Prime Minister Gaston Browne is currently in New York where he is participating in a series of high-level international engagements focused on climate resilience, renewable energy, sustainable development financing, democracy, human rights and reparatory justice.

Browne departed Antigua and Barbuda on Wednesday and is expected to use the meetings to further position the country ahead of hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).

One of the Prime Minister’s major appearances is at the Global Citizen NOW initiative in New York City, where he is scheduled to speak on the panel “Bridging the Gap – The Frontlines of the Climate Crisis” at Spring Studios on May 14.

The discussion is expected to focus on the disproportionate impact climate change continues to have on vulnerable nations, particularly Small Island Developing States (SIDS), including Antigua and Barbuda. Browne is expected to highlight the growing threats posed by hurricanes, rising sea levels, economic vulnerability and mounting adaptation costs.

The Prime Minister is also holding a series of bilateral meetings with international clean energy, philanthropic and policy leaders aimed at advancing Antigua and Barbuda’s climate and sustainable development agenda ahead of CHOGM 2026.

Among the discussions are talks surrounding a proposed partnership with the Bezos Earth Fund to support a regional climate and clean energy initiative anchored in Antigua and Barbuda.

Browne is also expected to explore the proposed “Power Caribbean Initiative,” which would seek to expand renewable energy investments across the region, with Antigua and Barbuda serving as a pilot hub for solar energy, battery storage and climate-resilient infrastructure projects.

In addition, the Prime Minister is meeting with representatives from the Open Society Foundations to discuss democracy, civic space, accountability and reparatory justice ahead of CHOGM 2026.

The Government has described the upcoming Commonwealth summit as a major opportunity to position Antigua and Barbuda as a global convening center for climate action, justice and sustainable development.