Last week’s Diplomatic Encounter ’25, organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been described as ‘successful’ with the minister responsible, E.P Chet Greene, urging the country’s diplomats to be ‘pro-active’ in their endeavours.
Delivering the charge at the end-of-session on Friday, Minister Greene urged the diplomats not to wait for opportunities to present themselves; rather, they must actively seek out partnerships and collaborations that enhance Antigua and Barbuda’s position in the global arena.
“Engage with nations that share our values and goals, especially in regions like Africa, Central and South America and India. Recognize the potential these relationships hold for trade, investment and shared experiences,” he encouraged.
FA Minister Greene also wants the diplomats to prioritize national interests while they embrace innovation and adaptability.
“As you navigate your roles, remember that every diplomatic endeavor should reflect our national priorities. Whether it is advocating for climate resilience, economic diversification or cultural exchange, ensure that your actions align with the interests of our citizens and our long-term vision for sustainable development.
“In this rapidly changing world, we must be innovative and adaptable. Embrace new technologies, approaches and ideas that can enhance our diplomatic efforts and deliver impactful results. Foster a culture of learning and openness to new perspectives, as diplomats, being agile will allow us to respond effectively to unforeseen challenges,” he added.
The minister emphasized Antigua and Barbuda’s commitment to multilateralism and the importance of the nation’s diplomats to build networks and connections.
In his remarks, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Ambassador Clarence E. Pilgrim underscored the need for members of the country’s diplomatic services to remain in constant contact, both with the ministry headquarters as well as with each other. He highlighted seven pathways to achieving greater communications and collaborations between those in the diplomatic service and the head office.
These include a dedicated digital communications hub, an AI-powered Diplomatic Briefing System, quarterly diplomatic performance assessment, an e-document management system and a real-time consular assistance App among others.
Ambassador Pilgrim thanked the members of the diplomatic service for their participation and the insightful discussions that have shaped their deliberations. Noting that they have not only reinforced the importance of diplomacy but also identified tangible steps to modernize the operations and enhance the performance of the diplomatic corps.
Meanwhile, Director General of Foreign Affairs, Ann Marie Layne said based on the feedback she received from those in attendance, the Diplomatic Encounter was a successful exercise.
“A key highlight of the encounter were presentations from across various sectors. These sessions provided critical updates including; on emerging diplomatic trends in the field of AI, geopolitical shifts, updates on Antigua and Barbuda’s climate policy and positions on Reparations that missions can integrate into their daily work,” she noted.
The ministry gave a commitment that these encounters will take place every two-years with the next such session slated for 2027.
