Zahid Hamidi: Malaysia to host CHOGM in 2020
VALLETTA, MALTA: Malaysia has been chosen as the host of the 26th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in 2020, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (pic).
The Deputy Prime Minister said the appointment was in recognition of Malaysia's significant role as a member of the Commonwealth for the past 50 years.
"Malaysia has been appointed to host CHOGM in 2020, 31 years after last hosting the meeting," he told Malaysian reporters here after attending the CHOGM 2015 closing ceremony in Malta Monday.
Dr Ahmad Zahid, who led the Malaysian delegation for CHOGM 2015, said the United Kingdom would host the meeting in 2018.
During the meeting here, Commonwealth leaders addressed global issues such as climate change, building resilience in small states, trade and sustainable development, the empowerment of youth, and fight against corruption and terrorism.
Dr Ahmad Zahid said climate change, which has affected the 31 Commonwealth member states, was among the major focus points of the summit.
"Small island Commonwealth states are anticipated to be submerged in the near future due to global warming that has raised the sea level," he said.
He said a paper had been presented to the Cabinet to affirm Malaysia's commitment towards reducing climate change, which outlined efforts in environmental conservation, minimisation of deforestation, and renewable energy advocacy and other approaches.
"We will play an important role in helping to reduce global climate change," he said.
At the same press conference, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman said Malaysia had also urged developed Commonwealth states to provide financial resources to developing state members.
On the Commonwealth Youth Council secretariat's relocation to Kuala Lumpur, Ahmad Zahid said he had discussed the matter with Anifah and would forward it to the Cabinet for approval as well as to seek an allocation for it.
He would also hold a meeting with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak on the issue. - Bernama
