Prime Minister Gaston Browne
Prime Minister Gaston Browne will head Antigua and Barbuda’s delegation to the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30), scheduled for November 5–21, 2025, in Belém, Brazil.
The high-level summit will bring together world leaders, international organizations, and senior government officials to discuss global efforts to combat climate change, strengthen adaptation and mitigation financing, and accelerate the goals of the Paris Agreement.
Prime Minister Browne is expected to continue his vigorous advocacy for climate justice and sustainable financing, championing the needs of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) that face mounting threats from rising sea levels and extreme weather.
He will participate in several Leaders’ and Ministerial Summits, where discussions will focus on renewable energy transitions, carbon market mechanisms, and the establishment of a loss and damage fund to assist vulnerable nations recovering from climate-related disasters.
The Antigua and Barbuda delegation includes Ambassador for Climate Change Ruleta Camacho-Thomas, Director of the Department of Environment Diann Black-Layne, and technical officers from the Ministry of Health, Wellness, Environment, and Civil Service Affairs.
Sir Molwyn Joseph, Minister of Health, Wellness and the Environment, is expected to join later in the conference for the Ministerial Segment, engaging in discussions on environmental health, resilience, and sustainable development.
Good to see leadership on climate issues Antigua and Barbuda has always been outspoken and proactive.
It’s encouraging to see the government taking climate advocacy seriously on the global stage.
The most vocal advocate for Small Island Developing States
Still, the real test will be whether this year’s conference moves beyond rhetoric. “Loss and damage” funding, climate debt relief, and binding commitments from wealthy nations remain promises on paper. Antigua’s delegation will need to navigate the usual storm of pledges and politics to secure tangible outcomes for small island states.
I’m excited for the renewable energy discussions. Antigua has potential to be a Caribbean leader in green energy if we get the right support.
More important things than the opposition protests.