Commonwealth People’s Forum 2026: Host Country Sponsored Delegate Expression of Interest
This opportunity is only available to residents of Antigua and Barbuda. To receive this support, successful applicants must also complete the People’s Forum registration and CHOGM accreditation process by 30 September. Register here.
About the People’s Forum
The Commonwealth People’s Forum is held every two years alongside the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). It is the single largest opportunity for civil society—the people of the Commonwealth—to engage with Commonwealth leaders on the most pressing issues of our times.
Convened by the Commonwealth Foundation in collaboration with the host government, the Forum brings together a diverse range of voices from across the Commonwealth, including community leaders, researchers, policymakers, artists, practitioners and civil society actors, to exchange ideas, build partnerships and contribute to shaping Commonwealth priorities.
Aligned with the CHOGM 2026 theme of ‘Accelerating Partnerships and Investment for a Prosperous Commonwealth’, the People’s Forum will focus on strengthening engagement between governments and civil society, creating meaningful opportunities for dialogue, partnership and action.
Through a high-quality and inclusive programme featuring diverse and influential voices, the Forum will explore freedom of expression, climate and environmental justice and economic inclusion—while centring the role of culture, storytelling and local experience in driving positive change.
The programme for the People’s Forum will reflect priorities and perspectives gathered through a Commonwealth-wide participatory process. The Foundation’s Path to Antigua and Barbuda process has involved online conversations across every Commonwealth region, as well as in-person dialogues in Antigua and Barbuda. In addition, a Commonwealth-wide Creative Open Call for artists and storytellers has received thousands of entries that will be displayed online and as part of a physical exhibition at the People’s Forum.
Support for delegates based in Antigua and Barbuda
Strong participation from host country civil society is central to the success of the People’s Forum. A well-represented local cohort will bring important perspectives grounded in the lived realities of Antigua and Barbuda and the wider region. This presence will strengthen connections between national and international actors, and create learning opportunities for all participants.
We have funding to support the participation of up to 50 civil society leaders, advocates, and supporters based in Antigua and Barbuda at the Forum. Students in higher education are also encouraged to apply. This opportunity is only open to residents of Antigua and Barbuda.
Sponsored local delegates will receive a contribution of EC$430 towards the costs associated with participating in the three-day Forum programme. We want the Forum to benefit from a range of local perspectives, including those for whom the costs of participation might otherwise be a barrier. The contribution is intended to make participation more accessible and support the involvement of a broad group of civil society actors from across Antigua and Barbuda.
We will work in close collaboration with civil society representatives from the host country to identify and support local participants. This will be delivered through an expression of interest process.
Responsibilities of successful sponsored delegates
Ahead of the Forum, successful applicants will be required to:
- Complete the Commonwealth People’s Forum registration and Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) accreditation processes by 30 September.
- Where applicable, make and manage all arrangements to attend the Forum.
At the Forum, sponsored delegates are required to:
- Participate fully in all three days of the Forum, including relevant plenary sessions, workshops and delegate-led sessions.
Process and eligibility
Expressions of interest should be submitted via the form below.
Incomplete submissions will not be considered. Applicants must be residents of Antigua and Barbuda. Due to limited funding, not all eligible applicants will be successful.
Successful applications are non-transferable.
Funding will be distributed at the conclusion of the People’s Forum on 4 November.
Key dates
- Expressions of interest open: 25 August
- Expressions of interest close: 15 September
- Results communicated: 18 September
- Deadline to register for the People’s Forum and CHOGM: 30 September
- People’s Forum begins: 2 November
- People’s Forum concludes and funding distributed: 4 November
Further information
Any queries regarding the submission process should be sent to cpf@commonwealthfoundation.com with the following subject line: Support for host country sponsored delegates.
