Antigua and Barbuda has strengthened its regional climate engagement following participation in the 2026 Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) National Designated Entities (NDE) Forum and Capacity Building for System Transformation Programme held in San Ignacio, Belize from May 19–22.

The Ministry of Health, through the Department of Environment, represented the country at the high-level forum, which focused on accelerating climate resilience and advancing innovative climate technologies across the region.

Garth Simon of the Department of Environment attended on behalf of Antigua and Barbuda’s National Designated Entity under the Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN) mechanism of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

Hosted by the Government of Belize and organized by the UN Climate Technology Centre and Network, the forum brought together regional governments, climate specialists, development agencies, financial institutions, and international partners to strengthen cooperation and expand climate adaptation efforts throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.

Discussions centered on scalable climate solutions and system-level approaches to climate action in support of countries’ Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement.

Participants explored emerging technologies and innovative tools including artificial intelligence for climate forecasting, drone technologies, climate data systems, digital transformation initiatives, and nature-based solutions such as mangrove restoration and ecosystem protection.

A major focus of the programme was strengthening the integration of climate resilience into national planning through capacity-building sessions on the water-energy-food nexus.

During the forum, Simon participated in technical discussions, collaborative workshops, and networking sessions with regional and international stakeholders. The engagement allowed Antigua and Barbuda to exchange experiences, identify potential partnerships, and examine climate technologies relevant to the country’s sustainable development priorities.

The event also created opportunities for dialogue with major international financing institutions, including the Green Climate Fund (GCF), Global Environment Facility (GEF), Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), and the World Bank.

These discussions highlighted avenues for technical assistance, technology transfer, and investment support for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) as they confront increasing climate-related challenges.

The Department of Environment said participation in forums such as the CTCN NDE Forum remains critical to strengthening institutional capacity, advancing climate adaptation planning, and accelerating the implementation of innovative environmental solutions across Antigua and Barbuda.

The 2026 forum comes at a time when Caribbean countries are intensifying efforts to respond to worsening climate impacts while expanding regional cooperation and knowledge-sharing on climate technology deployment.