Antigua and Barbuda Steps Up CHOGM Preparations in High-Level London Talks

Antigua and Barbuda has intensified preparations for the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, with Foreign Affairs Minister E.P. Chet Greene holding high-level talks in London with Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey.

The discussions on September 8 focused on Antigua and Barbuda’s readiness to host Commonwealth leaders in St John’s from November 1–4, as well as the outstanding operational and policy matters that must be addressed before the summit.

With fewer than two months remaining, Greene and Botchwey reviewed progress across several areas and discussed closer coordination between the Government and the Commonwealth Secretariat.

The meeting also examined preparations for the Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting and the Commonwealth Ministerial Meeting on Small States, which will form part of the wider CHOGM programme.

Greene received updates on the proposed agendas, major policy considerations and other matters requiring continued attention ahead of November.

The upcoming Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting will allow ministers to consider key Commonwealth priorities and help shape the substantive agenda before it reaches Heads of Government.

The talks also included follow-up from the 26th Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting held earlier this year and preparations for the 27th meeting, which will take place during CHOGM in St John’s.

Particular attention was given to the Commonwealth Ministerial Meeting on Small States, which will be co-chaired by host country Antigua and Barbuda and the Maldives.

The meeting will provide a dedicated platform for small Commonwealth states to coordinate their positions and advance shared concerns, including vulnerability, climate resilience, access to development financing and sustainable economic growth.

These matters are especially significant for Antigua and Barbuda, which has consistently advocated internationally for the interests of Small Island Developing States and other vulnerable economies.

Antigua and Barbuda’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and CHOGM 2026 Focal Point, Karen-Mae Hill, also participated in the talks.

Hill stressed the importance of maintaining close engagement with the Commonwealth Secretariat, the United Kingdom Government and other international partners throughout the final stages of preparation.

Greene and Hill said Antigua and Barbuda’s preparations are focused on both successfully hosting the summit and helping member states achieve meaningful and lasting outcomes.

The London consultations formed part of Greene’s wider programme of engagements aimed at ensuring Antigua and Barbuda enters the November summit fully prepared as host and positioned to help shape a relevant, focused and forward-looking Commonwealth agenda.

Third Secretary at the Antigua and Barbuda High Commission in London, Caleb Gardiner, also attended the meeting.