Antigua and Barbuda has joined fellow Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in demanding stronger global climate action and fairer access to climate financing ahead of the upcoming United Nations Climate Change negotiations in Bonn, Germany.

Speaking at the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) forum titled “New Tools to Save 1.5°C,” Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister of Health, Wellness, Environment and Civil Service Affairs, Honourable Michael Joseph, issued a passionate appeal for major emitting nations to accelerate emissions reductions while removing financial barriers that continue to hinder vulnerable island nations.

Minister Joseph warned that climate change continues to threaten the economic stability and future development of small island states, despite those nations contributing the least to global greenhouse gas emissions.

“We contribute the least to emissions, but our exposure is among the highest,” Minister Joseph stated. “One hurricane can erase decades of development overnight. Our people deserve the same opportunity for sustainable growth and resilience as every other nation.”

The Minister highlighted the growing challenges faced by countries like Antigua and Barbuda, which, despite being classified as “high income,” remain highly vulnerable to natural disasters and often struggle to access concessional financing and development assistance.

He called for urgent reforms to the international financial system, arguing that the current framework fails to reflect the realities faced by climate-vulnerable island nations.

Antigua and Barbuda has made significant strides in strengthening its climate financing capacity and is now eligible to access up to US$250 million through the Green Climate Fund. However, Minister Joseph noted that limited institutional and technical capacity continues to slow implementation of critical resilience projects.

“Accessing financing is only one part of the challenge,” he explained. “For SIDS, implementation capacity remains a major obstacle. We need long-term investment in people, institutions, and systems that allow small states to effectively deliver climate solutions.”

AOSIS Chair Ambassador Ilana Seid also underscored the urgency of addressing the widening gap between climate promises and meaningful action.

“At Bonn, AOSIS will continue fighting to ensure the special circumstances of SIDS are fully recognised,” Ambassador Seid said. “Climate finance, technology transfer, and capacity-building support must move from discussion to delivery.”

The upcoming Bonn Climate Change Conference is expected to play a critical role in shaping negotiations ahead of the next United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP), with SIDS pushing for greater accountability and stronger international commitments to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.