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Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda convened with the nation’s delegation at the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belém, Brazil, to strategize on critical climate priorities. The meeting, held during a pivotal phase of the conference focused on implementation and accountability, underscored Antigua and Barbuda’s commitment to advancing the interests of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) on the global stage. Key areas of discussion included ocean and forest conservation, climate finance, and the imperative to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C. The delegation, led by Ambassador Ruleta Camacho-Thomas and Ambassador Diann Black-Layne, outlined a comprehensive approach to advocacy and technical negotiations across thematic sessions. Prime Minister Browne lauded the team’s efforts, emphasizing the importance of amplifying the voices of vulnerable nations in the global climate dialogue. COP30, branded as an “Implementation COP,” highlights the urgency of actionable progress under the Paris Agreement, particularly in forest protection and sustainable management—a lifeline for SIDS facing existential threats from climate change. The delegation’s symbolic photo with Brazil’s native anteater served as a poignant reminder of the interconnectedness of all species and nations in the fight to preserve our shared climate balance.

At the ongoing COP30 summit in Belém, Brazil, the Hon. Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, has emerged as a vocal advocate for the priorities of Small Island Developing States (SIDS). In interviews with Sky TV and HiHouse (UK), Prime Minister Browne emphasized the critical importance of adhering to the 1.5°C climate target, cautioning that surpassing this limit would unleash devastating consequences for vulnerable nations. He stressed the indispensable role of oceans and forests as natural carbon sinks and defenses against escalating climate impacts. Prime Minister Browne underscored that small island states are disproportionately affected by the climate crisis and urged the international community to bolster commitments, enhance climate financing, and take decisive action to curb emissions. Through his global engagements, Prime Minister Browne continues to amplify the voices of SIDS, emphasizing that safeguarding nature and limiting global warming to 1.5°C are not merely environmental objectives but existential imperatives.

Andy Liburd, a Communications Consultant from Antigua and Barbuda, is playing a pivotal role in the global pursuit of climate justice at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belém, Brazil. Representing the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), a coalition of 39 vulnerable island and coastal nations, Liburd is a key member of the Media and Communications Team. His mission is to amplify the voices, challenges, and solutions of these nations during high-level discussions at COP30. Liburd recently delivered a compelling presentation to AOSIS negotiators, emphasizing the critical role of strategic communication in advancing the priorities of small island states. His address highlighted the 1.5°C climate goal, the urgent need for climate finance, and the protection of oceans, forests, and biodiversity. A seasoned participant at annual climate summits, Liburd has become a mainstay at COP events over the years. He attributes his continued involvement to the support of the Antigua and Barbuda Mission to the United Nations, led by Ambassador Walton Webson, and AOSIS Communications Lead, Bianca Beddoe. Liburd expressed pride in his work, stating, ‘It is truly rewarding to contribute to such a noble endeavor, ensuring the urgent concerns of island nations remain at the forefront of climate action negotiations.’ Through his dedicated efforts with AOSIS, Liburd continues to strengthen Antigua and Barbuda’s leadership in international climate diplomacy, ensuring the voices of small island nations are heard loud and clear.

At the COP30 Leaders’ Roundtable in Belém, Brazil, Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda delivered a compelling address during Thematic Session 3, focusing on Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and climate financing. Speaking to global leaders, Browne issued a stark warning: the planet is not waiting for humanity to act. He highlighted that global CO₂ levels surged by 3.3 parts per million in 2024, marking the largest increase ever recorded. While 64 new NDCs now cover approximately 30% of global emissions, Browne emphasized that current efforts fall far short of the 1.5°C warming limit, which he described as a critical threshold for small island states like Antigua and Barbuda. ‘For us, 1.5°C isn’t just a headline; it’s the line between survival and irreversible damage,’ he stated. Browne reaffirmed Antigua and Barbuda’s commitment to achieving this goal through comprehensive sectoral targets, including energy, transport, waste management, agriculture, and coastal protection. He stressed that for Small Island Developing States (SIDS), mitigation, adaptation, and resilience are inseparable components of a survival strategy. Referencing the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica, Browne underscored the inadequacy of global climate action. He also criticized the disparity between climate finance needs and actual support, noting that while updated NDCs outline nearly US$2 trillion in financial requirements, vulnerable nations receive far less. ‘Ambition without finance is just aspiration,’ he declared, calling for a revolution in both energy systems and financing mechanisms. Browne urged large polluters to fulfill their obligations, framing climate finance as a matter of fairness and justice. ‘This is how we turn ambition into action and survival into shared success,’ he concluded.