Commonwealth People’s Forum 2026 Delegate-led sessions: call for proposals
We are no longer accepting proposals for delegates to lead sessions at the Commonwealth People’s Forum. Thank you to everyone who submitted. We are now reviewing proposals and will communicate the outcome of your submission soon.
Please contact cpf@commonwealthfoundation with any further queries.
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.
Delegate-led session proposals
We are inviting delegates to design and run sessions at the People’s Forum. Delegate-led sessions will be held outside the main programme, during lunchtimes and late afternoons. They should be grounded in the work of the delegate’s organisation and be highly engaging (for example, utilising visual materials and facilitating audience participation via Q&A). We are also seeking sessions connected to the theme of creative advocacy. Sessions should be 45 minutes long.
Organisers are expected to include a diverse range of perspectives and demonstrate meaningful involvement of civil society organisations and representatives from Antigua and Barbuda and/or the Caribbean region. The involvement of Commonwealth Accredited Organisations is encouraged, as are partnerships between organisations and across sectors, particularly those that strengthen connections between local, regional and international civil society actors.
The Foundation is finalising the details of venues to be made available for delegate-led sessions. We expect that available venues will seat between 50 and 60 people, and different layout formats should be available. Rooms will be equipped with a projector and screen.
Presenters and speakers
Proposed presenters and speakers should demonstrate relevant expertise or lived experience relating to the session topic, a strong understanding of the regional context, and a proven track record of contributing to positive change. Organisers should seek to include speakers who bring innovative and practical perspectives, can engage audiences effectively, and contribute to a balanced panel that reflects demographic diversity, Commonwealth-wide regional representation, intergenerational participation, and the inclusion of creative voices. Particular consideration should be given to speakers from the Global South and from Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and other small states.
How to submit a proposal
If your organisation or group of organisations would like to run a delegate-led session, please submit an expression of interest via our form below.
Any queries regarding the submission process should be sent to cpf@commonwealthfoundation.com with the following subject line:
CPF 2026 delegate-led session
Key dates
- Launch call for proposals: 23 July
- Close call for proposals: 5 August
- Results communicated: 14 August
Successful proposals
If your submission is selected, we will notify you by 14 August and provide further guidance on preparing for your session.
If approved, organisers will be invited to apply for funding towards speakers and contributors involved in the session to attend and participate in the Forum. Please note that funding is limited and applications will be considered subject to the availability of funds.
