Gaston Browne has urged stronger cooperation among small and middle nations within the Commonwealth.

The Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, shared the message in an opinion article. The piece appeared in The Telegraph on Monday.

According to Browne, global power structures are shifting rapidly. Therefore, smaller nations must work together to protect their interests.

He said the Commonwealth of Nations offers a ready platform for cooperation. In fact, he believes it can form the foundation for a wider alliance of middle powers.

The idea follows a proposal by Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada. Carney suggested that middle powers should strengthen partnerships to increase global influence.

“In a world of shifting power, middle and small nations must work together,” Browne wrote. Consequently, cooperation could help these countries magnify their voice.

He added that the Commonwealth already connects many compatible nations. Most members share language, trade ties, and similar governance systems.

Therefore, Browne believes the focus should shift to action. Countries should reduce barriers that slow trade and cooperation.

For example, he urged governments to remove non-tariff barriers. These include overlapping standards and long customs delays.

Moreover, he said countries should develop common trade standards. Such steps would make commerce smoother among Commonwealth partners.

Browne also raised the issue after questions from Guardian Media. The queries followed the recent Americas Counter Cartel Conference.

Several CARICOM states attended the meeting, including Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana. Later, those countries joined other nations in a regional coalition.

Meanwhile, Antigua and Barbuda will soon host a major Commonwealth event. The country will welcome leaders for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2026.

The summit will take place from November 1 to 4. During the meeting, Browne will assume the role of Commonwealth chairman.

Organizers say the summit will focus on climate resilience and economic innovation.

Browne also warned that global politics are changing. Therefore, nations should not expect a return to old power structures.

In addition, he pointed to closer cooperation among several countries. These include Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

He noted discussions led by Anthony Albanese about deeper trade links.

Finally, Browne stressed that alliances protect smaller states. He said cooperation helps ensure these countries remain part of global decisions.

Without such alliances, he warned, smaller nations could lose influence in an increasingly competitive world.