The countdown to CHOGM 2026 officially begins
By Robert Andre Emmanuel
Antigua and Barbuda has officially begun the countdown to hosting the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) from November 1 to 4 2026, with Prime Minister Gaston Browne and Commonwealth Secretary General Shirley Botchwey unveiling the theme “Accelerating Partnerships and Investment for Resilient Prosperity and Development” during a launch ceremony yesterday.
The biennial summit will bring together leaders from all 56 Commonwealth member states, representing 2.7 billion people.
“As we launch the road to the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting, we begin a journey that will carry us to one of the most important gatherings in our Commonwealth’s modern history,” Secretary General Botchwey said.
Emphasizing that the summit comes at a critical moment when the multilateral system faces pressure, climate impacts intensify, and debt and inequality weigh heavily on developing nations, the Secretary General said this was the Commonwealth’s “moment to unite around its values and make common cause, to restore growth and prosperity through inter-Commonwealth trade and investment.”
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister said the theme reflects the nation’s motto and aligns with Commonwealth Charter values.
“This theme speaks to the truth we live by at Antigua and Barbuda, and each of us plays our part in our goals, in our neighbourhoods, and our communities to move forward,” he said.
He also outlined four key focus areas for the summit: democracy, trade and investment, climate action, and opportunities for women, youth, people with disabilities and communities.
“Our shared language, legal systems and trust mean that trade among Commonwealth countries is on average 21 percent cheaper,” he said.
He emphasized Antigua and Barbuda’s track record in championing global causes despite its small size and also called for the Caribbean to remain a zone of peace, warning of the disproportionate impact military conflict in the hemisphere would have on small island states.
“If there is any curtailment of shipping or a lift between the Caribbean region and the United States, the impact will be disproportional,” he said.
The Prime Minister said that CHOGM will also discuss sensitive issues, including reparations, stating that the Commonwealth should engage in honest discussions without shame.
“We should be able to have very honest discussions about the issue of reparations and to establish a framework in which we can discuss this issue honestly and to resolve the issue,” he said.
Secretary General Botchwey emphasized the summit will focus on delivering tangible results rather than mere declarations.
“We are modernising the way CHOGM works to ensure that it delivers not just declarations but decisions that make a tangible difference in the lives of our people,” she said.
Meanwhile, Chaneil Imhoff was announced the winner of the CHOGM 2026 logo design competition, which features the National Bird of the twin island nation.
“The Frigate Bird, the National Bird of Antigua and Barbuda, rising in strength and emotion, represents our freedom, our resilience, and our forward movement as a people,” the designer said.
Imhoff expressed pride in having her work selected for such a global platform.
“To have this design chosen to represent Antigua and Barbuda on such a global stage is a moment of deep pride, not just for me, but for every local creator who dares to dream, to design, and to build,” she remarked.
