Preparations for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) are on track, with Tupa’i Peter Peilua, Co-Chair of the CHOGM Sub-Committee for Special Events, unveiling a lineup of compelling side events.

Tupa'i is also the Chief Executive Officer of the Samoa Qualifications Authority (SQA).

In a recent press conference organised by the Press and Communication Division (PCD) of the Ministry of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (MPMC), Tupa’i provided an update on the extensive preparations underway. 

He assured the public that everything was on track for the side events leading up to the main CHOGM meeting.

A total of 37 side events have been confirmed to take place before the official CHOGM sessions.

These events will be held across various locations, including the Ministry of Justice and Courts and Administration (MJCA), the National University of Samoa (NUS) in Papaigalagala, the Ministry of Education and Culture (MEC), the Ministry of Health (MOH), as well as the Lava and Orator Hotels.

Tupa’i highlighted several key topics that are expected to draw significant interest. 

These include a photographic exhibition on "Climate Change in the Pacific," hosted by the Ministry of Education (MEC). Additionally, discussions will cover critical issues such as disability inclusion and equality, gender-based violence, and indigenous knowledge and science solutions for addressing climate change.

Participation in these side events requires advanced accreditation. 

Tupa’i emphasised that anyone wishing to attend, whether for a single event or multiple sessions, must be properly registered. 

Accreditation is essential to gain access to these gatherings during the first four days of C.H.O.G.M.

For those concerned about transportation, Tupa’i reassured attendees that shuttle services will be provided for all accredited participants, ensuring convenient access to the various event locations.