Antigua and Barbuda played a key role in promoting discussion on energy transition for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) during the United Nations 78 sesson of the General Assembly.

During a side event held on September 18th at the United Nations headquarters, Antigua and Barbuda played a crucial role in facilitating productive discussions on the issue of energy transition for small island states.

The event was co-hosted by the Government of Antigua and Barbuda and the Scotia Group, a global network of influential individuals in law, politics, academia, and business.

RAND Europe, a respected non-profit institution focused on improving policy and decision-making through research and analysis, was also a significant partner in the event.

The discussions centered on introducing new financial and legal tools that will encourage green investments in Small Island Developing States (SIDs), such as Antigua and Barbuda.

The Call to Action will advocate a fundamental shift in the way climate finance is raised and deployed for SIDs.

The findings of RAND Europe and the Scotia Group will be revealed in a document called “Roadmap for a Global Energy Transition”.

Antigua and Barbuda has initiated the establishment of a Centre of Excellence for SIDS. The Centre will co-create solutions with partners that meet the special circumstances of SIDS across sectors in technology and innovation, advanced data science, and financing.

The Programme of Action, which defines a 10-year agenda for SIDS, will be unveiled at the end of the 4th SIDS Conference in May next year.

Regarding energy transition for SIDS, Ambassador Webson emphasized that they cannot access sufficient resources at an affordable cost to complete the energy transition on time and adapt to climate change.

He also stressed the need for the entire world to move in the same direction to reach net-zero by 2050.

The meeting was attended by several prominent individuals, including the Prime Minister of St. Maarten, the Executive Director of the United Nations Office of Project Services (UNOPS), and the UN Senior Advisor to SIDS, among others.

The event was moderated by the Deputy Permanent Representative of Antigua and Barbuda to the UN, Mr. Tumasie Blair