CHOGM is held every two years and is the Commonwealth’s highest consultative and policy-making body. Commonwealth leaders agreed on Sri Lanka as the 2013 host for the meeting when they met in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, in 2009. They reaffirmed this decision at the 2011 CHOGM in Perth, Australia. The President said: “As a committed member of the Commonwealth family, Sri Lanka is pleased to be hosting CHOGM. The Commonwealth shares a strong commitment to the twin pillars of democracy and development. We look forward to welcoming all Commonwealth leaders and delegates to our country for what I am confident will be a successful and mutually beneficial summit in true Commonwealth spirit.” He added: “As the host country, we look forward to sharing experiences in areas of collective interest, including rural development, youth empowerment and people-centred socio-economic growth within our Commonwealth family, and engaging with all members to achieve a significant outcome." The Secretary-General said that CHOGM brings together leaders representing around a quarter of the world’s countries, and a third of the world’s population.