Antigua and Barbuda was represented at the 6th International Cooperation Conference of the Association of Caribbean States (ACS) that concluded in Havana, Cuba over the weekend.
The two-day gathering was held under the central theme “The Greater Caribbean united towards economic recovery and sustainable and safe tourism”.
Antigua and Barbuda was represented by Resident Ambassador to Cuba, George Goodwin, and Director of International Trade in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Joy-Marie King.
In Antigua and Barbuda’s statement to the membership, King pronounced the nation’s, “continued and unwavering commitment to the Association of Caribbean States, as, it is through groupings of this nature, that our problems as a collective are thoroughly examined, solutions found and operationalised to combat many of the multi-dimensional global challenges we face for the benefit of all”.
King also highlighted Antigua and Barbuda’s tremendous efforts in championing the cause of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in the face of climate change which poses an ever-increasing existential threat to humanity.
She emphasised the importance of meeting the United Nations’ 2030 goals and attracting the attention of developed nations and international organisations and soliciting their cooperation in supporting and funding projects of critical importance to the achievement of the region’s sustainable development agenda.
Other presentations were made during the meeting addressing Sustainable Tourism, Disaster Risk Management, Trade and Transport.
Memoranda of Understanding were also signed between the ACS and Ibero-American General Secretariat (SEGIB) and the Central American Maritime Transport Commission, respectively.