Antigua and Barbuda reaffirms its commitment to Peacebuilding
September 21, 2025
Antigua and Barbuda has reaffirmed its commitment to peacebuilding on the international stage, joining more than 800 global leaders at the 11th HWPL World Peace Summit in Cheongju, South Korea.
Representing the nation were Osbert Frederick, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and Chaneil Imhoff, On-Air Host and Producer at ABS Television and Radio.
Frederick, speaking at the Global Peace Education Conference, drew on his career as an educator to stress the importance of teaching peace: “If we wish to see a world of peace, we must teach peace.” Imhoff contributed to the development of a peace journalism framework and is covering the summit for ABS, ensuring Antiguans and Barbudans remain part of the global conversation.
The two-day gathering, held under the theme “Uniting for Peace and Fulfilling Humanity’s Duty Together,” spotlighted initiatives such as peace education in schools, interfaith dialogue through HWPL’s WARP Offices, and institutional support for the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW).
Antigua and Barbuda, through PARLATINO, formally endorsed the DPCW in 2024, strengthening its alignment with regional and international peace goals.
For Antigua and Barbuda, involvement in this summit is more than symbolic—it reinforces ongoing local efforts in peace education, youth empowerment, and community resilience, while amplifying the nation’s voice as a regional advocate for peace.
About The Author
Shermain Bique-Charles
The Rotary Club of Antigua has planted several Peace Poles throughout the nation, including
one at the Police Headquarters in February 2025. An additional peace pole was unveiled at the Christ the King High School in February 2024 by the Interact Club, with support from the Rotary Club.
Antigua and Barbuda peace pole installations
- Police Headquarters: A Peace Pole was erected by the Rotary Club of Antigua at the Police Headquarters in February 2025. The event marked the fourth such installation in the country and symbolized a commitment to community development and conflict resolution.
- Christ the King High School: The Interact Club of Christ the King High School, a Rotary-affiliated group for young people, unveiled a peace pole on campus in February 2024.
Significance of the peace pole project
Peace poles are internationally recognized symbols displaying the message “May Peace Prevail On Earth” in different languages. This project is significant for Antigua and Barbuda because it:
- Encourages youth engagement: The installation at Christ the King High School involved young people directly, empowering them to become ambassadors for peace within their schools and communities.
- Fosters community partnerships: The erection of a Peace Pole at the Police Headquarters symbolizes strengthening partnerships between community organizations and law enforcement.
- Promotes peace and conflict resolution: As one of Rotary International’s areas of focus, the planting of Peace Poles is intended to build a culture of peace and serve as a reminder to strive for conflict resolution.
- Supports global initiatives: This project aligns with initiatives such as the UNESCO Global Citizenship Education (GCED) agenda, which promotes diversity and mutual understanding.