The Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Shirley Botchwey, says Commonwealth Heads of Government Meetings (CHOGM) are a reflection of the times that they take place, but noted that she is of the view that next year’s gathering in St. John’s, will be a turning point.
Speaking at the Official Launch of CHOGM ’26 at the Sandals Antigua Resort and Spa on Tuesday morning, Secretary-General Botchwey said the meeting will take place against a backdrop of extraordinary global strain. “The multilateral system is under pressure. Trust is fraying. Climate impacts are intensifying and Debt and inequality weigh heavily. And growth has stalled, frustrating the hopes and aspirations of millions around the world,” she observed.
Despite the current challenges, the Secretary-General sees this as an opportunity for the Commonwealth to shine. “This is the Commonwealth’s moment,” she declared.
The secretary-general also underscored the importance of intra-Commonwealth trade and investments that will benefit millions of people. “To unite around its values and make common cause to restore growth and prosperity through intra-Commonwealth trade and investment; to provide skills for tens of millions of Commonwealth youth to power production, innovation and entrepreneurship; to scale up climate action, including a renewable energy revolution that moves us faster towards Net Zero and expand Commonwealth businesses; and to reform international debt and financing with vulnerability at its core,” she stated.
Secretary General Botchwey sees this as the Commonwealth’s moment to affirm that it is possible to realise the promise of democracy by building resilience in all its countries and investing in the shared prosperity for the benefit of all the people of the Commonwealth.
“That is why this CHOGM matters so deeply,” she declared.
