High Commissioner Karen-Mae Hill OBE Moderates Commonwealth Discussion on the Role of Small States in Shaping a Fairer Multilateral Order

London, 9 July 2026 — Her Excellency Karen-Mae Hill OBE, High Commissioner of Antigua and Barbuda to the United Kingdom, moderated a Marlborough House Conversation hosted by the Commonwealth Secretariat examining the role of Commonwealth small states in an increasingly multipolar world.

The high-level discussion explored the question: “What space is there for Commonwealth small states in a multipolar world where middle powers are also increasingly assertive?” It featured the Rt Hon Helen Clark, former Prime Minister of New Zealand and Chair of the Global Leadership Foundation, and the Hon Bill Blair, High Commissioner of Canada to the United Kingdom. (Commonwealth)

The Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Hon Shirley Botchwey, opened the event and highlighted the need to change the narrative surrounding small states, recognising their important contribution to global affairs and multilateral cooperation.

Small states account for 33 of the Commonwealth’s 56 member countries. The discussion highlighted their significant role in advancing global action on climate change, ocean and environmental governance, peace, and the international rules-based order. Participants also examined the growing pressures facing the multilateral system and the importance of ensuring that small and vulnerable states are active participants and shapers of global decision-making. (Commonwealth)

Moderating the conversation, High Commissioner Hill emphasised the importance of small states asserting their place in shaping the future of the international system.

“Small states are not asking for a seat at the margins of a new world order; we are asserting our place at its heart.”

The discussion also considered how the Commonwealth’s consensus-based model, in which its 56 diverse member countries each have an equal voice, can contribute to a revitalised and values-based global order underpinned by international law. (Commonwealth)

The Marlborough House Conversation forms part of the Commonwealth Secretariat’s programme of dialogue in the lead-up to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2026, which will be hosted by Antigua and Barbuda in November under the theme “Accelerating Partnerships and Investment for a Prosperous Commonwealth.” (Commonwealth)

Read the full article on the Commonwealth Secretariat website.