Maldives to Co-Chair Commonwealth Ministerial Meeting on Small States in 2026
The Maldives has been announced as the co-chair for the Commonwealth’s Ministerial Meeting on Small States (CMMSS) set for 2026.
Maldives to co-chair the Commonwealth Ministerial Meeting on Small States in 2026
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs 🇲🇻 (@MoFAmv) October 23, 2024
📃 Press Release | https://t.co/dPvrxuSMvb pic.twitter.com/f3uYgGQxHu
This decision was revealed during the ongoing Ministerial Meeting of Small States, held ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa.
In a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it was confirmed that the Maldives will share the co-chair role with the host country of CHOGM 2026. As co-chair, the Maldives will focus on advocating for the interests of Small States, particularly Small Island Developing States (SIDS), strengthening its efforts to bring their concerns to the global stage.
At the current CMMSS meeting, held in parallel with CHOGM, Maldives’ Foreign Minister Dr. Abdulla Khaleel engaged with his counterparts from Commonwealth member states. The discussions centred on critical issues affecting small states, including economic vulnerability, climate action, and access to finance.
Minister Khaleel highlighted the urgent need for financial reforms to tackle the challenges small states face. He called for stronger commitments on climate finance ahead of COP29 and advocated for improved access to financial resources and sustainable debt solutions. He also emphasised initiatives like the SIDS Debt Sustainability Support Service and stressed the importance of economic diversification to enhance the long-term resilience of small states.
The Commonwealth Ministerial Meeting on Small States is a significant gathering that occurs on the sidelines of CHOGM, providing a platform for foreign ministers from across the Commonwealth to discuss strategies that promote the resilience and sustainable development of small states. This year, the meeting is co-chaired by Samoa, the CHOGM host, and Eswatini.





