Government and opposition senators from Antigua and Barbuda attended an inter-parliamentary conference in China, joining global parliamentarians to discuss strengthening the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The delegation was led by Senator Joel Rayne and included Senator Lamin Newton, with opposition Senator Ashworth Azille also representing Antigua and Barbuda.
“Our discussions focused on how our respective countries can improve implementation, strengthen resilience, share best practices, and better prepare for challenges such as climate change, pandemics, economic vulnerability, and other threats to sustainable development. For small developing states like Antigua and Barbuda, these conversations matter. International cooperation allows us to learn from the experiences of others while ensuring that the realities and vulnerabilities of small island states remain part of the global conversation,” Senator Newton reported.
In his closing remarks, he reminded fellow parliamentarians that conferences only have value when discussions lead to action. “We must turn commitments into legislation, discussions into policies, and policies into measurable results that improve the lives of our people. Sustainable development is ultimately about people, and the responsibility to build a stronger, more resilient future belongs to all of us,” he stated.
No complacency. No excuses. Action was the watchword of the conference.