Politics · Canada · 36 mins ago
Commonwealth leaders meet in Antigua amid trade and climate concerns
Leaders from more than 50 Commonwealth countries are meeting in Antigua and Barbuda for their biennial summit.
The 56-member group includes countries with historic ties to the British Empire and represents about 2.7 billion people.
With trade disrupted by tariffs and other global pressures, Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey says members should increase trade among themselves.
Commonwealth countries currently trade about $900 billion with one another, and Botchwey wants that to rise to $2 trillion by the next summit.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is attending, as Canada looks to build closer economic ties with Commonwealth partners.
Leaders are also expected to create funds for young people’s digital skills and for countries moving from fossil fuels to renewable energy.
Climate risks are a major concern for the many member countries beside the ocean, and leaders are expected to discuss ways to prepare for rising sea levels.
Commonwealth leaders are meeting in Antigua and Barbuda this week to strengthen ties and discuss trade, investment and climate concerns.
The gathering brings together representatives of 56 member countries, which represent 2.7 billion people.
Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey says members want to increase trade among themselves and reduce trade barriers.
Climate change is also on the agenda, with officials expected to establish a fund to help countries shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is attending for one day to meet leaders and discuss trade ties.
- Who
- Leaders of Commonwealth countries, including Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, are attending.
- What
- They are meeting to discuss trade, investment, climate change and strengthening ties.
- When
- This week, beginning on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026. The sources differ on the meeting’s end: AP says Wednesday, while it also describes a four-day meeting.
- Where
- Antigua and Barbuda, in the Caribbean.
- Why
- Leaders aim to strengthen ties, attract investment and reduce barriers to trade among Commonwealth members.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The meeting began, according to CBC.
Mark Carney departed for Antigua and Barbuda and planned to attend for one day.
The opening ceremony was scheduled to take place, with King Charles set to host official events.
The meeting was scheduled to end, according to AP; CBC says it runs through Wednesday.
- Member countries
- 56
- Population represented
- 2.7 billion people
- Canada’s annual trade with Commonwealth partners
- About $100 billion
- Commonwealth members’ trade goal
- More than $2 trillion by the next leaders’ meeting
- Commonwealth countries bordering an ocean
- 49 of 56
4 sources
Carney seeks to boost trade and ties at Commonwealth meeting
PM Carney heads to Commonwealth meeting in Antigua and Barbuda focused on trade, investment
Commonwealth leaders descend on Antigua during global political turbulence
Commonwealth secretary-general pitches group as 'alternative' to U.S. trade
What people are saying
We woke up one day and every one of our 56 countries had been slapped with tariffs
If we are trading more among ourselves, whatever happens outside the Commonwealth will not affect countries too much.
The Caribbean and Africa and some of the Pacific Island states can make or break your initiatives.
We would hope that we can rebuild that relationship now