Representatives of the international advocacy organisation Global Citizen have presented a proposal to the Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda outlining plans to collaborate with the Government and the Commonwealth Secretariat on programming tied to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), scheduled for Antigua and Barbuda in November 2026. According to Antigua News Room, the delegation envisions transforming the CHOGM gathering into a broader global leadership platform.
The proposal seeks to combine high-level policy dialogue, youth engagement, advocacy, and cultural programming around the organisation's flagship "Global Citizen Now" forum. The initiative would bring together heads of government, private sector leaders, philanthropists, civil society organisations, and youth representatives alongside the official CHOGM agenda.
The Global Citizen Now – Antigua and Barbuda forum would feature high-level panel discussions, fireside conversations, and policy dialogues centred on Commonwealth priorities. Key themes would include climate action, youth opportunity, entrepreneurship, digital transformation, and private sector innovation.
The Global Citizen team noted that their platform has previously convened prominent international leaders, global CEOs, and development partners, and indicated that similar participation could be mobilised locally to further elevate Antigua and Barbuda's global profile.
A central element of the proposal is the launch of a "Digital Futures for Youth" initiative aimed at expanding access to digital and artificial intelligence skills for young people across Commonwealth nations. The initiative targets support for up to two million youth by 2030, with a goal of creating employment pathways for at least 250,000 young people. Global Citizen indicated plans to mobilise approximately US$50 million in public, philanthropic, and private sector funding, with commitments intended to be announced during CHOGM-related events.
The proposal also includes "Global Citizen Nights – Antigua and Barbuda," a cultural and advocacy event designed to engage young people and the broader public through music, advocacy campaigns, and performances by international and regional artists. The event would encourage global audiences to take advocacy actions in support of youth development and digital empowerment.
Presenters highlighted that the collaboration would generate significant international visibility for Antigua and Barbuda through Global Citizen's digital and media platforms, which collectively reach millions of people worldwide. The organisation's global advocacy network, they noted, would help amplify CHOGM outcomes and spotlight the leadership of Antigua and Barbuda and the Commonwealth on key global issues.
The Global Citizen team also outlined a proposed timeline of engagement ahead of CHOGM, including advocacy events in New York and other international forums to build global awareness and mobilise commitments before the summit.
Cabinet welcomed the presentation and acknowledged the potential value of such partnerships in enhancing the visibility, participation, and impact of CHOGM 2026 programming. Members noted that hosting the Commonwealth meeting represents a significant opportunity for Antigua and Barbuda to showcase its leadership while advancing initiatives that benefit youth and sustainable development across the Commonwealth.
