Antigua and Barbuda has taken on a leading role at the United Nations, chairing this year’s selection process for one of the organization’s most respected honours.

First Secretary at the country’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations, Claxton Duberry, on Thursday presided over deliberations of the 10-member Committee responsible for choosing recipients of the United Nations Population Award at both the institutional and individual levels.

The twin-island nation, which served as a committee member last year, was elevated to the chairmanship for 2026, a move seen as a significant vote of confidence in its diplomatic engagement on global development issues.

Established in 1981, the United Nations Population Award recognises individuals and organisations making outstanding contributions in areas such as global health, gender equality, and sustainable development. The award also highlights critical population challenges and the efforts being made worldwide to address them.

Duberry described the opportunity as both an honour and a responsibility.

“It was a profound honour to chair the selection process and important for Antigua and Barbuda to be part of an exercise that advances human dignity and sustainable development of populations across the globe,” he said.

The announcement of this year’s laureates is expected later in 2026.

Antigua and Barbuda has previously been represented among the award’s distinguished recipients. In 2018, the late Sir Prince Ramsey was honoured for his groundbreaking work in HIV/AIDS advocacy, treatment, and prevention across Antigua and Barbuda and the wider Caribbean.