Antigua and Barbuda has been able to distinguish itself as it engaged with world
leaders and was quite pronounced regarding a variety of issues affecting island
nations across the globe during the 78 th session, of the United Nations General
Assembly.
The country’s position on several pressing concerns ranging from the climate crisis
and its resulting consequences on small states, the pioneering role it is playing in
the development of a Multidimensional Vulnerability Index to the humanitarian
crisis, and violent upheavals in Haiti were clearly articulated by Prime Minister the
Honourable Gaston Browne during his address to the United Nations General
Assembly last Friday.
The nation scored a major achievement with its execution of two major side-events
which resulted in significant outcomes and recommendations. The International
Finance and Energy Transition Diplomacy held on September 18 garnered
feedback from high-ranking SIDS and non-SIDS officials who discussed and made
recommendations for the energy transition in SIDS within the scope of the next 10-
year agenda to be adopted in Antigua and Barbuda, at the 4th International
Conference in May 2024.
UN Permanent Representative Ambassador Walton Webson (far right), Chairman of the PVBLIC Foundation Sergio Fernandez de Cordova
AOSIS (centre) and Chair Ambassador Pa’olelei Luteru signing an historic partnership on data and technology on behalf of SIDS.
Prime Minister the Hon. Gaston Browne in discussion with Haitian President Ariel Henry (centre) during a meeting of the Ad Hoc Advisory Group on Haiti at last week’s UN General Assembly.
Similarly, on September 21, Prime Minister Gaston Browne hosted a High-Level
Breakfast with fellow Prime Ministers and Ministers of Health to address the issue
of eye health, to ensure it remains central to the achievement of the United Nations
Sustainable Development Goals. The discussion took place on the margins of the
General Assembly, bringing positive attention to the country’s leadership on yet
another important global issue affecting millions worldwide. Through the work of
the United Nations Friends of Vision, of which Antigua and Barbuda is the
founding chair. The meeting ended with a clarion call to support the call for a UN
Secretary-General Envoy on Vision and ensure eye health is included in national
reporting, such as the Voluntary National Reviews.
Another significant outcome was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding
on a Partnership for the Establishment of the SIDS Global Data Hub. This tripartite
signing among Antigua and Barbuda, the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS)
and the PVBLIC Foundation laid the groundwork for the establishment of a
partnership that utilizes data and mobilizes the Family Offices for Sustainable
Development to help SIDS achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and
implement the new Programme of Action for SIDS 2024-2034, which will be
adopted at the Fourth SIDS Conference in Antigua and Barbuda from May 27 – 30
next year.
In reflecting, Antigua and Barbuda’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations
Ambassador Walton Webson, noted that this year’s General Assembly exceeded
expectations and yielded strong outcomes on crucial matters that are at the very top
of Antigua and Barbuda’s agenda, in ensuring a better and brighter future for the
country and its people.
“Our leadership on the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index and our preparations
for the SIDS4 Conference, to be held in Antigua and Barbuda, is paying off as both
have yielded widespread support from fellow leaders with whom Prime Minister
Browne and his high-level delegation of colleague ministers engaged,”
Ambassador Webson noted.
The country received strong pledges of support for the SIDS4 Conference, which
will serve as the launching pad for a Centre of Excellence. The Centre is
envisioned to be the nerve centre for the type of data SIDS lack in developmental
planning, and to strengthen their case for financial assistance when the need arises.
The international conference of island nations will be held in Antigua and Barbuda
from May 27 – 30 next year.
Antigua and Barbuda also became one of the first signatories to the BBNJ Treaty,
and the presence of Health Minister Sir Molwyn Joseph at the UNGA ensured that
the country’s voice continues to be heard on major health and plastic pollution
issues.
“The signing of the BBNJ Treaty, which was done by our Foreign Affairs Minister,
was yet another clear message on Antigua and Barbuda’s position on the climate
crisis and our commitment to ensuring that our oceans are protected. As a nation,
we should be proud,” Ambassador Webson added.
