Commonwealth Foundation

07/09/2026

As part of preparations for the Commonwealth People’s Forum in Antigua and Barbuda, the Director-General and Deputy Director-General joined Senator Abena St.Luce and Louis Armand Rivera on Pointe Broadcasting Network - Television/Radio/Newspaper.

They discussed plans for the Forum this November, why local civil society participation matters, and our ongoing commitment to the creative economy.

Applications are open to attend the Forum, with funding available for local delegates.

Register to attend here:
https://commonwealthfoundation.com/2026-commonwealth-peoples-forum-interest-form/

04/09/2026

This week, we held a launch event for our new 2026–2031 strategy.

The event brought together governors and partners, many of whom contributed significantly to developing the strategy.

We were grateful to be joined by The Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Hon Shirley Botchwey, and Her Excellency Karen-Mae Hill OBE, High Commissioner for Antigua and Barbuda to the United Kingdom, who joined our Director-General, Razmi Farook, in addressing attendees.

It was an opportunity to reflect on the journey to our new strategy—and, importantly, the work ahead as we advance climate and environmental justice, economic inclusion, and freedom of expression.

Learn more about our 2026–2031 strategy: commonwealthfoundation.com/strategic-plan-2026-2031

Photos by Mark Chilvers

28/08/2026

Today, the Government of Antigua and Barbuda and the Commonwealth Foundation signed a Memorandum of Understanding to support the development of the country’s creative economy.

We will develop a White Paper and Implementation Roadmap, informed by research, consultation and knowledge-sharing, to identify opportunities to strengthen Antigua and Barbuda’s creative economy.

The agreement was signed by Sir Steadroy Benjamin, Attorney General of Antigua and Barbuda, and Razmi Farook, Director-General of the Commonwealth Foundation.

We look forward to continuing the conversation on the value and potential of the creative industries at the Commonwealth People’s Forum in Antigua and Barbuda this November.

27/08/2026

Countdown to the People's Forum 🇦🇬🎤

During their CHOGM advance visit to Antigua and Barbuda, the Director-General and Deputy Director-General spoke with ABS Television/Radio about the Commonwealth People's Forum.

Yesterday, we announced a new funding package to support local delegates' participation at the Forum.

Watch the first 15 minutes of this video to hear how attending the Forum can:
➡ bring your priorities to decision-makers
➡ connect you with people from across the world to share best practice and inspire change
➡ bring local perspectives to an international forum

Registration for the People’s Forum is now open, alongside funding opportunities for local delegates.

Learn more here and apply: https://commonwealthfoundation.com/2026-commonwealth-peoples-forum-interest-form/

27/08/2026

Funding launched to support local delegates attending the Commonwealth People's Forum 2026 🇦🇬

Civil society leaders, advocates, community organisers, creatives and students from across Antigua and Barbuda are invited to apply for participation support to attend the Commonwealth People's Forum 2026, which will take place from 2 to 4 November at the American University of Antigua.

The Commonwealth Foundation, in partnership with the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, has established a fund to support the participation of up to 50 delegates based in Antigua and Barbuda. This will help to ensure strong local representation at one of the Commonwealth's most significant civil society gatherings.

Successful applicants will receive a contribution of EC$430 towards costs associated with attending the three-day Forum programme.

Applicants will receive more information after completing the People's Forum registration process.

Learn more:

Thank you for your interest in attending the Commonwealth People’s Forum 2026. We look forward to receiving your application. Please note that attendance at the […]

26/08/2026

Yesterday, the Director-General and Deputy Director-General met with Hon. E.P. Chet Greene, Foreign Affairs Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, to discuss the role of the creative economy in economic development and cultural expression.

We are also partnering with the Government of Antigua and Barbuda to develop a Creative Economy White Paper and Implementation Roadmap. The White Paper is planned for presentation during CHOGM before the implementation roadmap is released later this year. The process is being informed by consultations with creative practitioners, civil society organisations, businesses and government representatives.

The creative economy will also feature in the Commonwealth People’s Forum programme, including a dedicated session centring the experiences and priorities of creatives.

Watch highlights from the meeting with the Minister here:

Director general of the Commonwealth Foundation, Razmi Farook, is i...

26/08/2026

Our Director-General and Deputy Director-General are in Antigua and Barbuda, leading a Foundation delegation ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth People’s Forum.

We have engaged closely with colleagues from the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, as we look forward to the Forum. Discussions have focused on strengthening local and regional participation and ensuring civil society voices are shared with Commonwealth leaders. There has also been a shared emphasis on the importance of the creative economy at CHOGM and beyond.

Registrations to attend the People’s Forum in Antigua and Barbuda are open.

You can apply to participate here:
https://commonwealthfoundation.com/2026-commonwealth-peoples-forum-interest-form/

25/08/2026

Will you be part of the Commonwealth People’s Forum in Antigua and Barbuda this November?

The Forum brings citizens together to connect, share ideas, engage with leaders and help shape policy and practice across the Commonwealth.

In 2026, it will focus on some of the most urgent issues of our time, including climate justice, economic inclusion and freedom of expression.

Ready to be part of the conversation?

Apply now to take part in the 2026 Commonwealth People’s Forum: https://commonwealthfoundation.com/2026-commonwealth-peoples-forum-interest-form/

18/08/2026

Socio-economic inequality is one of the most pressing issues of our time.

Across the Commonwealth, vast populations are locked out of basic resources, opportunities, and fundamental rights. This systemic exclusion does more than just stunt economic growth; it dissolves social cohesion and drives a deep, declining trust in public institutions.

Younger generations are bearing the brunt of this crisis. They are facing a perfect storm of soaring living costs and dwindling employment prospects, all while inheriting the worst impacts of the climate emergency.

To build a resilient global Commonwealth, we must give communities the agency to advocate for their own priorities.

This is why economic inclusion is one of the underpinning pillars of our new 5-year strategic plan.

Read our latest blog post from Richardo Aiken, Civil Society Advisory Governor for the Caribbean, to find out more about the importance of tackling deep-rooted inequalities, addressing systemic barriers to rights and services, and amplifying the voices of marginalised and grassroots communities: https://lnkd.in/eJp3jKVU

What does economic inclusion mean to you and your community? Please share in the comments below 👇

14/08/2026

Applications are open to attend the 2026 Commonwealth People’s Forum in Antigua and Barbuda.

The Forum will take place alongside the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) from 2–4 November.

The People’s Forum is an opportunity for the people of the Commonwealth—civil society leaders, artists, activists, thinkers—to come together and discuss and debate the pressing issues of the day and help shape the solutions for tomorrow.

Apply to attend 👇

Thank you for your interest in attending the Commonwealth People’s Forum 2026. We look forward to receiving your application. Please note that attendance at the […]