Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chet Greene, is attending the 78th United Nations General Assembly in New York. He has a busy schedule of engagements and bilateral meetings with development partners.

On Tuesday, he spoke at a Global Development Initiative Ministerial Meeting, an initiative by the People’s Republic of China to support small states like Antigua and Barbuda in food security, debt recovery, renewable energy, and digital economy.

Minister Greene highlighted the 40 years of diplomatic relations between his country and China and emphasized the mutual interest in pursuing equitable development that positively impacts the people of their countries.

He supported the call made by China’s Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, for the global community to prioritize development for international cooperation and alliance building.

The Minister also emphasized the need for deeper engagement to ensure equity in the global development architecture, particularly for island nations.

He noted that climate change was an urgent and pressing priority and that operationalizing the Loss and Damage Fund and adopting a Multi-Dimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI) were essential tools in ensuring the survival and prosperity of island nations.

Minister Greene urged the reform of the international financial system and international financial institutions to benefit developing countries.

He highlighted how the GDI supports social and economic opportunities in developing countries and contributes to fulfilling the UN 2030 agenda for Sustainable Development.

The Minister also informed the meeting about the upcoming SIDS4 Conference, which will be held in Antigua from May 27 – 30 next year. At the event, a Centre of Excellence will be launched, coinciding with the major gathering of island nations from across the globe.