Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting kicks off in Samoa

King Charles and Queen Camilla will arrive on the island later this week. (Source: 1News)

Samoa is bracing for more than 4000 delegates and leaders from 56 Commonwealth countries as the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting gets underway today.

It's the first time the event has been held in the Pacific and the biggest logistical and security event that's ever been held in the region.

Samoa's public servants have been seconded to help out and schools have closed to allow teachers to assist.

There are also 1495 police officers from Samoa and around the Pacific – including New Zealand and Australia – who will be looking after security. The leaders will also be bringing their own security detail.

Every village has adopted a Commonwealth country and are sporting their flags and colours along the road.

"You've seen what's happening. My heart just bursts with pride – truly, it's amazing," Poutasi village high chief Tuatagaloa Joe Annandale told 1News.

Tuatagaloa also owns the Sinalei Resort which will host King Charles and Queen Camilla when they arrive on Friday.

"That is special. I am humbled to the core. I would like to think their majesties will accept us for who we are," he said.

The property has been spruced up and apart from protocol and security issues, it will be business as usual.

"We are not being told to do anything different from being, you know, kind and respectful and that's what we are," Tuatagaloa said.

"As I said to my staff yesterday, this is not new to us – we do this all the time."

Siumu, the village where the Sinalei is located, is ablaze with the Union Jack along with signs welcoming the British monarch.

Climate change, world conflicts, health justice, and human rights are expected to be at the top of the world leaders' agenda.

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