Commonwealth Foreign Ministers Unite at UN to Champion Multilateralism and Drive Reform

New York, 22 September 2025 – Foreign Ministers from across the Commonwealth convened today at the United Nations Headquarters in New York for the 25th Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting (CFAMM), chaired by Samoa’s Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Toelupe Maoiautele Poumulinuku Onesemo.

Meeting on the margins of the 80th UN General Assembly, ministers expressed overwhelming support for the Commonwealth’s role as a champion of multilateralism and collective action at a time of profound global upheaval. They reviewed progress since the 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa and charted a clear path towards CHOGM 2026 in Antigua and Barbuda.

In his opening remarks, the Chair, Deputy Prime Minister Toelupe, emphasized the importance of the meeting, noting that the issues discussed were key to implementing CHOGM mandates and building a resilient Commonwealth.

Leading her first CFAMM as Commonwealth Secretary-General, Hon. Shirley Botchwey called on member states to seize the moment and reinforce the Commonwealth’s unique convening power. She observed that the multilateral system is under serious pressure but remains the world’s greatest tool for finding solutions. “Without it, the fractures in our world will deepen. With it, we can still find solutions… My vision for the Commonwealth is rooted in this conviction: that in a world defined by pressure, the Commonwealth must be defined by purpose,” she said.

She further underscored that the Commonwealth’s diversity, with 56 members encompassing one-third of humanity, from the world’s largest economies to its smallest states, provides an unmatched platform to defend democracy, unlock economic opportunity, lead in climate action, and empower women and young people.

During the meeting, ministers affirmed the Strategic Plan 2025–2030: Building a More Resilient Commonwealth, which centres on democratic, economic, and environmental resilience. The plan, co-created with member states and approved by the Commonwealth’s Board of Governors on 10 September, aims to make the Secretariat “sharper, more focused, and more effective in serving you,” according to the Secretary-General.

Ministers renewed their commitment to collective solutions on peace, climate, debt, and trade, with particular attention to small and vulnerable states. They also approved reforms to streamline CHOGM and ministerial meetings, strengthen Secretariat capacity, and enhance delivery through digital tools, stronger teams, and results-driven monitoring.

The meeting further placed resilience at the core of Commonwealth priorities, with agreement to advance democratic, societal, and economic resilience, building on the outcomes of CHOGM 2024. Ministers also pledged to amplify the voices of small states in securing climate finance, debt relief, and fairer trade arrangements. In addition, they welcomed expanded youth mobility initiatives, stronger gender equality programmes, and new partnerships to support the Commonwealth’s 1.5 billion young people.

The Secretary-General announced the creation of a Democracy Fragility Index, designed to track risks to democratic stability and provide early warning through new partnerships to help avert crises.

As discussions turned toward CHOGM 2026, ministers resolved that the Commonwealth must set the standard for effective and streamlined international cooperation. “This is not an abstract plan; it is a practical platform for delivery,” Secretary-General Botchwey stated. “With your continued support, we can make the Commonwealth more resilient, more relevant, and more results driven.”

The Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) also met on 21 September, marking 30 years as the association’s guardian of democracy, and reviewed current country situations.