IFCO Reception Brings Together Commonwealth Organisations Ahead Of CHOGM 2026

Nearly 100 representatives of organisations from across the Commonwealth gathered in Antigua and Barbuda on Sunday for a welcome reception aimed at building connections and strengthening partnerships ahead of CHOGM 2026.

The reception, hosted by the Independent Forum of Commonwealth Organisations (IFCO) on November 1 at the headquarters of the Antigua and Barbuda Workers Union, brought together representatives of Commonwealth Accredited Organisations for an evening of networking and engagement ahead of the high-level meeting.

Welcoming the visiting delegates on behalf of Antigua and Barbuda, Counsellor and Advocate Koren Norton highlighted the value of bringing together organisations working across different sectors and countries to explore opportunities for meaningful cooperation.

“We were pleased to welcome our esteemed colleagues from all over the world who do amazing work in their own spaces to have the conversations on building sustainable partnerships,” Norton said.

IFCO Chair David N. Jones described the gathering as an important opportunity for representatives of the diverse organisations operating throughout the Commonwealth to meet, establish relationships and share experiences.

He also acknowledged the warm welcome extended by Antiguans to the visiting participants.

General Secretary of the Antigua and Barbuda Workers Union, David Massiah, also welcomed the delegates to the country and the union's headquarters.

The reception attracted participants from a broad cross-section of professional bodies, academic institutions and civil society organisations, with discussions covering areas including education, leadership, skills development and capacity building.

The gathering formed part of the wider engagement surrounding CHOGM 2026, providing Commonwealth organisations with an opportunity to strengthen existing relationships and explore avenues for future collaboration.