Antigua and Barbuda has firmly countered former US President Donald Trump’s disparaging remarks about the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), emphasizing the organization’s critical role in addressing global challenges. Speaking at the UNGA in New York, Trump dismissed the assembly as ineffective, labeling it a platform for ’empty words’ and controversially calling climate change a ‘con job.’ However, Antigua and Barbuda’s Cabinet Spokesperson, Maurice Merchant, defended the nation’s active participation in the UNGA, particularly under the leadership of Prime Minister Gaston Browne. Merchant highlighted the importance of the UNGA for small island nations like Antigua and Barbuda, especially in advocating for climate action and other pressing issues. He noted that the country’s voice is instrumental in shaping international discourse, citing ‘very successful’ outcomes from bilateral talks. Prime Minister Browne is attending UNGA80 alongside Foreign Minister E.P. Chet Greene, Health Minister Sir Molwyn Joseph, and Ambassador Walton Webson, underscoring the nation’s commitment to global collaboration. The Caribbean nation’s stance reflects its determination to uphold multilateralism and address shared challenges, despite criticisms from global leaders.