In the Press: Commonwealth Summit opens after official ceremony

Times of Malta

French President Francois Hollande says it is mankind’s duty to have a binding, ambitious and universal agreement on climate change during the UN summit in Paris next week. Hollande met the 53 member states of the Commonwealth to discuss climate change. Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau announced that Canada will contribute €2.65 billion over the coming five years to help developing countries face climate change. A new Commonwealth institute, headquartered in Mauritius, to enable small countries with climate financing.

L-Orizzont

In her speech at the official opening ceremony of the commonwealth heads of government meeting at the Mediterranean conference centre, Valletta, Queen Elizabeth II remarked that although Malta is one of the smallest countries in the Commonwealth, it had shown great moral strength throughout history. The 24th meeting of the states, also marks the second time Malta has hosted the event, with the latest time being in 2005.  

In- Nazzjon

CHOGM 2015 opened with spectacular show at the Mediterranean Conference Centre. The ceremony, welcomed the 53 member states of the Commonwealth and it reflected what it means to be Maltese, while still demonstrated the meaning of the union. The ceremony included official speeches by the head of the Commonwealth, Queen Elizabeth II, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, Commonwealth Secretary General Kamalesh Sharma and Sri Lankan president Maithripala Sirisena (who currently holds the presidency).

The Malta Independent

The Queen’s speech at the official opening, which started with a brief introduction of the leaders, pointed out that the size of a country is not indicative of its moral strength or willingness to affect the global agenda. The ceremony presented various performances including by tenor Joseph Calleja,a s well as colourful dancers.