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Queen Elizabeth and leaders pose for the official photo at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting - Source: Reuters -
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Queen Elizabeth II has urged Commonwealth nations to lead the world in responding to climate change and to show the coalition remained relevant on the global stage.
In her opening address to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Trinidad and Tobago, Queen Elizabeth said the timing of the gathering was crucial as it would take place days before the December 7 United Nations climate change summit in Copenhagen, Denmark.
"The Commonwealth can be proud of the fact that in each of its six decades it has shaped the international response to emerging global challenges," she said.
"On this, the eve of the UN Copenhagen summit on climate change, the Commonwealth has an opportunity to lead once more.
"The threat to our environment is not a new concern, but it is now a global challenge which will continue to affect the security and stability of millions for years to come.
"Many of those affected are among the most vulnerable and many of the people least well able to withstand the adverse effects of climate change live in the Commonwealth."
CHOGM has come under attack in recent days, with a report issued by British-based Royal Commonwealth Society questioning how relevant the summit, held once every two years, was.
Queen Elizabeth said Commonwealth members need to reach out to youth.
"While the Commonwealth may rightly celebrate reaching its 60th anniversary, the future of this association lies with the one billion who are under 25 years of age," she said.
"The Commonwealth must show that it is relevant to and supportive of our young people who need to be convinced that the Commonwealth can help them realise their ambitions."
New Zealand Prime Minister John Key is attending the summit, along with 52 other leaders including British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, South African President Jacob Zuma and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
