Antigua hosts Commonwealth summit on trade and climate

Leaders from 56 Commonwealth nations are meeting in Antigua this week to negotiate new trade agreements and climate strategies. The four-day gathering brings together heads of state representing roughly 2.7 billion people, or nearly a third of the global population.

Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey described the summit as a response to current global economic pressures. She cited rising costs, conflict, and the weaponization of tariffs as primary drivers for the meeting. Botchwey told The Associated Press that the group aims to reduce barriers to trade within the Commonwealth to insulate member states from external shocks.

She noted that many nations recently faced new import duties. “All the countries woke up one day and were slapped with tariffs,” she said. “If we are trading more among ourselves, whatever happens outside the Commonwealth will not affect countries too much.” Botchwey characterized the situation as an opportunity the group cannot miss.

A major focus of the agenda is climate adaptation. Forty-nine of the 56 member countries border the ocean. Officials plan to discuss rising sea levels and ocean health. The group also intends to establish a fund to help nations transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources.

Economic development for younger demographics is another priority. Botchwey said the Commonwealth seeks to create a fund to provide digital skills to about 10 million young adults. She hopes contributions will come from the private sector, foundations, and philanthropies.

Civil society representatives are also present at the event. Richordo Aiken, a governor for the Caribbean and Americas at the Commonwealth Foundation, said the people’s forum will address climate justice and freedom of expression. He highlighted the need to include Indigenous populations in policy conversations. Aiken expects the forum to propose specific initiatives to help civil organizations write financing proposals.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla are expected to attend the summit. Their visit follows recent trips to the Bahamas and Guyana. The opening ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday morning, with the event concluding on Wednesday.