The Commonwealth Foundation, in collaboration with the Antigua and Barbuda People’s Forum Task Force, will officially present “How to Make a Commonwealth Quilt”, a creative launch taking place at 9:30 a.m. on March 3 at the John E. St. Luce Conference Centre.
The launch marks a key milestone in national preparations for the Commonwealth People’s Forum 2026, which will be held alongside the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2026 in Antigua and Barbuda.
“How to Make a Commonwealth Quilt” is a Commonwealth-wide invitation to participate in shaping the ideas, expressions, and people-centred narratives that will inform the People’s Forum in 2026. Participation is open to all persons across the Commonwealth and is not limited to artists or creatives. Individuals, communities, youth, civil society groups, innovators, storytellers, and everyday citizens are encouraged to contribute their perspectives and experiences.
Drawing on the symbolism of a quilt made stronger by many distinct pieces stitched together, the initiative encourages contributions that reflect shared values, lived realities, cultural identity, and collective aspirations across the Commonwealth. Submissions may be creative, conceptual, narrative, or experiential, highlighting themes such as inclusion, sustainability, unity, justice, and social progress.
Ideas and contributions generated through this launch will help shape aspects of the People’s Forum 2026, ensuring that the process is participatory, people-driven, and grounded in Caribbean context while resonating across the global Commonwealth.
As part of the wider engagement programme on March 3, a Stakeholders’ Session will also be convened at 3:00 p.m., bringing together representatives from civil society, community organisations, institutions, and partners. This session will outline the People’s Forum process, clarify opportunities for engagement, and strengthen collaboration as preparations advance.
“‘How to Make a Commonwealth Quilt’ perfectly expresses our uniqueness and resilience as a Commonwealth region, showcasing how our diverse voices and lived experiences come together to create something meaningful and inclusive,” said Samantha Marshall, Lead of the Antigua and Barbuda CHOGM 2026 People’s Forum.
Adding to this, Clarence Pilgrim, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Chair of the CHOGM 2026 Task Force, stated:
“This initiative reflects the spirit of partnership and people-centred engagement that defines our preparations. The Commonwealth People’s Forum is an important platform for dialogue, collaboration, and shared solutions. By inviting contributions from across the Commonwealth, we are ensuring that voices from communities, especially here in Antigua and Barbuda, help to shape the conversations that will inform CHOGM 2026. We encourage full participation as we work together to build a truly inclusive Forum.”
The Commonwealth People’s Forum 2026 will serve as the official civil society platform of CHOGM, amplifying voices from across member states and contributing to dialogue and action on global challenges.
Further details on participation guidelines, timelines, and engagement opportunities for “How to Make a Commonwealth Quilt” will be released following the launch.