Commonwealth Quilt Initiative to Launch Ahead of People’s Forum 2026

The Commonwealth Foundation, in partnership with the Antigua and Barbuda People’s Forum Task Force, will officially launch “How to Make a Commonwealth Quilt” on March 3 at 9:30 a.m. at the John E. St. Luce Conference Centre.

The creative initiative forms part of Antigua and Barbuda’s national preparations for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2026 and its accompanying Commonwealth People’s Forum 2026.

Designed as a Commonwealth-wide call to action, “How to Make a Commonwealth Quilt” invites individuals, communities, civil society organisations, youth groups, innovators, storytellers, and everyday citizens to contribute ideas and perspectives that will help shape the People’s Forum in 2026. Participation is open to all and is not limited to artists or creative practitioners.

Using the quilt as a symbol of unity in diversity, the initiative encourages contributions that reflect shared values, lived experiences, cultural identity, and collective aspirations across the Commonwealth. Submissions may take creative, conceptual, narrative, or experiential forms, exploring themes such as inclusion, sustainability, justice, unity, and social progress.

Organisers say the contributions gathered through this process will inform elements of the People’s Forum, ensuring that it remains participatory, people-driven, and grounded in Caribbean realities while resonating throughout the wider Commonwealth.

A Stakeholders’ Session is also scheduled for 3:00 p.m. on March 3. The session will bring together representatives from civil society, community organisations, institutions, and development partners to outline the Forum’s process, clarify opportunities for engagement, and strengthen collaboration as preparations continue.

Lead of the Antigua and Barbuda CHOGM 2026 People’s Forum, Samantha Marshall, described the initiative as a reflection of the region’s uniqueness and resilience, noting that diverse voices and lived experiences will come together to create something meaningful and inclusive.