The New York Offices of the Government of Antigua and Barbuda

𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐄𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐢𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐞𝐥 𝐉𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐩𝐡 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐈𝐃𝐒
Small island developing states (SIDS) are rallying ahead of the pivotal United Nations Bonn Climate Change Conference, with key country leaders and negotiators participating in the “New Tools to Save 1.5°C” forum hosted on Wednesday 27th May by the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS).

The featured speaker was Antigua and Barbuda's Minister of Health and the Environment the Hon. Michael Joseph who delivered a clear call: wealthier and high-emitting countries must increase ambition on emissions reductions and expand accessible climate finance. He noted this is imperative for SIDS to survive, rebuild, and thrive despite disproportionate exposure and repeated climate shocks.

Speaking to the international audience, Minister Joseph noted that the continuous toll of responding to climate change impacts has a profound impact on the sustainable development of the most vulnerable countries and called for a revamp of the global financial architecture. Antigua and Barbuda is classified as “high income” yet remains highly vulnerable and often ineligible for official development assistance, leading to a vicious debt and recovery cycle.

“We contribute the least to emissions, but our exposure is one of the highest,” Minister Joseph noted. “A hurricane throws our economies back for decades. Our countries deserve the right to same level of sustainability as everyone else.”

Antigua and Barbuda serves as a model for Caribbean SIDS, having recently increased accreditation and becoming eligible for up to $250 million in grants and loans via the Green Climate Fund. However, Minister Joseph noted the significant constraint of lack of capacity on the ground, leading to an implementation bottleneck.

“Antigua and Barbuda has proven that SIDS can access certain climate finance, but actually receiving and rolling out the funds remains a challenge due to our capacity limitations,” Minister Joseph stated.

“It’s a lot easier for larger countries. For SIDS, we need long term investment in capacity building. We must also look at the unique circumstances of each country and tailor solutions to our specific needs as smaller or larger islands. We all need to build resilience, and the only way we can do this is through financial mechanisms which evolve to effectively support the most vulnerable.”

“The widening gap between NDC commitments and real-world action on issues such as climate finance, capacity building, and technology must be directly addressed,” said Ambassador Ilana Seid, Chair of AOSIS. “At Bonn, AOSIS is determined to ensure that the special circumstances of SIDS and the implementation barriers specific to us, are clearly recognised.”

Ministry of Health & The Environment, Antigua and Barbuda

𝐀𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐠𝐮𝐚 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐛𝐮𝐝𝐚’𝐬 𝐄𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐤𝐞𝐲 𝐀𝐎𝐒𝐈𝐒 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬, 𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐤𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐞
Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister of Health and the Environment, the Hon. Michael Joseph, mere weeks into his new role since elected to office, is already stepping into crucial discussions on the impacts of climate change on Small Island Developing States.

Minister Joseph will join fellow leaders and negotiators from the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) in an upcoming Pre-Bonn SB64 Webinar, focused on advancing real climate action ahead of the pivotal SB64 meetings in Bonn, Germany.

His participation reflects Antigua and Barbuda’s persistent commitment to advocating for the interests of SIDS, which remain on the frontlines to the impacts of climate change.

Also on the panel will be AOSIS Chair Her Excellency Ilana Seid, AOSIS Advisor Rueanna Haynes and AOSIS Mitigation Coordinator Charlene Hoff. Chairing the discussions will be AOSIS Lead Climate Change Negotiator Anne Rasmussen.

Minister Joseph’s early engagement signals Antigua and Barbuda’s readiness to contribute meaningfully to shaping climate solutions and pushing for stronger global implementation commitments.

As the road to Bonn takes shape, Antigua and Barbuda not only wishes Minister Joseph well in Wednesday's discussions but remains committed to ensure its voice is represented in the global climate conversation.

𝐀𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐠𝐮𝐚 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐛𝐮𝐝𝐚 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐬 𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐮𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡, 𝐍𝐮𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐕𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐦, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐭 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭
Antigua and Barbuda played a leading role at the Transforming Global Education Summit at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

The five-member delegation was led by Director of Education, Mr. Clare Browne, and included Dr. Jrucilla Samuel, Director of Youth Affairs; Mr. Chevaughn Burton, Assistant to the Focal Point for Safe Schools in the Ministry of Education; Ms. Janet Simon, CARICOM Youth Ambassador; and Ms. Pia Nichols, President of the National Youth Volunteer Corps.

The Summit was held on 1st May and was convened by the PVBLIC Foundation in collaboration with the Governments of Antigua and Barbuda, the Kingdom of Tonga, and the Learning Economy Foundation.

Mr. Browne, who delivered opening remarks and participated in two panels, underscored Antigua and Barbuda’s vision for education reform: “Transformation does not begin with scale, it begins with coherence, discipline, and intentional design. In Antigua and Barbuda, digital transformation is not a standalone goal, but an enabler of education reform, workforce readiness, and national resilience.”

He added, “Too often, global conversations focus on large-scale systems. But Small Island Developing States like Antigua and Barbuda are not peripheral, we are practical leaders.”

Dr. Samuel moderated the Antiguan panel, which addressed the summit’s theme: “Redefining Education Systems for the Future: Integrating Mental Health, Nutrition, and Holistic Youth Development as Global Priorities.”

She emphasized the critical nature of the dialogue, noting that the panel featured “three distinguished, youthful practitioners from Antigua and Barbuda—Burton, Simon, and Nichols—who represent the intersection of education, volunteerism, and safety.”

Burton highlighted how Small Island Developing States are ensuring school infrastructure supports quality education while meeting disaster resilience standards. “Disaster risk reduction is increasingly being integrated into everyday school experiences, not treated as a one-off lesson. In line with SDG 4, we are equipping students with relevant life skills that prepare them for real-world challenges,” he said.

Simon explored strategies for embedding mental health and nutrition into daily teaching without overburdening teachers. She explained, “We are not asking teachers to carry more, but to embed health and wellbeing into the natural rhythm of schooling.

Nutrition can be taught through practical activities—linking science lessons to healthy food choices, or using school gardens as living classrooms. Mental health can be supported through simple daily practices such as mindfulness breaks, peer support groups, and open classroom discussions that normalize emotional wellbeing.”

Nichols examined how volunteerism can evolve into a strategic tool for equity, addressing socio-economic disparities in education. She noted, “Government services often have a reach limit due to budget or staffing constraints. More volunteers inside and outside schools can help address the non-academic pillars of development, including mental health, nutrition, and social stability.”

The summit’s overarching theme, “Redefining Education as Global Infrastructure,” framed education as a cornerstone of resilience, equity, and sustainable development. Antigua and Barbuda’s delegation demonstrated how small states can lead with clarity, coherence, and disciplined innovation, offering a compelling blueprint for global transformation.

𝐀𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐠𝐮𝐚 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐛𝐮𝐝𝐚 𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬
NEW YORK, 30th April, 2026…A five-member delegation from Antigua and Barbuda will join global leaders at United Nations Headquarters this week for the Transforming Global Education Summit, poised to be a ground breaking initiative for the modernization of education systems in small island states.

The one-day Summit, being held on Friday 1st May, is convened by the PVBLIC Foundation in collaboration with the Governments of Antigua and Barbuda, the Kingdom of Tonga, and the Learning Economy Foundation. It will bring together heads of state, ministers, multilateral leaders, technologists, educators, private sector innovators, and youth leaders to discuss a range of matters under the theme Redfeining Education as Global Infrastructure.

The Summit is seeking to advance a new model for national education systems, designed to align policy, technology, funding and multilateral cooperation under a single forward-looking framework.

Leading Antigua and Barbuda’s delegation will be Director of Education, Mr. Clare Browne, alongside Director of Youth, Dr. Jrucilla Samuel. They will be joined by three youth representatives – the President of the National Youth Volunteer Corps and former CARICOM Youth Ambassador, Pia Nicholas; current Caricom Youth Ambassador, Janet Simon and Assistant to the Safe Schools Focal Point, Chevaughn Burton.

The participation of both senior officials and youth leaders is testament to the Government of Antigua and Barbuda’s commitment to inclusive education reform and to ensuring that young people play an active role in shaping the future of learning.

Antigua and Barbuda is playing an active role in the summit, with the Permanent Mission to the United Nations coordinating the delegation's participation and ensuring the country’s voice is heard in the discussions.

"For countries like ours, education is not simply a social service, it is a matter of national resilience and sovereignty," said Ambassador Walton Webson, Permanent Representative of Antigua and Barbuda to the United Nations. "Small Island Developing States understand that our ability to adapt, innovate, and compete globally depends on how we invest in the knowledge and skills of our people,” Ambassador Webson further noted.

Mr. Browne, as Director of Education, will deliver remarks on behalf of Antigua and Barbuda at the opening and will be featured on a panel discussion, Focus on Small Island Developing States. The Caricom Youth Ambassador Janet Simon is also down to speak during another panel discussion on the subject “Scaling the Model: From Youth to National Development.”

Another panel discussion, “Redefining Education Systems for the Future: Integrating Mental Health, Nutrition, and Holistic Youth Development as Global Priorities” will be moderated by Dr. Samuel. The youth members of the Antigua and Barbuda delegation will be featured in this discussion.

The delegation is also scheduled to hold bilateral discussions with the PVBLIC Foundation and other partner countries of the Government of Antigua and Barbuda.

𝐀𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐠𝐮𝐚 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐛𝐮𝐝𝐚 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐈𝐃𝐒 𝐃𝐚𝐲
Antigua and Barbuda was proud to join the community of nations known as Small Island Developing States at the United Nations Headquarters yesterday for a celebration ushering in today’s inaugural International SIDS Day.

With the support of UNESCO, we joined hands in showcasing our rich cultural heritage while bringing renewed focus to our ongoing efforts to advance sustainable economic development, even as we confront the disproportionate impacts of climate change.

We extend sincere thanks to the dedicated members of the Antigua and Barbuda Permanent Mission - Counsellor Glentis Thomas, First Secretary Asha Challenger, Second Secretary Dr. Jerri-anne Jeremy, and Attaché and Executive Assistant Jackley Peters - for their leadership in helping to showcase Antigua and Barbuda at yesterday's event. We also acknowledge the valued support of the U.S. office of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority in helping to add our culture and vibrancy to the event.

On this first observance of International SIDS Day, Antigua and Barbuda reaffirms its commitment in standing with in championing climate resilience, protecting our natural and cultural assets, and advocating for the unique needs of our island nations.

𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐦𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥 𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐭 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐮𝐦 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬
NEW YORK, 16th April, 2026…Antigua and Barbuda’s National Youth Ambassador, Christal Percival delivered a compelling intervention during the plenary session of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Youth Forum at the United Nations today, April 16.

Her contribution highlighted Antigua and Barbuda’s leadership among Small Island Developing States (SIDS) around the globe and reinforced the urgency of advancing the priorities of sustainable development.

Percival, in addressing a packed forum of delegates at the United Nations headquarters, focused on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. Her message
underscored the realities faced by countries confronting rising sea levels, intensifying weather events, and economic vulnerability.

The youth ambassador pointed out several national initiatives that demonstrate Antigua and Barbuda’s commitment to inclusive and climate-resilient development. Among them is the Government’s push to remove barriers for young entrepreneurs in agriculture by expanding access to land, financing, and
tax incentives. These measures, she noted, are strengthening food security while empowering youth to contribute more to resilient local economies.

Percival also underscored the country’s alignment with the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS), pointing to efforts to enhance health, literacy and in addressing the risk factors associated with non-communicable diseases such as obesity and poor diets.

Energy transition and climate-resilient housing featured prominently in her intervention. She outlined national efforts to expand renewable energy, fortify vulnerable communities, and implement a housing
revolution aimed at delivering climate-resilient homes.

The youth ambassador also emphasized the importance of inclusive governance, noting that Antigua and Barbuda is expanding public participation, strengthening civic education, and creating more
accessible platforms for community dialogue.

Throughout her intervention, Percival stressed that sustainable progress for SIDS cannot be achieved in isolation. “It requires steadfast global alliances and sustained investment,” she said, calling on the
international community to support small island nations as they work to build safer, more resilient cities and communities.

The SDG 11 address during the plenary session follows interventions by two National Youth Ambassadors, Amelia Williams and Kristine Louisa, who too underscored the need for measures that
will advance the goals and outcomes of sustainable development.

The seven-member delegation is led by Director of Youth Affairs, Dr. Jrucilla Samuel. Besides Percival the other three National Youth Ambassadors in the delegation are Amelia Williams, Kristine Louisa,
and Shacia Albertine. Also in the team are two members of the National Youth Volunteer Corps – Sara Bacchus and Esquire Henry.

𝐀𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐠𝐮𝐚 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐛𝐮𝐝𝐚 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐠𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐯𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬
Antigua and Barbuda has sent its largest ever delegation to the United Nations ECOSOC Youth Forum in New York from April 14 - 16, seeking to advance ambition on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Led by Director of Youth Affairs Dr. Jrucilla Samuel, the delegation includes National Youth Ambassadors Christal Percival, Amelia Williams, Kristine Louisa, and Shacia Albertine, along with National Youth Volunteer Corps members Sara Bacchus and Esquire Henry.

The delegation will be leading presentations on behalf of their nation while joining other young voices from around the globe in championing various issues related to the UN SDGs.

During a courtesy call, Antigua and Barbuda’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Walton Webson encouraged the members of the delegation to remain persistent advocates for Small Island Developing States, highlighting the importance of the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS) in building resilient communities.

From all of us here at the Antigua and Barbuda New York Offices, we extend warmest wishes for a joyful and peaceful Easter.

May this season of renewal bring hope and happiness to you and your loved ones.

Happy Easter!

𝐀𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐠𝐮𝐚 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐛𝐮𝐝𝐚 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐠𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐍
There is still work to be done in achieving the goals of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Treaty.

For island states, like Antigua and Barbuda, the oceans are a lifeline, sustaining our people, our economies, and our future. We therefore cannot afford to lose sight of what is at stake if we fail to protect our marine biodiversity.

Following the conclusion of the third Preparatory Commission at the United Nations, important progress has been made, but key gaps remain in advancing the Treaty toward full operationalization.

Antigua and Barbuda remains fully committed to bridging those gaps and continuing to advocate for strong, equitable, and effective ocean governance.

We commend the sterling efforts of our delegation, led by Asha Challenger, First Secretary at the Permanent Mission and Vice President of the Preparatory Commission, whose leadership continues to elevate the voice of small island states.

She was supported by a dedicated technical team, including Legal Officer Darius Joseph of the Department of Marine Services and Marine Shipping (ADOMS), and Crown Counsel II Zachary Phillips from the Office of the Attorney General. Both were able to bring critical legal and policy expertise to the negotiations being lead by the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS).

Antigua and Barbuda remains committed to the process and will continue to champion the protection of our oceans for generations to come

𝐀𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐠𝐮𝐚 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐛𝐮𝐝𝐚 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐎𝐒𝐈𝐒 𝐜𝐨𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐞𝐟𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐲
Antigua and Barbuda continues to play an active role in the intensive process now underway at the United Nations to ensure that the High Seas Treaty delivers fair and equitable outcomes for Small Island Developing States.

CARICOM thorugh its membership of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) is leading negotiations with signatory parties to the agreement, formally known as the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Treaty. The treaty aims to protect marine biodiversity in international waters while ensuring that small states, including Antigua and Barbuda, share in the benefits of ocean resources beyond their national borders.

As the treaty moves toward implementation next year, AOSIS continues to coordinate closely to ensure its priorities are fully reflected.

Antigua and Barbuda’s Darius Joseph of the Department of Marine Services and Marine Shipping (ADOMS) is actively engaged in these coordination efforts, contributing to the collective advocacy for fairness and equity.

At the same time, the First Secretary at Antigua and Barbuda’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations is playing a prominent leadership role as Vice President of the Preparatory Commission for the Treaty, supporting the coordinated positions of Caribbean Community and AOSIS as they work to shape an inclusive and balanced framework for global ocean governance. Involved as well is Crown Counsel II at the Office of the Attorney General Zachary Phillips who has been invited to serve as AOSIS' Legal Coordinator for 2026.