Fighting climate change was also one of the prominent issues in the talks.

This is key to the Commonwealth agenda as many of its members are island states such as Singapore and its host Samoa. These countries are vulnerable to extreme weather events and rising sea levels.

This year’s CHOGM was also the first to be held in a Pacific country.

“We all face challenges that require collective action, such as climate change and biodiversity loss. I have emphasized the importance of supporting rules-based multilateralism, especially for smaller states like Samoa and Singapore,” Mr. Wong said in a Facebook post.

“It was encouraging to hear so many leaders express these concerns and aspirations for the Commonwealth. “It is also appropriate that, under Samoa’s Presidency, we adopt the Commonwealth Ocean Declaration to protect the ocean and marine environment and promote cooperation in areas such as the blue economy.”

The Commonwealth Ocean Declaration, adopted on Saturday, calls on all member states to “protect and restore the ocean in the face of impacts from severe climate change, pollution and over-exploitation”.

Key aspects of the declaration include protecting at least 30 percent of oceans and restoring at least 30 percent of degraded marine ecosystems by 2030, as well as reducing emissions from global shipping.

“The Commonwealth aiga (family) is a shining example of the value that rules-based multilateralism can bring, especially to small island states like ours,” Mr Wong said.

“Singapore looks forward to working closely with the Commonwealth to build a safe, inclusive and resilient future for all.”