The New Zealand National Student Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) is the premier annual event hosted by Commonwealth Youth New Zealand.
With a nearly 40 year history in New Zealand, the National Student CHOGM has seen thousands of young Kiwis grapple with an ever-changing range of economic, social and political issues; build their negotiating, influencing and public speaking skills; and develop their knowledge and understanding of foreign relations and the Commonwealth.
High school students adopt the role of Head of Government or Foreign Minister of a Commonwealth member state, or special envoy from an observer organisation. Held over two days in Wellington at Parliament, delegates debate everything from climate change to monetary policy from the perspective of the government they are representing.
Delegates also participate in a model Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) scenario, where they are tasked with resolving a burgeoning conflict or crisis situation involving member states.
If collaboration is needed then there will be chances to break into smaller groups and present findings and potential resolutions to the Student CHOGM on behalf of a group or bloc.
Delegates can also put their names forward to be considered for the role of National Student CHOGM Secretary-General. The successful applicant will chair all the conference plenary sessions, be in charge of encouraging delegates to form resolutions on the points of debate, and present an opening and closing address to assembled delegations, invited guests, and Commonwealth High Commissioners accredited to New Zealand.
With a nearly 40 year history in New Zealand, the National Student CHOGM has seen thousands of young Kiwis grapple with an ever-changing range of economic, social and political issues; build their negotiating, influencing and public speaking skills; and develop their knowledge and understanding of foreign relations and the Commonwealth.
High school students adopt the role of Head of Government or Foreign Minister of a Commonwealth member state, or special envoy from an observer organisation. Held over two days in Wellington at Parliament, delegates debate everything from climate change to monetary policy from the perspective of the government they are representing.
Delegates also participate in a model Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) scenario, where they are tasked with resolving a burgeoning conflict or crisis situation involving member states.
If collaboration is needed then there will be chances to break into smaller groups and present findings and potential resolutions to the Student CHOGM on behalf of a group or bloc.
Delegates can also put their names forward to be considered for the role of National Student CHOGM Secretary-General. The successful applicant will chair all the conference plenary sessions, be in charge of encouraging delegates to form resolutions on the points of debate, and present an opening and closing address to assembled delegations, invited guests, and Commonwealth High Commissioners accredited to New Zealand.
Delegations
Delegations usually consist of two students from each school in the roles of Head of Government and Foreign Minister. These roles have similar responsibilities. If your school is only able to send a single student they will be matched with a student from another school to form a delegation of two.
Each delegation will represent a different Commonwealth country. We will endeavour to provide each delegation with their preferred county, but this may not always be possible. In the lead up to the event, students will be supported by Student CHOGM organisers to research the structure and values of their country as well as introducing them to wider Commonwealth issues that may affect them.
If you would like to send a second delegation, please get in touch with us. We will let you know if this is a possibility once registrations have closed.
Students will have the ability to think on their feet, to role-play and be confident in expressing themselves verbally. They will ideally have an interest in politics, government, or international issues.
Schools may nominate students for the following roles:
Each delegation will represent a different Commonwealth country. We will endeavour to provide each delegation with their preferred county, but this may not always be possible. In the lead up to the event, students will be supported by Student CHOGM organisers to research the structure and values of their country as well as introducing them to wider Commonwealth issues that may affect them.
If you would like to send a second delegation, please get in touch with us. We will let you know if this is a possibility once registrations have closed.
Students will have the ability to think on their feet, to role-play and be confident in expressing themselves verbally. They will ideally have an interest in politics, government, or international issues.
Schools may nominate students for the following roles:
Secretary-General
The Commonwealth Secretary-General is responsible to all Heads of Government and plays a key role in the direction of the Student CHOGM and agenda issues. They work alongside plenary session chairs to guide discussions.
The student selected for this role will be required to work with session chairs, and therefore will work independently of their school’s delegation.
The Secretary-General’s role will include:
Your student nominee will have excellent public speaking skills, an inquiring mind and strong leadership skills, and will be confident in addressing a large group of people. Please provide either a brief (and relevant) CV or supporting material with your nomination.
The student selected for this role will be required to work with session chairs, and therefore will work independently of their school’s delegation.
The Secretary-General’s role will include:
- making a five-minute speech on the importance of the Commonwealth acting as an inclusive network, in terms of support and development,
- working with Secretariat officials to identify key agenda issues; and
- working with conference officials with the plenary sessions and to oversee the preparation of the final Communiqué.
Your student nominee will have excellent public speaking skills, an inquiring mind and strong leadership skills, and will be confident in addressing a large group of people. Please provide either a brief (and relevant) CV or supporting material with your nomination.
Media delegation
The Student CHOGM Press Corps represents the role the world media play at conferences such as CHOGM. They will conduct interviews and press conferences with country delegates and produce written and cinematic content about the Student CHOGM proceedings. A specialised set of opportunities and responsibilities will be provided to the media delegation, over and above that of other delegations.
This role will best suit students who are confident leading their own work and creating their own opportunities. It is a challenging role, but one that can prove incredibly enjoyable and empowering. This role will provide practical experience for students wanting to enter a career path in media, journalism or communications.
The Secretary-General and the media delegation may be additional to your school’s two-person delegation. Selection for these positions will be made by CYNZ.
This role will best suit students who are confident leading their own work and creating their own opportunities. It is a challenging role, but one that can prove incredibly enjoyable and empowering. This role will provide practical experience for students wanting to enter a career path in media, journalism or communications.
The Secretary-General and the media delegation may be additional to your school’s two-person delegation. Selection for these positions will be made by CYNZ.
The Secretary-General and the media delegation may be additional to your school’s two-person delegation. Selection for these positions will be made by CYNZ.