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Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The Commonwealth

Find out how Singapore cooperates with fellow Commonwealth nations through summits, youth programs, and technical support to strengthen shared history and collective progress.

Last updated 7 November 2025

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Overview
Recent highlights

Overview

Singapore joined the Commonwealth in October 1965 after gaining independence, and regularly participates in the biennial Commonwealth Heads of Government Meetings (CHOGM). In 1971, Singapore hosted the first CHOGM, which produced a seminal document known as the Singapore Declaration of Commonwealth Principles.

The Commonwealth's relatively smaller size (currently 54 members), a shared language (English) and similarities in political institutions make it a useful forum for member states.

Singapore also contributes to the work of the Commonwealth, such as through the Commonwealth Youth Programme and the provision of technical assistance to fellow Commonwealth members.

More information on the Commonwealth can be found on the Commonwealth website.

Recent highlights

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong led Singapore's delegation to the 2018 CHOGM in London, United Kingdom, the 2013 CHOGM in Colombo, Sri Lanka and the 2011 CHOGM in Perth, Australia. Then-Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for Economic and Social Policies Tharman Shanmugaratnam led Singapore’s delegation to the 2015 CHOGM in Valletta, Malta.