Antigua and Barbuda’s preparations for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2026 moved into a new phase as E.P. Chet Greene, the minister responsible for planning and delivering the summit called on civil society to play a central role in shaping the Commonwealth’s future.

Speaking at the official launch of the Commonwealth People’s Forum, Greene said it was a “profound honour” to welcome stakeholders to the initiative, which will serve as a major platform for citizen engagement ahead of the global gathering.

Addressing Prime Minister Gaston Browne, senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of the Commonwealth Foundation, and civil society leaders, the Minister Greene emphasised that the forum represents a vital opportunity for citizens to influence the dialogue surrounding the Commonwealth’s priorities.

Foreign Affairs Minister E.P Chet Greene and President of the Senate Alincia Williams-Grant (photo by Wayne Mariette)

The launch centred on the theme “How to Make a Commonwealth Quilt,” a metaphor used to illustrate the collaborative nature of the organisation and the importance of unity among diverse peoples and perspectives.

“A quilt, by its very nature, is an artefact of collective effort,” the minister said. “It is not the product of a single artisan but rather a tapestry meticulously assembled from diverse fragments, with each piece retaining its distinct character and value.”

Greene explained that the metaphor reflects the Commonwealth itself—an international family of nations strengthened by diversity and cooperation.

Through the careful process of “stitching” together ideas, cultures, and experiences, the Commonwealth can create a unified vision grounded in inclusion and shared purpose, the minister noted.
Central to that effort, the minister said, is the role of civil society, which brings authenticity and real-world perspectives to global policymaking.

“While governments establish the policy architecture, it is civil society that imbues the Commonwealth enterprise with authenticity, innovation and a profound people-centeredness,” the minister told the audience.

The address also included special recognition for the Commonwealth Foundation, which has played a key role in supporting civil society engagement across member states. The minister praised the organisation’s leadership and its ability to convene diverse voices to participate in meaningful dialogue.

Antigua and Barbuda is preparing to host CHOGM later this year—an event that will bring leaders from across the Commonwealth to the twin-island nation for discussions on governance, development, and global cooperation.

According to the minister, the country stands on the “precipice of history” as it prepares to host the prestigious gathering.

However, the success of the summit, the minister stressed, will require a “whole-of-country and whole-of-society approach.”

Delivering an event of such magnitude will depend not only on government coordination but also on the active participation of communities, organisations, and citizens.

(photo by Robert Andre Emmanuel)

The minister therefore issued a call for stakeholders to become actively involved in the national effort, encouraging contributions through volunteerism, advocacy, partnerships, and innovative ideas.

“Every single effort fortifies our collective preparedness and indelibly shapes the legacy we will bestow upon future generations,” the minister said.

Greene concluded by urging participants to embrace the collaborative spirit symbolised by the Commonwealth quilt.

“Piece by piece, voice by voice, let us assemble a Commonwealth quilt that authentically reflects the enduring strength, resilience and unity of our peoples.”

The Commonwealth People’s Forum forms a key part of the wider programme surrounding CHOGM 2026, offering civil society organisations an opportunity to engage in dialogue and contribute recommendations that can influence discussions among Commonwealth leaders.