Antigua and Barbuda PM points to billion-dollar pledges as evidence of Commonwealth’s potential

Prime Minister Gaston Browne says funding pledges announced around CHOGM 2026 show how closer Commonwealth cooperation can translate into investment and development opportunities.

Speaking on Point FM on Nov. 7, Browne said the Global Eye Health Summit attracted pledges exceeding US$1.3 billion, while a nature initiative drew commitments of more than US$200 million.

He also reported more than US$500 million in pledges to support the Commonwealth’s work, including youth entrepreneurship and other development activities.

Browne said Antigua and Barbuda had pushed for the meeting to place greater emphasis on partnerships, investment and trade, broadening its focus beyond discussions among leaders.

Projects from Commonwealth countries were presented to prospective investors, he said, opening opportunities for engagement beyond the formal summit.

Browne said the benefits would develop over the coming years as partnerships took shape and commitments were translated into programmes.

The figures he cited were pledges associated with the summit and related events. They did not represent money already received by Antigua and Barbuda or funding earmarked exclusively for the country.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Browne Hails Billions in Funding Pledges as Major Success of CHOGM 2026.