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Resilience and Optimism at CHOGM 2024 in Samoa
By Victor Perton
Samoan Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa held a press conference this week to present updates on Samoa's preparations for the 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).
As Samoa gears up to host this significant global event, the emphasis on resilience and optimism was palpable throughout the briefing. I look forward to attending CHOGM 2024, where Samoa's resilient and optimistic approach should set the tone for the conversations and outcomes.
Resilience is the Theme: Resilience Relies on Optimism
Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa said, "Our focus is on resilience as a unifying approach that transcends the humanitarian, development, human rights, and peace and security pillars. The theme we have chosen will allow us to look at all the key pillars of the Commonwealth through a resilience lens. We strongly believe that we should focus on solutions and accelerated action." her statement underscores the importance of a solutions-focused, action-oriented framework that is vital for addressing the pressing challenges faced by Commonwealth nations today.
The Power of Optimism in Leadership
At The Centre for Optimism, we have long argued that optimism is a cornerstone of effective leadership and international collaboration. Resilience, particularly in global governance, depends on an optimistic outlook. It enables nations to focus on surviving challenges and thriving through them, driving forward with hope and innovation.
CHOGM 2024 will be an opportunity for Commonwealth leaders to gather not only to discuss shared issues but to foster a collective spirit of resilience and optimism that can drive meaningful change. As the Prime Minister highlighted, a resilient approach will shape every pillar of the Commonwealth, allowing for accelerated progress and stronger partnerships.
Optimism as the Key to Economic Development
Optimism is essential for leadership and a driving force behind economic development and innovation.
As noted in my recent article "The Optimism Effect: Optimism is the Key to Countries' Productivity and Innovation," research from the University of Sydney has shown that countries with higher levels of optimism are more likely to experience growth in productivity and innovation. The study highlights that optimism acts as a catalyst for creating an environment where economic opportunities flourish.
This principle directly aligns with The Optimism Principle, which asserts that optimism is the answer to life's most pressing questions.
Optimism fuels strategic decision-making, enabling leaders to craft policies that foster economic resilience, growth, and innovation. When applied to the context of Samoa's CHOGM preparations, it's clear that the country's optimistic outlook is not just about handling short-term challenges but about laying the groundwork for long-term economic development across the Commonwealth.
Samoa: An Optimistic Paradise
Samoa, an "Optimistic Paradise," exudes a spirit of infectious optimism that permeates daily life.
As I've written before in Liquid Optimism, Samoa's tropical beauty, combined with its people's warmth and positivity, creates an environment where optimism flows naturally. This optimism is not just a cultural trait but a strategic asset, positioning Samoa as a host that can uplift global leaders and inspire new pathways of cooperation and growth. Hosting CHOGM 2024 in such a vibrant and positive setting will inevitably influence the tone and outcomes of the discussions, fostering a spirit of hope and collaboration that is vital for addressing today's global challenges.
CHOGM 2024 will allow the Commonwealth to discuss the world's pressing issues in a setting that inspires and strengthens optimism, leading to greater global resilience.
How will Samoa's optimistic and resilient approach influence economic discussions at CHOGM 2024?
Read More: The Optimism Principle
Read More: Liquid Optimism: Samoa Reflections
Read More: We need more Climate Optimism and Climate Optimists
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