At the historic Samoa summit, Commonwealth nations signed the Apia Ocean Declaration—their first commitment to protect oceans—calling on all 56 member states to address climate change, pollution, and overfishing. This pact aims to protect 30% of oceans and restore marine ecosystems by 2030, focusing on completing the Global Plastics Treaty and ratifying the high-seas biodiversity treaty.
Samoa’s Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa emphasized the urgency of this step, especially for vulnerable Pacific nations. The Declaration seeks to shift from ocean exploitation to protection, setting a standard ahead of COP29.
The summit also brought forward the contentious issue of Britain’s colonial history, with leaders calling for discussions on reparative justice. King Charles III, attending his first Commonwealth summit as monarch, acknowledged the painful legacy of the transatlantic slave trade but stopped short of addressing reparations, while British Prime Minister Keir Starmer avoided direct apologies. The Leaders Statement encouraged “truthful, respectful conversations” to promote justice for affected nations, particularly regarding the impacts on women and girls.
