CHOGM in 2018 was the UK and the host country for CHOGM 2024 will be announced at this week’s summit.
These activities carried out on Sunday 18th June 2022, were also meant to celebrate the International Day of the African Child in South Sudan. They included general cleaning, tree planting and donation of scholastic materials to the pupils at the primary school.
On 16th June 2022, Rwandan peacekeepers also provided free medical services to pupils at Green Sudd Nursery and Primary School in Juba Town.
In his remarks, senior mission representative from Rwanda, Col Frederic Itangayenda said that the activity was meant to support schools and encourage students who dropped out school to resume studies.
The Juba County commissioner, Hon Engr Joseph Richard Wani thanked Rwandan peacekeepers and Rwandan community in South Sudan for the support extended to the local community and urged the peacekeepers to keep up such activities.
