The Antigua and Barbuda High Commission in London, the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC), and the Sustainable Markets Initiative (SMI) convened a Commonwealth Leaders Lunch in London as preparations continue for the 28th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2026, to be held in St. John’s from 1–4 November 2026.
The luncheon brought together Commonwealth partners, business leaders and key supporters of Antigua and Barbuda’s hosting of CHOGM 2026, with a particular focus on the Commonwealth Business Forum and the investment and partnership opportunities it will advance.
The event opened with welcome remarks by Her Excellency Karen-Mae Hill, High Commissioner of Antigua and Barbuda to the United Kingdom, followed by remarks from the Honourable E. Paul Chet Greene, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Trade and Immigration and Chair of the CHOGM 2026 Task Force.
Also in attendance was H.E. Theon Ali, Ambassador of Antigua and Barbuda to the State of Qatar and Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Antigua and Barbuda in the United Arab Emirates. Brent Scotland, Second Secretary at the Antigua and Barbuda High Commission in London, was also present.
In his remarks, Minister Greene thanked Lord Swire KCMG PC, Deputy Chairman of CWEIC, and Jennifer Jordan-Saifi, MVO, Chief Executive Officer of SMI, for their support of the gathering and their continued engagement with Antigua and Barbuda’s CHOGM preparations.
Minister Greene highlighted the CHOGM 2026 theme, “Accelerating Partnerships and Investment for a Prosperous Commonwealth,” noting that it reflects the importance of strengthening partnerships among governments, investors, businesses and multilateral institutions to support inclusive and sustainable development across the Commonwealth.
He also emphasised that, while Antigua and Barbuda will be the smallest country to host CHOGM, the country’s ambition remains significant. The Minister pointed to Antigua and Barbuda’s growing economy, strategic location and favourable investment climate, while encouraging partners to look closely at opportunities across key sectors, including tourism, infrastructure, healthcare, energy, artificial intelligence, and the blue, green and orange economies.
The Commonwealth Business Forum was a central focus of the luncheon. Minister Greene noted that the Forum will be aimed at connecting businesses with decision-makers, identifying practical investment opportunities, and supporting prosperity across the Commonwealth.
The luncheon concluded with votes of thanks from Jennifer Jordan-Saifi, MVO, CEO of SMI, and Lord Swire KCMG PC, Deputy Chairman of CWEIC.
Antigua and Barbuda looks forward to welcoming Heads of Government, Foreign Ministers, business leaders, civil society, young people, women and faith-based leaders to St. John’s in November for CHOGM 2026.
The Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council is the Commonwealth’s accredited business network, with a mandate to facilitate trade and investment across the 56 Commonwealth member countries.
The Sustainable Markets Initiative was launched by His Majesty King Charles III, when he was The Prince of Wales, in 2020 and works with the private sector, governments and partners to accelerate the global transition to a more sustainable future.
This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Antigua and Barbuda Hosts Commonwealth Leaders Lunch Ahead of CHOGM 2026.