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18 maltatoday, SUNDAY, 15 NOVEMBER 2015 This is a paid advert With only 12 days to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) to commence in Malta, preparations are in their final stages and Malta looks forward to once again host world leaders, speakers and participants on the Islands. The main event to be held between 27 and 29 November will take place in two Maltese historical landmarks, the Mediterranean Con- ference Centre and the newly restored Fort St Angelo. Hot on the heels of the 2-day Valletta Summit on Migration held earlier this week and preced- ing the UN Climate Change Summit to be held in Paris, the discussion on both topical subjects will continue during CHOGM. Also high on the agenda are global security issues, focusing on countering violent extremism and radi- calisation. The implementation of the recently agreed on Sustainable Development Goals and the exploration of trade opportunities within the Commonwealth are also among the points for discussion. Commonwealth Fora During the week leading up to CHOGM, Malta will also be hosting the three fora that have become synonymous with CHOGM meetings, featuring representatives from across the Com- monwealth to discuss issues relating to youth, business and civil society. This year, a Women's forum is being held for the first time. Youth Forum Jointly organised by the Commonwealth Youth Council (CYC), the Youth Division of the Com- monwealth Secretariat and the Government of Malta, the Commonwealth Youth Forum (CYF) 2015 aims at achieving cross-cultural connec- tions and learning between participants. The CYF will gather around 350 youth del- egates from all over the Commonwealth to dis- cuss and reach a consensus on topics relevant to them. Young people will discuss subjects parallel to the main theme of 'Adding Global Value: #WhatNext?'. The forum's programme includes 4 set agen- da: economic, political, social and environ- mental, all of which include an experienced panel of speakers. The new CYC executive will be elected during a General Assembly, which will also be held dur- ing this prestigious forum. The CYC is the larg- est and most diverse youth-led organisation in the world. Representing more than 1.2 billion people worldwide, it plays an integral role in advancing the youth development agenda. CYF 2015 will be held between the 21 and 25 November at the db San Antonio Hotel & Spa, Qawra, St.Paul's Bay. Business Forum Heads of Government, Ministers and top busi- ness leaders from all across the globe are ex- pected to attend the Commonwealth Business Forum (CBF), the major business event forming part of the CHOGM calendar. CBF has featured prominently as part of the CHOGM programme since the first time it took place at the Edin- burgh CHOGM of 1997. Co-organised by the Commonwealth Eco- nomic and Investment Council (CWEIC) and the Government of Malta, CBF 2015 builds on the CHOGM theme of 'Adding Global Value', as strengthening trade and investment is a key area where the Commonwealth can add value. Serving as a platform providing space for high level dialogue between business and Govern- ment leaders from the Commonwealth and beyond, it aims to develop stronger partner- ships between Governments and businesses to ensure that the Commonwealth plays its part in promoting sustainable growth across the world. This year's forum is prioritising infrastructure, technology, healthcare, financial services, maritime industry, tourism and sustainability, featuring a number of highly influential speak- ers. The Rt. Hon. Lord Marland describes this event as 'an extraordinary opportunity for busi- nesses from across the Commonwealth to meet and network.' In the run up to CBF 2015 Marlborough House in London hosted a number of events, one of which was attended and addressed by Maltese Minister of Finance Edward Scicluna highlight- ing Malta's advantages to potential investors. CBF 2015 will be held between the 24 and 26 November at the Hilton Hotel, St. Julians. People's Forum The People's Forum is the largest gathering of civil society. Organised in collaboration with the Commonwealth Foundation, the forum will give the opportunity to civil society to engage with Commonwealth leaders on a wide range of issues. All topics are parallel to the forum's theme 'What Makes Societies Resilient?'. Some of the main topics to be discussed in- clude equality, diversity, migration and climate change amongst others - the latter two topics being also be keynote subjects at CHOGM Malta 2015. All of these subjects will be addressed by prominent speakers namely Dr. Vandana Shiva, a world-known Indian environmentalist and author. A number of parallel events were or- ganised in the run-up to this forum. One aware- ness session tackled the question of whether resilience discourse is useful for migration policy analysis and advocacy. A panel of representatives from civil society presented different opinions on the topic in question and also compiled a set of recommen- dations for the content design committee. CPF 2015 will be held between the 23 and 25 November at the Corinthia Hotel St. George's Bay, St. Julian's. Women's Forum Described as a 'pioneering step' by the Commonwealth Secretary General Kamalesh Sharma, the first ever Women's Forum is be- ing organised by the Government of Malta, in collaboration with the Commonwealth Secre- tariat's Gender Section. CWF 2015's main theme 'Women Ahead: Be All That You Can Be' offers a clear message in support for the empowerment of women. The inaugural Women's Forum is expected to be attended by government officials, leaders, first ladies, business women and men, academ- ics, as well as civil society organisations. The forum aims to raise awareness of wom- en's issues in Commonwealth countries and recognise women's positive contributions in the political, economical and social arenas. A celebration of women's achievements with top- ics such as entrepreneurship, education and leadership featuring high on the agenda, the forum is anticipated to become a regular fea- ture of the CHOGM-related fora. The very topi- cal issues of female genital mutilation, child/ early and forced marriage, women leadership in the political and economic spheres will be up for discussion. On 24 October the speakers list for CWF 2015 was unveiled with a unique event online. The impressive line-up of speakers for this historic forum include anti-FGM campaigner, Khadija Gbla and Commissioner and Acting Execu- tive Director for National Commission for the Promotion of Equality Malta, Reneé Laiviera. CWF 2015 will be held between the 22 and 24 November at the Intercontinental Hotel, St. George's Bay. The Commonwealth. Adding Global Value Maltese Prime Minister Joseph Muscat with Commonwealth secretary general Kamalesh Sharma President of the Republic Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca