The road to #CHOGM2026 took me from London to The Bahamas this week. In London I met with Prime Minister Gaston Browne to discuss preparations for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, hosted in Antigua and Barbuda this November. On my first official visit to The Bahamas, I spoke with leaders about education, digital skills, innovation and the priorities of small island states. I also heard how young people’s voices can help shape what comes next. My message throughout the week was clear: CHOGM must lead to practical action that improves the lives of the 2.7 billion people of the Commonwealth across our 56 countries.

Stronger public institutions start with the people who lead them. The Commonwealth has brought together 120 public service leaders in Seychelles and 30 heads of anti-corruption agencies from 21 Commonwealth African countries in Ghana for practical training and peer learning. They shared ways to improve public services, strengthen accountability and build institutions people can trust. Read how we're supporting public service and anti-corruption leaders strengthen institutions across Africa: bit.ly/4ycMNrv

Pleased to meet the Hon. Shirley Botchwey, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth. We discussed strengthening engagement between the Commonwealth and the General Assembly, our shared commitment to restoring trust in multilateral institutions, and cooperation on sustainable development, climate change and sea-level rise. We also exchanged views on the Commonwealth’s reform and resilience-building agenda and the forthcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Antigua and Barbuda.

H.E. Ms. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, Secretary-General of the @commonwealthsec, paid a courtesy call on H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, @ymahmoudali, on the sidelines of #UNGA81 in New York. They discussed & explored ways of strengthening partnership between the AU & the Commonwealth Secretariat through a structured Memorandum of Understanding to advance cooperation in areas of shared interest, including peace & security, sustainable development, institutional strengthening & Africa’s priorities in global governance. Read @ au.int/en/pressreleases/2026…

Honoured to represent the Commonwealth at #UNGA81 General Debate today. As leaders convene in New York to address global challenges and the Commonwealth prepares for #CHOGM2026 we must jointly chart a path to strengthen peace, unlock opportunities for growth and prosperity, and protect the planet we share. This is the time for bold course correction.

Thank you HE Khalilur Rahman @UN_PGA for receiving me on the busiest day of the UNGA high-level week. I share your vision of putting vulnerability at the heart of the global financial system. We discussed how to collaborate to support @commonwealthsec work to build resilience and shared prosperity. I am committed to making sure that the Commonwealth plays a more active role at the UN. #UNGA81

Who gets to shape the digital economy, and are young people getting a fair say in its future? We asked the next generation of trade lawyers how the rules of digital trade affect young people, who benefits and what needs to change. With trade and investment high on the agenda for #CHOGM2026 in Antigua and Barbuda, young professionals must have a voice in building a digital economy that works for everyone.

Media accreditation is now open for journalists wishing to cover the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua and Barbuda this November. To request accreditation details, please email: media@commonwealth.int #CHOGM2026

Happy #IndependenceDay Belize!

Happy #IndependenceDay Malta!

The Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (#CMAG) met in New York today, on the margins of #UNGA81, in its role as custodian of the Commonwealth political values. Read the concluding statement: bit.ly/3V530jV

I’m looking at leaders leaving the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting with projects that have been discussed, and the follow-ups will be done, so that it’s not just a talking shop. It’s not about the usual traditional development cooperation, the days where countries are depending on aid. It has to be trade. When you have a 2.7 billion market, we need to necessarily trade amongst ourselves. #CHOGM2026

Happy #IndependenceDay Saint Kitts and Nevis!

I am deeply saddened by the lives lost in the terror attack at a mosque during Friday prayers in Kohat, Pakistan. My heart goes out to the families mourning their loved ones, and to all those injured and affected by this tragedy. At this painful time, the Commonwealth stands in solidarity with the people of Pakistan.

Thank you Prime Minister @HonPhilipEDavis for a warm welcome on my first official visit to The Bahamas, starting with Foreign Minister Mitchell's gathering the evening before, and for a highly productive meeting this morning. I look forward to our discussions on the positioning of the Commonwealth for resilience building and shared prosperity, including climate finance, being carried forward to our leaders meeting at #CHOGM2026. @CommonwealthSec is committed to supporting The Bahamas to create conditions for a cohesive society that guarantees sustained and inclusive growth and sustainable development.

Last week, Commonwealth leaders, cricket legends and partners came together at Marlborough House for the launch of the “One Commonwealth, One Team” Exhibition Cricket Match Series, ahead of #CHOGM2026. 🏏 Here are some moments from the panel discussion, exploring how sport can bring the Commonwealth together, create new partnerships and inspire the next generation. Read more: bit.ly/4rcZ7oW

Africa is shaping its digital trade future through the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol. At a @commonwealthsec event, @EBRD’s Shona Tatchell highlighted how legal reform, trade finance, and partnerships can unlock opportunities for SMEs, including in Kenya and Nigeria.

Happy #IndependenceDay Papua New Guinea!

With less than 50 days to go until the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, it was a timely opportunity to meet with the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Hon @GastonBrowne. We discussed final preparations and our shared ambition for a transformative #CHOGM2026. I look forward to welcoming Commonwealth leaders alongside Prime Minister Browne to Antigua and Barbuda this November, and working together to deliver a Commonwealth that works for our 2.7 billion people.

Pleased to renew our Memorandum of Understanding with @WHO, strengthening our partnership and shared ambition to deliver better health outcomes for people across the Commonwealth. No institution can meet today's complex health and development challenges alone. Together, we can build a healthier, more prosperous Commonwealth for all. Read more here: bit.ly/4yEfEEZ