Antigua and Barbuda participated in the Ministerial Meeting of Latin America and the Caribbean for the Implementation of Regional Climate Action, held on 25–26 August 2025 in Mexico City.
Ministers and representatives from the region convened to forge a united position ahead of COP30 in Belém, Brazil.
The delegation of Antigua and Barbuda was led by Senator Michael Joseph, Minister of State in the Ministry of Health, Wellness, Environment, and Civil Service Affairs, alongside Ambassador Ruleta Camacho Thomas.
During the plenary session, Minister Joseph emphasized that for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) like Antigua and Barbuda, the transition to low-carbon, resilient economies is an economy-wide challenge requiring transformative, non-debt-creating finance. He highlighted the importance of accountability from the world’s largest emitters, noting that “rights without remedies are not justice.”
The Antigua and Barbuda delegation also participated in a special session on sargassum, where innovative uses for sargassum biomass were demonstrated. While acknowledging the value of innovation, the delegation stressed the urgent need for sustainable management and financing for large-scale clean-up operations, given the mounting costs.
Minister Joseph and Ambassador Camacho used the opportunity to meet with Alicia Barcena- Minister of Environment and Natural Resources of Mexico and Andre Correa do Lago- President- Designate of the 2025 UN Climate Change Conference, COP30
