Their Excellencies Participate in United Nations Observance of Marking Women and Girls in Science Day and special Youth Empowerment Forum

PRESS RELEASE

New York, 12 February 2026…Their Excellencies Sir Rodney Williams, Governor-General of Antigua and Barbuda, and Her Excellency Sandra, Lady Williams, participated in two major United Nations engagements on Wednesday, 11 February 2026, reaffirming Antigua and Barbuda’s leadership in advancing gender equality, inclusive innovation, youth empowerment, and sustainable development.

At the United Nations Headquarters in New York, His Excellency addressed the Assembly marking the 11th International Day of Women and Girls in Science, calling for a transition “from vision to impact” in closing the gender gap in STEM fields.

He underscored global disparities in access to science and technology and highlighted Antigua and Barbuda’s pioneering gender policy within the Ministry of Works, which has expanded opportunities for women in engineering, project management, surveying, and construction.

Her Excellency Lady Williams also participated in the observance, reinforcing the importance of ensuring that women and girls are not merely included in STEM, but are empowered to lead and innovate.

Later that afternoon, His Excellency delivered remarks at the Pledge for Peace: Youth Empowerment Forum, held in the United Nations General Assembly Hall. The Forum, convened by the International WeLoveU Foundation and co-sponsored by the Permanent Mission of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, brought together more than 1,000 youth leaders, delegates, and global partners.

In his address, Sir Rodney emphasized that youth leadership is not preparation for the future, it is essential to transformation now. He referenced the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS), the foundation document that arose from the historic SIDS4 conference in Antigua and Barbuda, as a framework for placing young people at the center of resilient prosperity for Small Island Developing States.

His Excellency expressed appreciation to Ambassador Walton Webson, Permanent Representative of Antigua and Barbuda to the United Nations, Consular Officer Michelle Lightfoot and Mr. Daniel Lee, President of the International WeLoveU Foundation United States Chapter for their initiative and coordinating roles in the important exercise.

He also commended the two youth representatives from Antigua and Barbuda, Mr. Kamalie Mannix and Ms. Latisha Brown, praising their enthusiasm and active engagement as participants in the forum.

The various partners who facilitated Antigua and Barbuda’s in-person engagement were also singled out for praise by His Excellency.

A commemorative photograph following the Forum captured Their Excellencies alongside Ambassador Webson, Mr. Mannix, Ms. Brown, and Mr. Lee — symbolizing intergenerational partnership and shared commitment to peacebuilding and sustainable development.

The day’s engagements showcased Antigua and Barbuda’s continued active presence within multilateral dialogue at the highest level. Through participation in both the Women and Girls in Science Assembly and the Youth Empowerment Forum, Their Excellencies reinforced the nation’s commitment to Gender equity in STEM and artificial intelligence, Disability-inclusive innovation, Youth leadership in climate resilience and volunteerism and sustainable development for Small Island Developing States.

As the international community enters the final years of the 2030 Agenda, Antigua and Barbuda remains steadfast in its advocacy for inclusive progress that leaves no one behind.