Sir Molwyn draws on legacy of SIDS4 to inspire youth and faith meeting at UN General Assembly

The legacy that has been left by the country’s successful hosting of the historic SIDS4 conference is already proving to be an empowering feature for future generations.

Minister of Health and the Environment, Sir Molwyn Joseph, has proven just that by drawing on the positive experiences of SIDS4 in addressing a side-event meeting of the 79th General Assembly of the United Nations.

Sir Molwyn, in New York as part of the delegation led by Prime Minister the Hon. Gaston Browne attending the General Assembly, was a feature speaker at the Breakfast Meeting themed “Youth and Faith: Shaping a New Paradigm for Climate Action.”

He told the gathering that the ultimate success of SIDS4 lies in the willingness and action of not only the policy maker but every corner of society that is impacted by the climate crisis. He said the conference in Antigua and Barbuda helped to turn a corner with the adoption of the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS, the ABAS, but it cannot end there and instead be a catalyst for further action.

“In adopting the ABAS we recognized that the crisis we face cannot be tackled by policy alone—it requires a profound shift in values, how we live, and how we relate to each other and the planet,” Sir Molwyn shared.

“Our youth are at the forefront of climate activism. They are not just the leaders of tomorrow—they are the changemakers of today. Across the globe, young people are calling  for urgent action, demanding accountability from leaders and championing innovative solutions to safeguard their future,” he continued.

In making this observation, Sir Molwyn recounted the experience of the first Youth and Action Summit that took place during SIDS4.

“It demonstrated that young leaders are not waiting for permission to act, they are taking the lead by developing solutions, raising awareness, and pushing the global agenda forward. Their call for immediate and meaningful climate action resonated deeply, reminding us that the future we are building must centre on their voices, aspirations, and leadership,” he said of the Youth Summit.

And in connecting both youth action and faith driven leadership, Sir Molwyn stressed that religious institutions have a much larger role to play in devising solutions to the climate crisis, especially for small stakes like Antigua and Barbuda.

“Religious institutions have long been moral guides, shaping values and behaviours for generations. As we face the climate crisis, these institutions have the potential to inspire and mobilize action at every level of society. Faith-based organizations have a unique reach and influence, particularly in regions where religious communities are deeply woven into the social fabric,” he stated.

In this connection, Sir Molwyn grasped the opportunity to share with pride Antigua and Barbuda’s response to the recent spike in crime among young people. He said after a profound response to a National Day of Prayer, he said the government decided to institutionalise the occasion by making it an annual activity.

Joining Sir Molwyn at the meeting were Antigua and Barbuda’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Walton Webson, Antigua and Barbuda’s Climate Ambassador Ruleta Camacho Thomas, Counsellor at the Antigua and Barbuda Mission to the UN Glentis Thomas and First Secretary at the Antigua and Barbuda Mission Claxton Duberry.