At the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. EP Chet Greene, emphasized the urgent need for global action on the climate crisis, particularly for vulnerable small island nations. Speaking at a high-level roundtable hosted by Sir Richard Branson, along with economists and political leaders, Greene warned that escalating geopolitical conflicts are detracting from critical issues like climate change and biodiversity loss.
Greene’s address came after Antigua and Barbuda successfully hosted the 4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4). He noted that the outcomes of the conference are beginning to show promise, but stressed that ongoing global commitment is essential for sustained progress.
“Now is the time to elevate our vision of effective multilateralism,” Greene stated, calling for radical transformations in energy systems and economic structures. He highlighted the need for international cooperation to address the unequal impacts of climate change and called for urgent reforms to the political and economic systems that contribute to inequality and civil unrest.
Sir Richard Branson, known for his advocacy on climate issues, provided a platform for these critical discussions, emphasizing the role of collective action in tackling global challenges.
