Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey has assured member countries that the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) will yield measurable results, including new investment partnerships and initiatives to boost resilience and economic opportunities.

Ms Botchwey gave the assurance on Saturday at a pre-independence and Commonwealth welcome reception held at Government House in St John’s, Antigua and Barbuda.

She said, “The government of Antigua and Barbuda has worked in trusting partnership with the Commonwealth Secretariat to design a summit of action here this week.

“New partnerships for investment and prosperity. New initiatives to build resilience and opportunity. Yes, there will be words. But I assure you there will be action.”

She stated that the summit was designed in collaboration with the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Antiguan government to facilitate investment, prosperity and development across member states.

According to her, the meeting will extend beyond discussions and produce tangible results to tackle challenges facing Commonwealth countries.

The secretary general also congratulated Antigua and Barbuda on its 45th independence anniversary, celebrating the milestone on November 1, 1981. 

She described the anniversary as an important landmark in the history of the Commonwealth, noting that the country freely joined the organisation after gaining independence.

Ms Botchwey, who is from Ghana, recounted that her country also joined the Commonwealth following its independence in 1957. 

She reaffirmed the importance of equality among member states, asserting that smaller nations should have the same value and voice as larger countries in international affairs.

She added that countries could achieve greater success through cooperation than by acting independently.

Commending Prime Minister Gaston Browne, his government and the people of Antigua and Barbuda, Ms Botchwey commended their efforts in preparing to host the Commonwealth gathering. 

She further highlighted the country’s role as a small island state equipped to provide leadership within the international community.

The 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting will hold in St John’s from November 1 to 4, with leaders and representatives of Commonwealth member countries in attendance.