The Government of Antigua and Barbuda held its inaugural Multilateral Environmental Treaties (Focal Points) Coordination Meeting this week, bringing together key stakeholders from various government ministries to strengthen the nation’s approach to international environmental agreements.
The meeting was chaired by Ambassador Dr. Walton Webson, Permanent Representative of Antigua and Barbuda to the United Nations. It featured key officials, including Minister of the Environment, Sir Molwyn Joseph, and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Clarence Pilgrim.
“This coordination effort marks a new chapter in how Antigua and Barbuda engages with the international community on environmental matters,” stated Ambassador Webson. “By speaking with one voice nationally on these critical issues, we strengthen our position globally.”
Also in attendance were Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of the Environment, Ena Dalso-Henry, and Director-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ann-Marie Layne.
The meeting focused on Antigua and Barbuda’s participation in various multilateral environmental agreements, including:
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The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
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The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
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The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands
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And several others
Representatives from various government departments provided updates on their respective treaty responsibilities, highlighting achievements and challenges.
Minister Sir Molwyn Joseph emphasized the importance of strategic coordination:
“Our active participation in these agreements has positioned Antigua and Barbuda as a leader among Small Island Developing States. This coordination mechanism will further enhance our ability to secure resources for national implementation.”
The Department of Environment, which serves as the focal point for 16 multilateral environmental agreements, highlighted the country’s success in placing Antigua and Barbuda nationals in key international positions and securing significant funding through these agreements.
This new coordination mechanism aims to strengthen Antigua and Barbuda’s global climate change action, improve inter-ministerial cooperation, and maximize benefits from multilateral agreements.
