How does CHOGM move from rhetoric to real action?

With the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) wraps up, it's hard not to see it as just another exercise in virtue signalling rather than a platform for real change.

While Sāmoa deserves recognition for hosting, and there’s certainly a sense of national pride, the outcomes from this high-profile gathering raise more questions than answers.

Take the highlighted focus on climate change. Sure, the leaders mentioned it over 30 times, but where’s the commitment to concrete action? The lack of calls to end fossil fuel extraction, especially from nations like Australia, shows a glaring contradiction. Meanwhile, Papua New Guinea’s decision to boycott the upcoming COP conference underscores the frustration felt by many smaller nations over "empty promises".

The Apia Commonwealth Ocean Declaration, also falls short on crucial issues like deep-sea mining, leaving Pacific nations feeling unheard.

Ultimately, these meetings can feel more like performances than progress. The Commonwealth’s principles on freedom of expression sound nice but lack enforcement, leaving vulnerable nations exposed to ongoing threats.

So the question remains: will these leaders move beyond speeches and symbols to address the urgent needs of the region?

I just don’t know.