King Charles III has warned of the growing instability in international relations, as geopolitical tensions and armed conflict reshape societies and economies, urging Commonwealth leaders to strengthen cooperation in addressing shared global challenges.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 28th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Antigua and Barbuda, the Monarch described a world that is increasingly unsettled.
“All around us, trust between nations is under critical strain as international norms and systems are tested to their limits. Brutal conflict stalks our world, destroying lives and casting long shadows across the globe.”
King Charles III
He added, “Technology is transforming our societies and our economies at dizzying speed, with little certainty about where it might lead us.”
King Calls for Action on Slavery’s Historical Legacy
King Charles also acknowledged the Commonwealth’s complex history, including Britain’s role in the transatlantic slave trade, which continues to shape the experiences of Caribbean nations and other Commonwealth members.
“The transatlantic trade in enslaved persons still casts a shadow over these islands, and other members of our Commonwealth. As I have said before, that shameful chapter of history is one that fills my heart with horror and my soul with the most profound personal sorrow.”
King Charles III
The Monarch added that his growing understanding of the historical injustices had strengthened his commitment to addressing their consequences through practical measures rather than focusing solely on historical reflection.
He identified improved access to education, investment in employment and economic opportunities, and increased intra-Commonwealth trade as areas where countries could make meaningful progress.
King Charles also maintained that historical wrongs should inspire modern partnerships capable of improving living conditions and expanding opportunities for communities still confronting hardship.
He emphasised that the Commonwealth should be understood not simply as an institution shaped by its past, but as a response to contemporary global challenges, adding that its purpose had become increasingly important in an unsettled world.
Monarch Urges Climate Investment as Economic Priority
Turning to climate change, King Charles urged Commonwealth governments to strengthen investment in climate resilience, arguing that environmental protection should be treated as an essential foundation of economic prosperity rather than an obstacle to growth.
“If we mobilise climate finance through the private sector and with the leveraging capacity of the public sector, we can drive investment into climate resilience.”
King Charles III
The King argued that natural resources should be recognised as essential economic assets, warning that continued exploitation without sufficient restoration threatens the foundations of long-term prosperity.
“Nature herself is an essential form of capital that sustains our prosperity and well-being. And yet we have persisted for too long to live off nature’s capital, rather than her income. To restore nature is therefore not to choose our environment over our economy. It is to invest in the very foundations of our economy, not to mention our security.”
King Charles III
He also highlighted the unequal burden of climate change on small island and ocean states, which have contributed relatively little to global emissions but face some of the most severe consequences of rising climate risks.
The Monarch indicated that he looked forward to discussions on innovative climate proposals involving Commonwealth governments, international partners and the private sector.
Commonwealth Leaders Challenged to Deliver Tangible Results
In addition, King Charles called on Commonwealth leaders to use the summit to strengthen cooperation across economic, political and social priorities.
He acknowledged that the organisation could not independently resolve every global crisis but maintained that its collective reach provided an exceptional opportunity to mobilise solutions across national boundaries.
“It does, however, offer an unparalleled opportunity to work together across our societies and our economies, through our businesses, our institutions and our communities. It allows us to draw on the collective ingenuity of a third of humanity to address the challenges confronting us all.”
King Charles III
The monarch identified democracy, the rule of law, human rights, equal dignity, sustainable development, peace and security as shared values capable of strengthening cooperation among member states.
He also welcomed the theme of the 28th CHOGM, Accelerating Partnerships and Investment for a Prosperous Commonwealth, describing it as an important opportunity to advance practical cooperation.
Concluding his address, the King urged leaders to translate the discussions into commitments capable of improving the lives of people across member states, particularly younger generations, stating, “Each of you has the opportunity to make the greatest possible difference. I pray that over the coming days you will embrace this opportunity and commit yourselves to action.”
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