The Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) convened its 70th meeting in New York City on Sunday, 21 September 2025, under the chairmanship of Dr Ian Borg, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism of Malta.
Ministers and representatives from Antigua and Barbuda, Botswana, Canada, Grenada, Malaysia, Mauritius, Samoa, and Zambia were in attendance.
The Group reaffirmed its commitment to the fundamental values and principles of the Commonwealth, as enshrined in the Commonwealth Charter, and welcomed a report from the Secretary-General on Good Offices engagements with member states to promote democracy, good governance, and rule of law.
Reviewing recent developments in Gabon, CMAG commended the government’s progress on the election timetable following the lifting of its partial suspension in July 2025.
The Group encouraged Gabon to utilise Commonwealth technical support to strengthen democratic stability and good governance.
On regional issues, CMAG endorsed the outcomes of the 11 September 2025 Commonwealth Ministerial Group on Guyana (CMGG), reiterating its strong and unconditional support for Guyana’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and right to develop its territory.
The Group welcomed continued engagement with the International Court of Justice, which is set to hear oral arguments in 2026.
Ministers also applauded the Secretariat’s work in strengthening partnerships with international organisations and advancing sustainable development, democracy, peace, and human rights. They expressed concern, however, about growing global pressures on democracy, the rule of law, and judicial independence, urging member states to remain steadfast in protecting these values.
The Group further welcomed the Secretariat’s efforts to support electoral processes across member states and reiterated the Commonwealth’s commitment to upholding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all members.
It was agreed that the next CMAG meeting will take place in London in March 2026 during Commonwealth Week.
