Foreign Affairs Minister, E.P Chet Greene, wants the men and women in the Antigua and Barbuda diplomatic services to recognize the changing global environment and to craft responses that are nimble, responsive and with the interest of the country front and centre of all that they do.
FM Greene made the charge when he addressed the nation’s diplomats and other representatives of the foreign service at this week’s National Diplomatic Encounter that opened at the Royalton Hotel on Thursday morning.
“Today, we embark on a profound discourse centered on the theme of ‘Alignment of Diplomatic Outreach with National Priorities,’ a topic that carries significant urgency as we navigate the complexities of a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape,” Minister Greene stated.
He told the diplomatic service officers that as they gather to ponder the challenges that lie ahead, they do so as inhabitants of a world marked by shifting alliances, transforming power dynamics and pressing global issues that demand their unwavering resolve. He noted that issues such as climate change, economic inequality and the promotion of human rights are not mere concepts; they are imperatives that require their immediate attention.
For the foreign affairs minister, Antigua and Barbuda, as a small island developing nation, must remain astutely cognizant of these dynamics, for they have profound implications for its sovereignty, stability and potential for development.
Borrowing a phrase from the late African diplomat, Kofi Annan, who said “Diplomacy is a bridge”, Minister Greene stated that Antigua and Barbuda today stands on that bridge.
“Today, we stand on that bridge, where the intricate dance of international relations requires not just skilled negotiators but adaptable visionaries. It is imperative that our diplomats possess a comprehensive understanding of international law, economic diplomacy, cultural nuances and strategic negotiation tactics. Our human resources must transcend traditional qualifications; as we seek individuals who exemplify innovative thinking and who embody the core values of our nation,” he emphasized.
The minister wants to see Antigua and Barbuda explore closer relations with countries on the African continent, Central and South America and India.
“The expansion of our relationships in these areas is not a mere ambition but a necessity,” he noted.
The diplomatic encounter continues Friday with a discussion on Artificial Intelligence and a look at the operations of the Citizenship By Investment programme (CIP).
On Thursday, the heads of the overseas missions gave their country reports which are to be compiled into a booklet and which will help to inform the formulation of the nation’s diplomatic outlook over the next two years.
The encounter also heard reports from UN Permanent Representative, Walton Aubrey Webson on last year’s hosting of the SIDS4 conference as well as an update on the plans for the hosting of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in St. John’s next year. That update was provided by UK High Commissioner, Karen-Mae Hill.
