PRESS STATEMENT

Minister of State in the Ministry of Social and Urban Transformation Hon. Kiz Johnson has been formally appointed as Country Ambassador for Antigua and Barbuda by Women Political Leaders (WPL), the global network of women politicians.

This landmark appointment is historic for both Antigua and Barbuda and the wider Caribbean, as Minister Johnson becomes the first individual from the region to be named a WPL Country Ambassador.

Women Political Leaders is an independent, international, post-partisan, and not-for-profit foundation dedicated to advancing women’s political leadership and fostering positive change through greater representation and collaboration among women leaders worldwide.

As Country Ambassador, Minister Johnson will serve as the principal liaison between Antigua and Barbuda and WPL, facilitating partnerships, supporting initiatives, and promoting dialogue on issues affecting women and girls.

Minister Johnson expressed gratitude for the appointment and described it as an opportunity to elevate both Antigua and Barbuda and the Caribbean on the global stage.

“This appointment is not merely a personal honour; it is recognition that the Caribbean’s voice belongs at the table where the future of women in politics is being shaped. I accept this role with a profound sense of responsibility to the women and girls of Antigua and Barbuda and across our region, who deserve to see themselves represented in positions of global leadership,” Minister Johnson stated.

In a letter confirming the appointment, WPL President and Founder Silvana Koch-Mehrin commended Minister Johnson’s experience and commitment to the organisation’s mission, noting that her leadership and dedication would be a tremendous asset to the global network.

WPL also highlighted Minister Johnson’s dynamism and leadership during her participation as the Caribbean’s sole representative at a high-level engagement held on the margins of the United Nations General Assembly in New York in September 2024.

The Ministry of Social and Urban Transformation congratulates Minister Johnson on this distinguished appointment and is confident that her leadership will strengthen Antigua and Barbuda’s contribution to advancing gender equality, empowering women and girls, and ensuring that Caribbean perspectives continue to shape global conversations on inclusive leadership.