King Charles has arrived in Samoa, excited to embark on a three-day visit starting 23 October 2024, during which he will embrace traditional customs and highlight pressing climate issues.
During a ceremonial welcome, the Samoan chief, Lenatai Victor Tamapua, plans to bestow upon the king the esteemed title of ‘Tui Taumeasina’. This gesture reflects the deep-rooted cultural heritage of Samoa, as well as the significance of leadership in addressing global challenges.
As part of the visit, Charles will tour a mangrove reserve, where he’ll witness firsthand the adverse effects of climate change on Samoa’s coastal areas. Tamapua remarked, “The king tide today is about twice what it was 20 or 30 years ago…” The rising waters are leading to the displacement of communities as people are forced to move inland.
This expedition comes just after a critical Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), where leaders will gather to discuss the theme “One Resilient Common Future”. It’s the first time the summit is hosted by a Pacific island nation, showcasing the region’s struggles amid evolving global dilemmas.
The summit is expected to attract around 3,000 delegates, with climate change at the forefront—an existential threat that demands immediate attention. Projects prioritising ocean health are to be deliberated, and many in the Pacific are eager to express their concerns about rising sea levels.
Queen Camilla joins her husband on this momentous occasion, as they travel from Australia, where Charles’ first tour as sovereign drew mixed sentiments, including accusations directed at him regarding Australia’s historical injustices.
During her remarks, Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland emphasised unity: “We can either swim together or we can drown separately.” Her words encapsulate the need for cooperation among nations, especially those most affected by environmental changes.
It’s worth noting that over half of the Commonwealth’s members are small states like Samoa, grappling with the most severe implications of climate change.
While some still question the relevance of the Commonwealth today, Scotland countered that the organisation stands for friendship and integrity, providing an equal platform for dialogue among diverse nations.
The sentiments shared during the summit could pave the way for new initiatives, ensuring that climate change is tackled head-on as a collective responsibility.
As preparations continue to highlight the warmth and hospitality of Samoan culture, there’s no doubt that this visit is not just a ceremonial one, but a crucial step in recognising and addressing the communal challenges faced by already vulnerable island nations.