More than 50 Commonwealth leaders are gathering on the Caribbean island of Antigua this week to strengthen cooperation and address global challenges amid growing political and economic uncertainty.
The biennial Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting is expected to produce new agreements and commitments. Leaders representing nearly a third of the world's population are scheduled to attend, alongside officials from Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Brazil and the United Arab Emirates.
Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey said the discussions would focus on conflict, economic shocks, rising living costs, climate change, trade tensions and the use of tariffs as a political and economic tool.
Speaking to The Associated Press ahead of the meeting, she said these challenges were directly affecting people's livelihoods.
Leaders representing around 2.7 billion people are expected to explore ways to attract investment and reduce barriers to trade among Commonwealth members.
Botchwey said stronger trade links within the group could help member countries reduce their vulnerability to external economic disruptions, particularly following the imposition of higher US import tariffs under President Donald Trump.
She described the current trade tensions as an opportunity for Commonwealth countries to strengthen their economies.
The organisation also plans to establish a fund to provide digital skills training to around 10 million young adults. Botchwey said contributions would be sought from businesses, foundations and philanthropic organisations.
Another proposed fund would support countries in shifting from fossil fuels to renewable energy.
Climate change is expected to feature prominently in the discussions, as 49 of the Commonwealth's 56 member countries share coastlines and face growing threats from rising sea levels.
The four-day gathering will also include forums on business, women and young people.
Richardo Aiken, a civil society governor representing the Caribbean and Americas at the Commonwealth Foundation, said climate justice, freedom of expression and the empowerment of vulnerable communities would be key issues at the people's forum.
He said discussions would also address how Indigenous communities could be included in decision-making.
Aiken expects the forum to propose practical initiatives to help civil society organisations overcome challenges in accessing funding, including difficulties in preparing project proposals.
He described the Caribbean as one of the world's most climate-vulnerable regions.
Some Caribbean leaders have also called for discussions on reparations for slavery during the meeting.
King Charles III is expected to attend the gathering with Queen Camilla after visiting the Bahamas and Guyana last week.
The opening ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday morning, while the meeting is due to conclude on Wednesday.