Browne Hails Billions in Funding Pledges as Major Success of CHOGM 2026
Eye health and nature initiatives among the outcomes highlighted by the Prime Minister
Prime Minister Gaston Browne says funding pledges announced around CHOGM 2026 demonstrated the potential of the Commonwealth to deliver practical development benefits through closer cooperation.
Speaking on Point FM on November 7, Browne said the Global Eye Health Summit attracted pledges exceeding US$1.3 billion, while a nature initiative drew commitments of more than US$200 million.
He also reported that the Commonwealth secured more than US$500 million in pledges to support its work, including youth entrepreneurship and other development activities.
Browne described the meeting in Antigua and Barbuda as a significant departure from a forum focused mainly on discussions among leaders. He said the host country had pressed for a stronger emphasis on partnerships, investment and trade.
The Prime Minister said projects from Commonwealth countries were presented to prospective investors, creating opportunities for engagement beyond the formal leaders’ meeting.
He maintained that many of the benefits would emerge over the coming years as partnerships developed and commitments were translated into programmes.
The figures cited during the broadcast were Browne’s account of pledges associated with the summit and related events. They were not presented as money already received by Antigua and Barbuda or as funding allocated exclusively to the country.
This story was first published by Antigua News on : antigua.news/2026/11/10/browne-hails-billions-in-funding-pledges-as-major-success-of-chogm-2026. © 2026 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.
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