News

CWEIC is delighted to share that our Chief Executive, Samantha Cohen CVO OBE, recently joined the Drumbeats podcast, produced by the Canadian Indigenous Investment Summit, for a wide-ranging conversation on the role of the Commonwealth in shaping global trade and investment.

Hosted by Mark Magnacca and Rob Brant, Drumbeats explores how Indigenous partnerships are key to securing sustainable outcomes in Canada’s natural resources and infrastructure sectors. The podcast provides a platform for dialogue between Indigenous leaders, investors, and global partners ahead of the next Canadian Indigenous Investment Summit, taking place on 8 April 2026.
 
 

Commonwealth Advantage and Indigenous Partnerships

In her interview, Samantha highlighted the Commonwealth’s unique 21% trade advantage and how CWEIC works across its 56 member nations to facilitate values-driven investment. She noted that Canadian companies and Indigenous nations are particularly well-placed to benefit from Commonwealth connections, given Canada’s reputation for strong governance, sustainable business practices, and Indigenous leadership in inclusive growth.
eflecting on recent collaboration, she welcomed the participation of Canadian First Nations leaders at CWEIC’s Commonwealth Trade and Investment Summit in London, where their perspectives sparked new global conversations on sustainable development.

“We’d love to see Canada play a bigger role in the Commonwealth network. Canadian companies are trusted partners, with strong governance and innovation, and Indigenous communities bring fresh approaches to sectors from tourism to renewable energy. Together, they can help shape the future of global trade.” – Samantha Cohen CVO OBE, Chief Executive, CWEIC

The Commonwealth in Action

The discussion also explored how CWEIC connects governments, investors, and businesses to build trusted partnerships across diverse markets—from blue economy initiatives in small island states to climate solutions in Africa and Asia. Samantha stressed the importance of knowledge-sharing across the Commonwealth and the growing role of Indigenous capital strategies in building sustainable and inclusive economies.

With Canada reassessing its global trade relationships, the Commonwealth offers an increasingly relevant platform for engagement, collaboration, and leadership.

Listen to the full episode here: Drumbeats Podcast or watch below.