Antigua and Barbuda is making its voice heard on the global stage as representatives attend the 64th Session of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC-64) in Bangkok from March 24 to 27.

The country is being represented by Orvin Paige of the Meteorological Department and Arry Simon of the Department of Environment, as critical discussions unfold on the future of global climate reporting and action.

The meeting comes against the backdrop of unresolved disagreements at the previous IPCC session in Lima, where countries failed to settle timelines for key climate reports—an issue with serious implications for vulnerable nations.

For small island developing states like Antigua and Barbuda, delays in climate reporting are not merely administrative—they directly impact planning, preparedness, and long-term survival.

With rising sea levels threatening coastal communities and vital tourism infrastructure, and increasingly intense storms placing pressure on limited national resources, the urgency is clear.

A central issue on the agenda is climate financing, an area where many small island states continue to face significant hurdles. Complex application systems, limited technical capacity, and strict funding criteria have made it difficult for countries like Antigua and Barbuda to access the support they urgently need.

Even when funding is secured, slow disbursement and implementation processes often delay critical adaptation projects, including coastal defenses, water security systems, and resilient infrastructure.

Discussions at IPCC-64 are also highlighting funding challenges within the IPCC itself—raising broader concerns that without sufficient financial backing, both global climate science and local adaptation efforts could be hindered.

The outcomes of the Bangkok meeting are expected to influence preparations for COP31, where pressure is mounting for stronger commitments and more accessible financing mechanisms.

For Antigua and Barbuda, the focus remains clear: ensuring that international climate decisions translate into tangible, timely support for countries on the frontlines of the crisis.