Digital photo: Prime Minister the Hon. Gaston Browne and Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres.

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Prime Minister Gaston Browne left the island today, leading Antigua and Barbuda’s delegation to the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 80), where global leaders are gathering under the theme “Better Together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights.”

Browne is expected to use the high-level platform to push for concrete action on issues critical to Small Island Developing States (SIDS), including climate finance, mental health, non-communicable diseases (NCDs), gender equality, and youth empowerment.

He said the country’s message will be clear: commitments must result in real outcomes for vulnerable nations.

His programme in New York is a busy one. The Prime Minister will address the opening ceremony of Climate Week NYC, take part in the UNGA High-Level Meeting on NCDs and Mental Health, and join leaders at the Special Climate Summit for Heads of State and Government.

He will also deliver the National Statement during the General Debate on Friday.

Other events on his schedule include a Clinton Global Initiative roundtable on mental health equity, a high-level meeting marking the 30th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women, and a Global Development Initiative session.

Alongside multilateral engagements, Browne will hold bilateral talks with partners such as the Green Climate Fund, Austria’s Federal Chancellor, and Venezuela’s Foreign Minister.

The delegation includes Foreign Minister E.P. Chet Greene, Health Minister Sir Molwyn Joseph, and Ambassador Walton Webson, along with other diplomatic staff.

Browne is expected to return to Antigua on Saturday, September 27.