CHOGM - Trinidad and Tobago

Enjoy a World Class Concert:
Alaap and Mona Singh

	Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2009

Every two years Heads of Government of the 53 member states of the Commonwealth meet to discuss world and Commonwealth issues, and to agree collective policies and initiatives. These summits provide a unique forum for consultation at the highest level of government. They are organised by the host nation in collaboration with the Commonwealth Secretariat. CHOGM 2009 will be held in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago from 23-25 November with the theme "Partnering For A More Equitable and Sustainable Future".

Parallel special events involving non-governmental organisations, business and youth coincide with each CHOGM. Action plans are developed at these events to complement official Commonwealth statements. For the 2009 CHOGM these events will include:

7th Commonwealth Youth Forum (CYF7) 21-27 November
Commonwealth People's Forum 22-26 November
Commonwealth Business Forum 23-26 November

Details of activities can be found at www.chogm2009.org

British Council profile at CHOGM 2009

“Nearly two billion people now live in the Commonwealth, and half of these are under 25…” (Commonwealth Foundation Website)

British Council Trinidad and Tobago will participate in CHOGM 2009 through a programme of activities aimed at including the wider public in general and young people in particular, many of whom might not otherwise participate. Our programme of activities include:

		Youth and Climate Change: an exhibition of photography and film

Background

In 2008, the British Council took 28 high school students from around the world, along with scientists and artists, on an arctic expedition called ‘Cape Farewell’ to observe evidence of climate change. Cape Farewell was the brainchild of a British artist, who felt that scientists need the help of artists to better communicate the need for urgent action to combat climate change. The expedition sailed from Iceland, past Greenland to Canada’s Baffin Island. Working on science projects in climatology, geomorphology, oceanography and biogeography alongside dance, music, painting and filmmaking, the students saw a picture of a changing world. They observed clear signs of glacial retreat and temperatures well above normal. They also visited Inuit settlements, to see how they live. The most moving moment for many students was the realisation that these people, who live very simply and leave a very small carbon footprint, will be the first to pay the price for our global carbon waste.

About the ‘Youth and Climate Change’ Photo Exhibition

Many of the highlights of the youth expedition to the Arctic are captured in an exhibition entitled Youth and Climate Change and includes an exhilarating film clip shot by a Bafta-winning British film company and a map produced by Canadian Geographic magazine.

The photographic exhibition is made of 50 photo panels that chronicle the expedition and allows viewers to get a glimpse of the awesome experiences and vistas the students had on the trip. It gives a visual illustration of the importance of action related to climate change and the effects it is having on our world. The exhibition can be presented as a physical exhibition or projected as a digital exhibition.

		Climate Change Workshops

	Two young people from Canada will share their experience of meeting world leaders at the G8 Summit and challenging them to tackle climate change; and of visiting the Arctic where the effects of climate change are most visible.

		Developing a Creative Economy

	Is a strong economy based on the creative arts possible for developing nations? How can governments and civil society support creativity and innovation in work to promote sustainable and human development and good governance? Andrew Senior, the British Council’s Senior Consultant, Creative Economy presents the arguments.

		UK Bhangra

It is set to bring down the house as ‘Alaap’ the pioneers of Bhangra in the UK, and Mona Singh – the Princess of Bhangra hit the stage in their first ever performance in Trinidad and Tobago. Whilst many associate bhangra music with India we will aim to highlight that this dynamic musicical hybrid was in fact transformed by young UK Asians into a modern, vibrant dance music resulting in a huge export business. A great example of the development of a dynamic creative economy that also reflects the UK’s cultural diversity!

About Alaap and Monah Singh

Fondly referred to as the “Godfathers of Bhangra”, Alaap is regarded as the most successful band in the history of UK Bhangra. They have received a Life Time Achievement Award from the BBC and been awarded for extraordinary achievements and invaluable services to the Asian Music Industry by an All Parliamentary Committee at the House of Commons (British Parliament). The band has received 3 Gold and 2 Platinum Discs and supplied sound tracks for several Bollywood movies. Mona Singh’s albums have enjoyed several number 1 positions in the Asian music charts. She has recently completed playback tracks for Bollywood, Punjabi and British films such as ‘Mr Bhatti on Chutti’ starring Amitabh Bachchan, due to be released later this year.

We are confident that this amazing band and their accompanying DJ will provide a world class concert that will draw large numbers of the public to the People’s Space.

		Interactive Blog

In collaboration with the Commonwealth Foundation we aim to provide an online space where people from across the Commonwealth can read and debate some of the key issues facing civil society today (http://peoplesforum.britishcouncil.org). We will also provide training for on site blogging team made up of university students and young journalists in Trinidad and Tobago who will then post blogs live from the People’s Forum.

		Virtual Events

	Four live discussions/presentations broadcast through the web from London with live audience participation from across the Commonwealth. Join in and pose questions to the presenters on http://peoplesforum.britishcouncil.org/virtual-events.