The Commonwealth of Nations is a voluntary association of governments and people of 54 independent countries around the world.

Every two years, the 54 Commonwealth leaders meet in a different Commonwealth country to discuss matters of common interest and progress initiatives to benefit the Commonwealth's diverse membership. This summit is called a Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting or CHOGM.

A CHOGM is arguably the only international forum where such a diverse group of countries with differing levels of capacity and resources come together as equals to find common positions through consensus, in a relatively informal manner.

International programs and other initiatives promoting democracy, racial equality, conflict resolution, cultural diversity, education, economic development and access to modern technology are key areas of achievement from the 30-year history of CHOGMs. Not surprisingly, these summits provide fundamental direction for the modern Commonwealth.

A Communiqué of mandates and policies is issued at the end of each CHOGM. Declarations or statements on important matters are also issued by the leaders.