Minister of Foreign Affairs addresses pressing global issues at high level round-table at the United Nations

New York, 23 September, 2024…Before a room of respected economists, policy makers and prominent political figures and hosted by business manganate Sir Richard Branson, Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs the Hon. EP Chet Greene strengthened an already compelling case for the global powers to act with urgency on the climate crisis.

Minister Greene forms part of Antigua and Barbuda’s high-level delegation that is now representing the country at the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Speaking confidently and with a deep resolve after Antigua and Barbuda’s successful hosting of the 4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States, SIDS4, he expressed grave concern that the world is losing sight of the climate emergency that confronts everyone, especially  small vulnerable island states like Antigua and Barbuda.

The Antigua and Barbuda Foreign Affairs Minister cautioned that “escalating geopolitical conflicts are overshadowing critical issues such as climate change and biodiversity loss,” potentially undermining multilateral efforts to address the unique challenges facing Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

Minister Greene’s remarks were delivered at a high-level roundtable convened  on the margins of the General Assembly’s Summit of the Future by Earth For All, the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, Planetary Guardians, Future Earth, the Earth Commission, the Earth League and the International Science Council. Ultimately, it is seeking to accelerate ambitious and cohesive action in addressing poverty, equality and planetary stability.

Voicing his agreement for the objective of the meeting, Minister Greene noted: “The time is now to elevate a vision of effective multilateralism that recognizes the interdependence of planetary stability, poverty eradication, and human well-being.”

Minister Greene highlighted that this pressing global issue was a key factor in Antigua and Barbuda’s decision to host SIDS4. He noted with satisfaction that the outcomes of this landmark conference are already bearing fruit.

But he stressed that a sustained effort and an unwavering global commitment are required in building on the progress that was achieved in Antigua and Barbuda.

“Colleagues, achieving planetary stability will require radical transformation on multiple fronts, including in our energy systems, consumption patterns, and economic structures. International cooperation will be essential, particularly in addressing the unequal contributions to climate change and environmental degradation,” Minister Greene offered.

“In addition, we must tackle the political and economic systems that perpetuate inequality, poverty, and injustice, which are increasingly contributing to civil strife and a backsliding of democracy worldwide,” he further underscored in making his point for the need to intensify global action on the pressing issues facing SIDS