News

Sam Cohen, Chief Executive of CWEIC, together with Sean Leno, Director for Operations, and Charlotte Bailey, Director for Programmes, met with His Excellency Dr Clarence E. Pilgrim, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Barbuda Affairs of Antigua and Barbuda, recently appointed Head of the CHOGM 2026 Taskforce. They were joined by High Commissioner Karen-Mae Hill, who, alongside Dr Pilgrim, will lead the delivery of CHOGM 2026 in Antigua and Barbuda.

Discussions, held at Marlborough House, focused on the four Forums which form an official part of the CHOGM Programme. Sam Cohen provided an update on preparations for the Commonwealth Business Forum (CBF) 2026, and the group explored next steps towards successful delivery.

It was agreed that the CBF must be ambitious, action-oriented, and inclusive of the entire Commonwealth, while ensuring a dedicated platform for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to champion the issues most critical to them.