The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting kicked off on Monday in Samoa, with leaders and officials from 56 countries discussing crucial topics such as income disparity, structural discrimination, and violence against women. Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland referred to these challenges as a “plague in our world.”

Participants from both established and developing countries, including large economies such as the United Kingdom, India, Canada, and Australia highlighted the ongoing difficulties of gender inequality. Despite previous accomplishments, Scotland emphasised that gender-based violence and limits on women’s leadership roles remain prevalent in many Commonwealth countries.

“Significant hurdles remain,” Scotland said, asking women to collaborate and remain vigilant. She was the first woman to serve as Secretary-General since 2016, and she warned that hard-won gains may be quickly lost if efforts faltered.

Fiame Naomi Mata’afa, Samoa’s Prime Minister and the first woman to head a Pacific Island Commonwealth nation echoed the call for more gender equity measures.

In addition to gender issues, climate change and increasing sea levels were highlighted, with leaders expecting to announce ocean preservation measures. King Charles, the Commonwealth’s head, is scheduled to attend the summit mid-week, emphasising the group’s ability to address global issues collaboratively.