ST JOHN’S, Antigua and Barbuda: Commonwealth leaders and delegates gathered in Antigua and Barbuda on Sunday, 1 November 2026, for the opening day of the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), with discussions centred on the challenges facing small states, democratic governance, economic resilience and stronger international partnerships.
The host country welcomed delegations with an interfaith service, ministerial meetings and celebrations marking its 45th anniversary of independence.
The opening ceremony took place at St John’s Pentecostal Church House of Restoration in the capital, St John’s, and was attended by King Charles III and Queen Camilla, Governor-General Sir Rodney Williams and Prime Minister Gaston Browne.
Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey delivered the Commonwealth affirmation for CHOGM 2026 during the religious gathering, which brought together representatives of different faiths.
The opening activities set the tone for a meeting taking place against a backdrop of growing economic uncertainty, climate-related threats and increasing calls for stronger cooperation among Commonwealth countries.
Commonwealth removes Gabon from CMAG agenda
One of the significant developments on the first day was the decision by the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) to remove Gabon from its formal agenda.
The decision was taken during CMAG’s 75th meeting in St John’s, Antigua and Barbuda.
Ministers encouraged continued engagement by the Commonwealth Secretary-General and said technical assistance could be provided to Gabon at the country’s request.
The proposed support is intended to help strengthen democratic institutions, the rule of law and human rights in the Central African country.
Small states seek stronger investment partnerships
The first formal ministerial session of CHOGM 2026 focused on the economic and developmental priorities of small states.
The Commonwealth Ministerial Meeting on Small States was hosted at the American University of Antigua, where ministers and other participants examined ways of improving access to finance, expanding trade and strengthening economic resilience.
The discussions come as small island and developing states face increasingly severe climate conditions, including extreme weather events that threaten communities, livelihoods and critical infrastructure.
Antigua and Barbuda, which is hosting this year’s summit, is among the small states seeking stronger international partnerships to address these vulnerabilities.
The Commonwealth has made the resilience of smaller member countries a central part of its cooperation agenda, with CHOGM 2026 providing an opportunity to connect political leadership with investors and development partners.
During the meeting, Botchwey launched the 23rd edition of the Commonwealth Secretariat’s flagship publication, Small States Economic Review and Basic Statistics.
The report examines the economic conditions and development priorities of small states, providing statistical information to support policy discussions and investment planning.
Addressing the meeting, Botchwey spoke about the opportunities available to smaller countries despite their limited populations and economic scale.
“As the smallest nation by population ever to host a Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, Antigua and Barbuda exemplifies the boundless potential of small states. Across the Commonwealth, small states are generating solutions, from climate action and digital innovation to sustainable finance and the blue economy. Size need not be a limitation; rather, it can be a source of agility.”
Antigua marks 45 years of independence
The opening day concluded with national celebrations at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, where Antigua and Barbuda marked 45 years since gaining independence.
The stadium attracted a large crowd, with spectators enjoying performances and cultural displays despite heavy rainfall and high temperatures.
The celebrations provided an opportunity for the host country to showcase its cultural identity and national pride to visiting Commonwealth leaders and international delegates.
Cricket also featured prominently in the evening’s programme through the One Commonwealth, One Team initiative.
The friendly matches brought together Commonwealth leaders, emerging young cricketers and members of local communities, using sport as a platform for friendship, cultural exchange and closer relationships among Commonwealth nations.
The event showcased sporting talent while creating opportunities for young players to interact with international leaders and representatives from across the Commonwealth.
Youth, women and business forums begin on day two
The second day of CHOGM 2026 is scheduled to begin with the opening ceremony of the Joint Forums and Side Events, launching the Commonwealth Youth Forum, Women’s Forum, People’s Forum and Business Forum.
The programme will be followed by a concert and a welcome from Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister, Gaston Browne.
The forums are expected to provide additional platforms for engagement among young people, women, civil society representatives, businesses and government leaders during the Commonwealth gathering.
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