Affirmation by Commonwealth Secretary-General, Hon. Shirley Botchwey at the CHOGM 2026 Interfaith Service, Sunday 1 November 2026 at St John’s, Pentecostal Church House of Restoration, Antigua and Barbuda
Let us now stand together to renew our pledge to uphold and serve the values and fellowship of our unique global family.
The Affirmation
We affirm that every person possesses unique worth and dignity.
We affirm our desire for peace among all peoples and nations, and our belief in justice for everyone, everywhere.
We affirm our respect for the natural world, and our shared responsibility to be stewards of the earth — working together to protect and sustain it for generations to come.
We affirm our commitment to empowering young people in every part of our Commonwealth, and our belief that by investing in their ingenuity and imagination, we enhance the wellbeing of our people and strengthen our shared future. We are committed to building partnerships with all sectors of global society to ensure that the scale of our ambitions respond to the challenges we face and the solutions we require.
United in kinship and common purpose, we cherish the rich diversity of thought, culture, tradition and experience that shapes our Commonwealth. Through friendship and partnership, we build on our shared inheritance and unlock opportunity for the benefit of all.
We reiterate our commitment to the values of the Commonwealth Charter — as an enduring expression of our ideals, and as a guide to cooperation and common action in pursuit of peace and prosperity.
Through our Commonwealth connection, we see each other, hear each other, learn from one another, and work side by side in mutual respect and goodwill to build a more resilient, inclusive and prosperous common future.
The Response
We affirm our belief in the Commonwealth as a powerful force for good in the world and pledge ourselves to its service — now and for the future.
