CHOGM 2015 | Climate change, radicalisation take centre-stage in leaders' discussions

Climate change and the fight against radicalisation and extremism took centre-stage during the two-day Commonwealth Summit, with the 53 leaders reaching "convergence and a near-agreement" on climate change.

The CHOGM was concluded this morning, with a final press conference at the Radisson Golden Sands during which Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and the Maltese task force, were praised for the organisation.

Muscat was also lauded for the push given to the climate change issue and leadership shown, also bringing to Malta French President Francois Hollande and UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon.

During a special executive session to discuss climate change, the CHOGM agreed to the "seriousness and urgency of the threat posed by climate change, and the need for an ambitious agreement in Paris".

Several countries want the Paris Summit on climate change to commit governments to hold warming to 1.5°C, above pre-industrial levels. Scientific advice shows that warming above 2°C is likely to lead to consequences such as extreme weather, droughts, floods and sea-level rises.

During the concluding CHOGM press conference, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said that Commonwealth leaders were now in a stronger position to present a united front at the COP21 summit. Despite being adopted, one anonymous country has its reservations on the Commonwealth leaders' statement on climate action.

Baron Divavesi Waqu, the President of Nauru - an island with 10,000 inhabitants - urged for convergence on the 1.5°C target, arguing that climate change was the most important issue to be discussed during this generation.

"Climate change puts us in one canoe and we will be swept all together if a wave comes. The target has to be less than 1.5°C. We certainly don't want islands under the sea," he said.

Turning to radicalisation and extremism, Muscat said the Commonwealth leaders have agreed to a setup which will now be beefed up to fight it.

"Commonwealth needs to help individual countries to work with key players in regions most affected by terror groups and organisations targeting youths. We need to help regional and youth workers in convincing young people to get a job rather than joining a terrorist organisation," Muscat said.

He explained that sometimes radical groups pay young people to join them.

Muscat went on to praise the Commonwealth's decision for electing a woman secretary-general, sending a strong message.

"We still have a number if issues to address and I want countries to champion equality. I know there are countries that don't agree but we have started the talks. Silence has never helped anyone in changing things," he said.