Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister, Gaston Browne, was invited to speak at a major side event about Protecting Statehood, Sovereignty & Heritage amidst the Climate Crisis.

The theme of the event was the impact of sea level rise, which is a pressing danger that threatens to wipe out the coastlines of small island states.

These nations are highly dependent on the natural resources of the ocean and coastal areas to support the livelihoods of their people.

Prime Minister Browne emphasized the need for developed countries to take action to address climate change and sea level rise. He urged the audience to reflect on the interconnectedness of our world, where the melting ice caps and warming oceans have a ripple effect across continents, forcing entire communities to move.

Prime Minister Browne was awarded for his tremendous courage and inspiration on this issue. He received an award from the Global Centre of Mobility for being a Champion on Sea Level Rise. Kamal Amakrane, Climate Envoy of the President of the United Nations General Assembly and Managing Director of the Global Centre for Climate Mobility, presented the award to him.

Earlier this year, Prime Minister Browne showed immense leadership in helping to lead the charge of the Commission of Small Island States on Climate Change and International Law (COSIS) in its quest for climate justice.

He emphasized the need for collaboration that transcends borders in order to preserve our world. He urged the audience to set aside differences, forge alliances, and stand together as stewards of a fragile Earth.

President of the United Nations General Assembly, Dennis Francis, Prime Minister of Tuvalu Kausea Natano, and former President of Costa Rica and Special Envoy of the Global Centre for Climate Mobility (GCCM), Carlos Alvarado Quesada were among the top officials on the panel.