ST. JOHN’S, Antigua and Barbuda, 22nd May, 2026… JCI Antigua, on behalf of JCI West Indies, proudly hosted the 2026 JCI Conference of the Americas 2026 from 13–16 May 2026, welcoming approximately 338 delegates from 40 countries to the shores of Antigua and Barbuda for one of the region’s premier leadership and development conferences.
The prestigious annual conference brought together young leaders, entrepreneurs, professionals, changemakers, and members of Junior Chamber International from across North America, South America, Central America, and the Caribbean for four days of leadership development, networking, cultural exchange, policy discussions, competitions, and international collaboration.
This year’s conference was especially historic as it marked only the third occasion that the Conference of the Americas has been hosted within the West Indies, the last being in 1987, and represented the very first time that Antigua and Barbuda served as host nation for the regional event.
Delegates participated in an extensive programme of activities, including leadership and development training sessions, public speaking and debate competitions, networking engagements, cultural showcases, and the JCI General Assembly, where critical discussions and decisions regarding the future of the organisation and the region were undertaken.
The conference welcomed the attendance of jci President Alejandra Castillo from Bolivia, alongside senior leadership of Junior Chamber International, including the Executive Vice President overseeing the Americas region from the United States of America, as well as members of the JCI Board of Directors representing Brazil, the Dominican Republic, Suriname, and the United States.
Conference activities were hosted across several venues in Antigua and Barbuda, highlighting the country’s growing capacity to host major regional and international events. Delegates were accommodated at the Royalton Antigua, which also hosted several conference activities. Training sessions and leadership workshops were conducted at the The University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus and Royalton Antigua, while the grand Closing Ceremony was held at the American University of Antigua.
The successful hosting of the conference followed a competitive international bidding process which began three years ago. JCI Antigua, supported by JCI West Indies, successfully secured the rights to host the conference after presenting a compelling vision for Antigua and Barbuda as an ideal destination for regional engagement, leadership development, and Caribbean hospitality.
JCI Antigua also recorded outstanding success in the competitive segments of the conference. Conference Director, Senator Shenella Govia, expressed profound gratitude to all stakeholders, sponsors, partners, volunteers, and members who contributed to the success of the conference.
“This conference was more than an event, it was a demonstration of what vision, resilience, partnership, and belief can achieve. Three years ago, this was simply an ambitious bid and a dream shared by a dedicated team. Today, Antigua and Barbuda successfully welcomed the Americas and showcased the warmth, professionalism, culture, and capability of our people,” Senator Govia stated.
“I am deeply grateful to our sponsors, partners, government agencies, volunteers, delegates, and every individual who played a role in making this conference a reality. Special appreciation is extended to the Conference Organising Committee, whose countless sacrifices, long hours, unwavering commitment, and dedication ensured the successful execution of this historic event. I also wish to sincerely thank JCI Antigua and JCI West Indies for believing in the vision from the very beginning and for their continued support throughout the entire journey,” Senator Govia further added.
Additionally, she noted that feedback from delegates across the region and internationally had been overwhelmingly positive and heartwarming, with many attendees commending the hospitality of Antigua and Barbuda, the quality of the conference programme, the professionalism of the organising team, and the overall experience provided throughout the four-day event.
The hosting of the Conference of the America is expected to further strengthen Antigua and Barbuda’s reputation as a destination capable of accommodating major regional and international conferences, while also generating economic activity through tourism, hospitality, transportation, entertainment, and local business engagement.
The conference aldo served as a platform to foster stronger regional relationships, encourage youth leadership and civic engagement, and highlight the important role young leaders continue to play in advancing sustainable development, entrepreneurship, innovation, and community impact throughout the Americas.
JCI Antigua reaffirmed its commitment to leadership development, active citizenship, and regional collaboration and expressed appreciation to all delegates, sponsors, partners, volunteers, participating countries, and supporters for contributing to the success and historic significance of the 2026 Conference of the Americas in Antigua and Barbuda.