Building resilient societies through Talanoa
In October 2024, the 27th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) was held in Samoa. This was the first time a Large Ocean State (LOS) will host CHOGM, uniting Commonwealth nations in their pursuit of resilience, sustainability, and a shared future.
The landmark Pacific CHOGM aimed to deliver concrete solutions to global challenges through the principle of Talanoa. Talanoa is a traditional word used in Fiji and across the Pacific to reflect a process of inclusive, participatory and transparent dialogue. Talanoa is a concept deeply rooted in Pacific culture and regarded as key to resolving conflicts, building relationships, and promoting a sense of community.
Commonwealth Alumni from Large Ocean States in the Pacific were invited to deliver community awareness activities applying the principles of Talanoa to promote the Samoa CHOGM theme, One Resilient Common Future: Transforming our Common Wealth.
Building resilient societies through Talanoa
You can read about the Building resilient societies through Talanoa themed activities delivered by Commonwealth Alumni below – as well as the impact these activities had on their chosen community.
Community Resilience and Knowledge: Talanoa on Flood Mitigation in Lawai Village, Fiji
Lawai Village is dealing with the severe consequences of riverbank erosion and flooding. In December 2025, Commonwealth Alumnus Milika Sobey led a Talanoa on flood mitigation for villagers and local authorities.
