Representatives of Global Citizen made a presentation to the Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda outlining a proposal to collaborate with the Government and the Commonwealth Secretariat in coordinating and supporting programmes on the margins of the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), scheduled to be hosted in Antigua and Barbuda in November 2026.
The Global Citizen delegation explained that their proposal seeks to transform the CHOGM moment into a broader global leadership platform by combining high-level policy dialogue, youth engagement, advocacy, and cultural programming. The initiative would centre around the organisation’s “Global Citizen Now” forum and a series of associated events designed to bring together heads of government, private sector leaders, philanthropists, civil society organisations, and youth representatives.
According to the presenters, the Global Citizen Now – Antigua and Barbuda forum would feature a series of high-level panel discussions, fireside conversations, and policy dialogues addressing issues aligned with Commonwealth priorities. These discussions would focus on themes including 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. They explained that similar participation could be mobilised in Antigua and Barbuda to complement the official CHOGM agenda and further elevate the country’s global profile.
A central component 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 countries. The initiative seeks to support up to two million youth by 2030, with the goal of creating pathways to employment for at least 250,000 young people. Global Citizen indicated that the initiative would aim to mobilise approximately US$50 million in public, philanthropic, and private sector funding, with commitments to be announced during CHOGM-related events.
The proposal also includes the staging of “Global Citizen Nights – Antigua and Barbuda,” a cultural and advocacy event designed to engage young people and the wider public through music, advocacy campaigns, and performances by international and regional artists. Participation in the event would encourage global audiences to take advocacy actions in support of youth development and digital empowerment initiatives.
Presenters highlighted that the collaboration would bring significant international visibility to Antigua and Barbuda through Global Citizen’s extensive digital and media platforms, which collectively reach millions of people worldwide. They noted that the organisation’s global advocacy and media network would help amplify the outcomes of CHOGM and highlight the leadership of Antigua and Barbuda and the Commonwealth on key global issues.
The Global Citizen team further outlined a proposed timeline of engagement leading up to CHOGM, including advocacy events in New York and other international forums to build global awareness and mobilise commitments ahead of the summit.
Cabinet welcomed the presentation and acknowledged the potential value of partnerships that could enhance the visibility, participation, and impact of programmes associated with CHOGM 2026. Members noted that Antigua and Barbuda’s hosting of the Commonwealth meeting presents an important opportunity to showcase the nation’s leadership while advancing initiatives that benefit youth and sustainable development across the Commonwealth.
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