This webinar will provide a timely platform to assess the current state of Commonwealth small states, examine evolving thinking on their strategic relevance and sustainable development, and explore new development pathways that may be required in a rapidly changing global environment.
This is a joint webinar, by the Commonwealth Secretariat and ODI Global's Resilient and Sustainable Islands Initiative
The discussion will draw on two key publications: RESI’s State of SIDS Report 2026, which highlights the global value and contributions of small states, and the Commonwealth Secretariat’s forthcoming Small States Economic Review, which explores how Commonwealth small states can strengthen resilience, unlock new opportunities and position themselves as strategic actors in a changing world.
Commonwealth ministers will meet this November in Antigua and Barbuda for the Commonwealth Ministerial Meeting on Small States (CMMSS), which is held on the margins of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2026. Ahead of those discussions, this webinar will help explore how small states cannot just respond to change but help shape what comes next.
Objectives
- Move the conversation beyond vulnerability by recognising the global value and strategic relevance of small states.
- Consider how stronger economic pathways can support resilience, diversification and more sustainable development models.
- Offer insights into priority issues that will shape discussions on small states at CMMSS and beyond.
Speakers
- H.E Karen-Mae Hill High Commissioner for Antigua and Barbuda
- H.E Mosuoe Letuma, High Commissioner for Lesotho
- Mr Patrick Misfud, Head of SIDS/Commonwealth Unit, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malta
- Emily Wilkinson, Principal Research Fellow, RESI, ODI Global
- Matthew Bishop, Resilient and Sustainable Islands Initiative Co-Director, ODI Global
- Thomas Munthali, Head, Economic Policy and Small States, Commonwealth Secretariat
- Ms Opeyemi Abebe, Acting Senior Director for Economic Development, Trade and Investment, Commonwealth Secretariat
- Tamara Mughogho, Economic Adviser, Commonwealth Secretariat
For further information please contact [email protected]
