PM off to Commonwealth meeting, COP31

PRIME Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini has left the country to represent His Majesty King Mswati III at the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Antigua and Barbuda.

He is expected to also proceed to Türkiye for the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31).

The two international gatherings will bring together world leaders to discuss investment, economic development, climate change and international cooperation, with implications for developing countries such as Eswatini.

According to the Commonwealth secretariat, CHOGM will take place in St John’s, Antigua and Barbuda, from Sunday to Wednesday, under the theme ‘Accelerating Partnerships and Investment for a Prosperous Commonwealth’.

The meeting will bring together leaders from the Commonwealth’s 56 member countries, alongside ministers, business representatives, young people and civil society organisations.

A major focus will be mobilising investment and strengthening partnerships to support sustainable development, trade and economic growth across member states.

Leaders are expected to engage investors and development partners on investment-ready projects valued at approximately US$34 billion, submitted by 20 developing Commonwealth countries. The proposals cover areas, including climate action, trade and youth employment.

The discussions will also address reducing barriers to trade among Commonwealth countries, sustainable debt and access to concessional financing, particularly for vulnerable states.

Other priorities include climate resilience, innovation, equality, democratic governance and creating opportunities for young people.

The programme will feature youth, women’s, people’s and business forums, providing platforms for different sectors to contribute to discussions on the Commonwealth’s development priorities. Leaders will also hold a retreat to discuss shared challenges and agree on priorities for future cooperation.

Following CHOGM, Dlamini will travel to Antalya, Türkiye, for the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 31) scheduled for November 9-20.

COP31 is a major international negotiating forum under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, bringing together governments, climate experts, businesses and civil society to advance global responses to climate change.

The conference will focus on implementing existing climate commitments, accelerating the transition to cleaner energy and strengthening countries’ ability to respond to climate impacts.

Key issues include reducing greenhouse gas emissions, adapting to climate change, mobilising climate finance and supporting communities vulnerable to droughts, floods and other extreme weather events.

A World Leaders’ Summit is scheduled for November 11 and 12, when heads of State and government will have an opportunity to discuss political priorities and accelerate action on climate change.

The conference will also provide a platform for negotiations on how countries can implement the Paris Agreement, which seeks to limit global warming and strengthen international cooperation on climate action