Antigua and Barbuda Steps Up Preparations for 2026 Commonwealth Summit

CHOGM 2026 PREPARATIONS ADVANCE AS TASK FORCE REVIEWS KEY DELIVERABLES

The National Commonwealth Heads of Government (CHOGM) Task Force responsible for coordinating the hosting of the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) convened today under the chairmanship of the Honourable E.P. Chet Greene, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Immigration, to review progress across all workstreams and finalise preparations for several major milestones in the lead-up to the Summit.

Minister Greene commended members of the Task Force for their continued commitment and emphasised the importance of maintaining momentum as Antigua and Barbuda enters the final five months before welcoming leaders, delegates, and stakeholders from across the Commonwealth.

The meeting received updates on accreditation, accommodation, security, transportation, communications, protocol, and forum preparations. Members were advised that accreditation training for officers is scheduled to commence in June, paving the way for the launch of the accreditation process. The accommodation team reported that there has been engagement with 48 countries to date and over 800 rooms have been secured.

A major focus of the meeting was the upcoming Commonwealth recce, scheduled for 7th to 13th June 2026, which will assess venues and logistical arrangements across Antigua and Barbuda. The exercise will provide an important opportunity to showcase the country’s readiness, culture, heritage, environmental sustainability initiatives, and hospitality offerings.

The Task Force also reviewed the ongoing implementation of the “Road to CHOGM” public awareness campaign, which is designed to educate and engage citizens and the wider diaspora on Antigua and Barbuda’s preparations to host the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. Members discussed plans to expand outreach efforts in the coming months, including increased media engagement, stakeholder participation, and public education initiatives to ensure that all sectors of society are informed of the opportunities and benefits associated with the high-level event. The Volunteer Programme, scheduled to launch in June, was also highlighted as a key mechanism for fostering national involvement and strengthening the country’s readiness to welcome Commonwealth leaders and delegates.

Updates from the security and transportation teams confirmed continued collaboration with local, regional, and international partners to ensure the safe and efficient movement of delegates and dignitaries. Work is also progressing on risk management planning, tabletop exercises, and venue-specific security assessments.

The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of the Government’s commitment to hosting a world-class CHOGM that reflects Antigua and Barbuda’s capacity, professionalism, and leadership within the Commonwealth.

The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting will be held in Antigua and Barbuda from 1st to 4th November 2026 under the theme “Accelerating Partnerships and Investment for a Prosperous Commonwealth.”

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