Commonwealth War Graves Commission at CHOGM 2026

This week, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission was delighted to take part in the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2026 in Antigua and Barbuda.

The CHOGM is a biennial summit bringing together Heads of Government, Ministers, and representatives from businesses, civil society, and youth organisations.

The summit is where Heads of Government meet to discuss shared priorities, agree collective positions, and set the direction for cross-Commonwealth cooperation.

Charles Garrett, CWGC Director of Global Strategy and International Relations, said: "This is the first time we've been able to attend CHOGM, and we've found it an immensely useful opportunity to raise the profile of the Commission and to engage with existing and new partners.

"We've spoken not only about our work commemorating the 1.7 million casualties of the two world wars, but also to raise awareness of our experience in sustainability, youth engagement, heritage tourism and democratic resilience.

"Over the coming months we will build on these partnerships, in particular with the Commonwealth Secretariat, the Royal Commonwealth Society and governments across the Commonwealth."

The CWGC took part in the Commonwealth Business, People’s, Women’s, and Youth Forums organised at this year’s summit. We shared how we work in heritage, education, and conservation, and how commemoration continues to connect nations and communities today.

Our Director-General Claire Horton MBE was also honoured to offer a prayer on behalf of the CWGC at the Commonwealth Interfaith Service, in remembrance of the 1.7 million men and women of the Commonwealth who died in the two World Wars:

The CWGC Prayer

Spirit of remembrance and peace.

We gather today in gratitude for the 1.7 million men and women of the Commonwealth who died in the service of others during the two World Wars.

Though they came from many nations, cultures, beliefs and walks of life, we honour them equally. We remember their names, cherish their stories, and give thanks for their courage, sacrifice and devotion.

May the cemeteries and memorials raised in their memory continue to unite people and nations, speaking across generations of loss, duty, hope and reconciliation.

May we be faithful custodians of their memory, preserving their legacy with dignity and care, and inspiring future generations to seek understanding, friendship and peace.

As we return to our homes and nations, may we carry forward the trust they have placed in us. May we build the peace for which they longed and uphold the values for which they gave their today.

For all time, we will remember them.

Amen.

Representing youth

As part of our ongoing commitment to engage with younger people and audiences globally, we invited two Commonwealth War Graves Guides to represent us at the CHOGM 2026 Youth Forum.

Guides Tebatso Pooe and Refilwe Raphadu were delighted to represent the Commission at CHOGM 2026 after working with us in France this summer.

Refilwe said: "The Commonwealth Youth Forum's collaborative energy underscored that our shared heritage isn't just about preserving the past, but leveraging enterprise, digital storytelling platforms like For Evermore, and intergenerational dialogue to build a more inclusive, youth-empowered Commonwealth."

Tebatso said: "Having the opportunity to have in-depth conversations and open dialogues with some of the policymakers in the Commonwealth, I realised how similar and diverse we all are in our shared struggles and determination, with the common theme being that for future generations to have a successful Commonwealth, the issues must be confronted and dealt with as a unit."

Claire Horton MBE, CWGC Director General, said: “Tebatso and Refilwe brought incredible enthusiasm and energy to their work as CWGC guides over the summer, so we were delighted when they were appointed as CHOGM youth advocates.

“They are wonderful ambassadors for our work, articulating the importance of sharing stories with new generations, and helping raise awareness of the role CWGC can play in Commonwealth-wide issues such as sustainability and supporting tourism.”

King lays wreath at CWGC site ahead of visit to CHOGM

We were honoured to welcome our Patron, His Majesty King Charles III, to Georgetown (Rabbit Walk) Cemetery in Guyana, part of the King’s 9-day tour of the Caribbean.

The King honoured the service and sacrifice of British, Guyanese and Commonwealth Forces, laying a wreath in memory of those who have given their lives in conflict.

The Commission cares for the graves of six men from both World Wars at Georgetown Cemetery, representing the Navy, Army, Air Force and Merchant Fleet.

The King visited Guyana to mark 60 years of Guyanese independence. He formally opened the CHOGM summit on 3 November.