At the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) in Belém, Brazil, Antigua and Barbuda is taking a leading role in advocating for a Just Transition Work Programme (JTWP) that addresses the unique challenges faced by Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Represented by Gita Nicholas, Technical Officer at the Department of Environment, the nation is emphasizing the need to place people at the center of climate action while ensuring equitable access to finance, technology, and resources. The JTWP serves as a collaborative framework for countries to develop low-emission, climate-resilient pathways that protect workers, frontline communities, and vulnerable populations. For Antigua and Barbuda, this initiative is critical to mitigating the severe impacts of climate change, including rising temperatures, intensifying storms, and economic vulnerabilities tied to fossil fuel dependence. Nicholas highlights the importance of integrating traditional knowledge into adaptation strategies and securing institutional support to accelerate a fair and effective transition. At COP30, the nation is pushing for the operationalization of the JTWP through clear mechanisms that foster capacity-building, resource access, and global equity. These efforts aim to deliver tangible outcomes such as enhanced community resilience, clean energy access, and a more sustainable future for SIDS on the frontlines of climate change.
