New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon met with King Charles during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.
Climate change is high on the agenda at this gathering of 56 nations. Luxon shared that he wished King Charles well in his cancer recovery and noted the monarch’s deep affection for New Zealand.
Luxon praised the King for being warm and knowledgeable about New Zealand during their one-on-one conversation. Earlier in the day, Luxon also visited New Zealand’s military personnel on board the HMNZS Canterbury, which had supported CHOGM and rescue efforts for a recent maritime incident.
Meanwhile, climate discussions took centre stage at the summit. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese faced criticism from Pacific leaders over Australia’s fossil fuel emissions. Tuvalu’s Prime Minister Feleti Teo singled out Australia, Canada, and the UK for their high emissions, urging stronger climate action to address rising sea levels.
King Charles, presiding over the meeting for the first time as monarch, urged nations to act swiftly on climate change. He highlighted the threat to “lives, livelihoods, and human rights” and encouraged efforts to cut emissions, build resilience, and protect nature.
Luxon also addressed New Zealand’s environmental efforts, noting the country’s high use of renewable energy. “We’re at 85-87% renewable electricity,” he said, though he acknowledged the challenge of reducing fossil fuel reliance. He added that New Zealand remains committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and supporting smaller nations facing climate impacts.
This year’s CHOGM marks the first time the summit has been hosted in the Pacific Islands.
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