Foreign Ministers from across the Commonwealth convened today at Lancaster House in London for the 26th Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting, chaired by Samoa’s Finance Minister, Hon Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molio’o.
Meeting on the eve of Commonwealth Day, ministers addressed the transformation of the Commonwealth to overcome the challenges of a world in turmoil as well as the impactful and transformative solutions needed to unlock opportunities together for shared prosperity across the Commonwealth.
Ministers and Heads of Delegation also deliberated on policy priorities leading up to the 28th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), to be held in Antigua and Barbuda from 1-4 November 2026.
In her opening remarks, the Chair, Minister Mulipola, reflected on developments since CHOGM Samoa, and said:
“Honourable Ministers, let us use the opportunity to share ideas, propose concrete game changing solutions, and explore options to strengthen our collaboration; to renew our institutions and to overcome the challenges we face as a Commonwealth family. We must forge solutions for our resilience and shared prosperity.
“As we continue our journey from Samoa to Antigua and Barbuda, we must pause and reflect on the Commonwealth, and its role in a rapidly changing global environment. As the retreat theme suggests, the Commonwealth is at a moment of strategic opportunity.”
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Commonwealth Secretary-General, Hon Shirley Botchwey, reflected on the state of the Commonwealth and the impetus to reposition the Commonwealth in an ever-changing, complex global environment. She said:
“Renewal will not come from declarations alone. It will come from coalitions that are willing – and able – to translate shared values into coordinated action. The Commonwealth is such a coalition.
“And the credibility of our coalition rests, first and foremost, on the integrity of our own commitments. At a time when global corridors are narrowing, there is great scope within our own family to deepen connectivity, reduce barriers, and better integrate small and vulnerable states into value chains.“At a time, when the world feels fragile and multilateralism is under pressure, trust is stretched. And too often, nations are tempted to turn inward. In such a moment, the ties of the Commonwealth matter more than ever.”
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Hon Everly Paul Chet Greene, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Trade and Barbuda Affairs of Antigua and Barbuda moderated the opening session and provided an update on CHOGM preparations. He added:
“Today, we have the opportunity to explore how we can make this moment of multilateral retreat and global turmoil the Commonwealth’s moment of opportunity. To be strategic in our assessment of risks and opportunities, the partnerships needed, within and outside the Commonwealth, prioritising our collective resilience through a new development cooperation model championed by the Commonwealth, and leveraging increased influence on global issues for our resilience building and shared prosperity.”
During the Executive Session, Ministers deliberated on two reform papers, and agreed five themes for the CHOGM 2026 Communiqué, and streamlined procedures for negotiations going forward.
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CFAMM 2026 Retreat
For the first time, Foreign Ministers met for a retreat ahead of CFAMM, under the theme, 'The Commonwealth at a Moment of Strategic Opportunity'.
Foreign Ministers reflected on:
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The global situation and its implications for the Commonwealth, including the role of Commonwealth Foreign Ministers, taking into account the 2025-2030 Strategic Plan and the SG’s reform proposals;
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Promoting adherence to democracy and good governance in Commonwealth countries, including through the role of CMAG to protect and promote Commonwealth values;
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Exploring innovative ideas for enhanced economic diplomacy within the Commonwealth, including expeditious ways to eliminate trade barriers and facilitate trade and investment initiatives among groups of Commonwealth member countries; and
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Building resilience in the Commonwealth through common positions, including on the Bridgetown Initiative, at global platforms such as the European Union, G7, G20 BRICS and other critical governance frameworks.
The 27th CFAMM will convene at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in November in St John’s, Antigua and Barbuda.
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Suné Kitshoff
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