The Apia Ocean Declaration endorsing the critical role of the ocean in the lives and economies of its member states was agreed upon on Saturday evening by the 56 Commonwealth nations.

The Declaration is particularly important for the 25 Small Island Developing States (S.I.D.S.) collectively committing to protect marine ecosystems and addressing environmental challenges.

The Apia Ocean Declaration highlights the diversity of ocean ecosystems, the importance of marine protection, the recognition of maritime boundaries, ocean protection goals, combatting marine plastic pollution, reducing emissions from maritime transport, the transformative impact on ocean economies and commitment to sustainable fishing. 

It highlights the Commonwealth's plans to promote the Ocean Declaration at international events, including the Biodiversity COP16 and the UN Ocean Conference. 

Another aspect of the declaration also highlights the blue economy development which focuses on the effective management of marine waters and the development of national Sustainable Ocean Plans crucial for fostering a sustainable blue economy, enabling countries to capitalise on marine resources responsibly.

The Apia Ocean Declaration further reaffirm the Commonwealth's commitment to supporting member countries in accessing financing for implementing the declaration, including the launch of the Blue Finance Working Group and the Commonwealth Guide to Sustainable Blue Finance.

While the Ocean Declaration aligns with international agreements like the BBNJ, it emphasises the Commonwealth's unique priorities, including the rights of indigenous peoples and the need for nature-based solutions to combat sea-level rise.

The Leader also issued a statement summarised below: 

Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2024

• The Commonwealth Heads of Government convened in Apia, Samoa, on October 26, 2024.
• Leaders endorsed the Samoa Communique in full.
• Appreciation was expressed to Samoa for its hospitality, and Prime Minister Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa was commended for her leadership.
• Gratitude was extended to Rwanda for its term as Chair-in-Office, and Antigua and Barbuda was welcomed as the next host for CHOGM in 2026.
• The meeting marked the first CHOGM since the passing of Queen Elizabeth II and other notable Commonwealth leaders, including Sir Shridath Ramphal.
• King Charles III attended his first CHOGM, receiving commendations for his commitment to sustainability and resilience, especially for small island developing states (SIDS).
• Leaders welcomed the outcomes of the Fourth International Conference on SIDS, which focused on resilient prosperity.
• Support for Haiti's stabilization efforts was acknowledged, with calls for broader international backing for the UN-authorized security mission.
• The group reaffirmed commitments to peace, international law, and sustainable development, highlighting the importance of resilience for the Commonwealth's youth.
• The 2024 Apia Commonwealth Ocean Declaration was adopted, emphasizing action against climate change and the need for food and energy security.
• Leaders discussed the potential for increased intra-Commonwealth trade and the need to reform the global financial system.
• The transformative role of digitalization and AI in sustainable development was recognized, with a commitment to ethical growth in these areas.
• Reflection on the 75th Anniversary of the Commonwealth highlighted its role as a platform for diverse voices.
• The exceptional work of the Commonwealth Secretariat was commended, with a call for ongoing reforms.
• Gratitude was expressed to Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC for her leadership, and congratulations were extended to Ghana’s Foreign Minister Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey on her upcoming appointment as Secretary-General, starting April 1, 2025.