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Samoa 2024 marked the first ever CHOGM to be hosted in the South Pacific, drawing attention to the region at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions. Speaking to The Sydney Morning Herald, CWEIC Chairman Lord Marland reflected on how strengthening relationships with its Commonwealth partners could help Australia to advance its security objectives in the Pacific.

Emphasising the importance of renewed relationships between Australia, New Zealand, and Pacific members of the Commonwealth, Lord Marland noted that many Commonwealth countries would welcome greater engagement from major Commonwealth economies, particularly when compared to insurgent investors, such as China. Nevertheless, Lord Marland also emphasised the continued importance of national sovereignty, a core plank of the Commonwealth – “it’s not for us to preach to other countries about how they should and shouldn’t run their lives.”

“What has struck me about being here is how Australia – and, indeed, New Zealand – are now committing to really supporting these islands in a much more positive way than they have in the past,” said Lord Marland, underscoring the importance of providing a positive, private-sector-led development alternative.

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