A seminal moment in the history of Antigua and Barbuda. That’s how the
country’s Foreign Affairs Minister, E.P Chet Greene described the occasion when
the flags of the host country, Antigua and Barbuda, and the United Nations were
raised simultaneously at a ceremony on the grounds of the American University of
Antigua (AUA) on Sunday morning.
For the first time in its history, Antigua and Barbuda is hosting one of the main
conferences associated with the UN system, the Fourth International Conference of
Small Island Developing States (SIDS4). AUA is making their facilities available
to the UN and the government and people of Antigua and Barbuda to host the
conference. The facilities include a brand-new conference centre where the plenary
sessions of the conference will take place.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Greene said the occasion officially begins the
process for the hosting of a historic and life changing event for the government and
people of Antigua and Barbuda.
“The ceremonial handing over of the flag to the United Nations that will transform
the premises of the American University of Antigua Campus into the United
Nations home for SIDS4, 2024, signals the beginning of what is expected to be an
opportunity for participants of the conference to set a new course that will protect
us from the threats of an uncertain future.
“Time is against us, and we need now more than ever to create concrete and lasting
solutions,” he remarked.
The foreign minister noted that the ceremony was much more than a symbolic
exercise but a recognition that the United Nations is a truly inclusive and
aspirational institution that is keeping the world together and actively engaging its
members.
“This is the hall mark of the United Nations, finding effective and efficient ways of
encouraging equity among nations, respect for sovereignty and nation building,” he
added.
The flag-raising exercise also included the participation of H.E. LI Junhua,
Conference Secretary-General and Under Secretary-General for Economic and
Social Affairs of the United Nations.
In his remarks, the Conference Secretary-General noted that the United Nations
Flag is a symbol of peace, unity, and hope for a brighter future.
“When we raise the flag here in Saint John’s, we are signaling that the world
stands in solidarity with small island developing States from across the globe.
Member States, the UN system, civil society, businesses, people of younger and
older generations, from all regions, are here together because we are committed to
a sustainable future for SIDS.
“Ever since the first SIDS conference in 1994, in nearby Barbados, SIDS have
been articulating their sustainable development needs, priorities, and aspirations.
The Barbados, Mauritius, and Samoa conference outcomes marked important
moments in the SIDS sustainable development journey. More importantly, those
conferences demonstrated the strong leadership that we have come to expect from
SIDS,” observed.
Under-Secretary General LI also commended Prime Minister Gaston Browne and
the government and people of Antigu and Barbuda for guiding the preparations for
this Conference with wisdom, clarity, and dedication. “When Antigua and Barbuda
proposed the conference theme, “Charting the course toward resilient prosperity,”
it was obvious that our hosts had a vision for SIDS4, and indeed for the next ten
years of SIDS sustainable development,” he stated.
Both Minister Greene and the USG stood at attention as the two flags were raised.
There was heavy rainfall, before and during the event, but all parties braved the
weather to ensure that this important aspect of the conference went ahead as
planned. The actual raising of the flags was accompanied by music provided by the
Antigua and Barbuda Defense Force Band.
