The meeting brings together delegates from 53 countries to reflect on the commonwealth’s strengths that can influence positive change on global socioeconomic developments with special focus on matters affecting member nations. The summit, whose theme is “adding global value”, is being hosted by the prime minister of Malta Joseph Muscat at the Mediterranean conference center in Valletta, the capital city. The meeting, officially opened by the head of commonwealth Queen Elizabeth ii yesterday, comes days ahead of the Paris climate conference (cop21) and has dedicated a special session to climate change.