Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda has arrived in New York to participate in the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, which begins Tuesday under the theme “Leaving no one behind; acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development, and human dignity for present and future generations.”
The Prime Minister’s week is packed with activities, starting today with a co-hosted forum titled “Building Resilient Futures: The SIDS Debt Sustainability Support Service” alongside leaders from the Maldives, New Zealand, and the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs. Later, he will engage with officials on agricultural initiatives and housing development projects.
Tomorrow, he will take part in an interactive dialogue for the Opening of the Summit of the Future, convened by the UN Secretary-General. This summit aims to foster broad engagement among representatives from various sectors, all contributing to the Pact for the Future.
In the days ahead, Prime Minister Browne will hold bilateral meetings with key leaders, including the Prime Minister of Sint Maarten, PAHO officials, and representatives from countries like Vanuatu, Venezuela, and the UK, among others.
On Wednesday, he will join a high-level panel discussion titled “How to Scale Financing for the Poorest and Most Vulnerable,” featuring prominent figures such as the Presidents of Kenya and France, as well as representatives from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Browne, an architect of the UN MVI, is expected to make impactful contributions during this session.
Thursday’s agenda includes a Leaders Breakfast focused on the existential threats posed by sea-level rise, where Browne will join 25 heads of state recognized as champions on this issue.
On Friday, he is set to deliver Antigua and Barbuda’s national statement to the UN General Assembly, advocating for special treatment for Small Island Developing States.
Prime Minister Browne is accompanied by Foreign Minister E.P.C. Chet Greene, Health Minister Sir Molwyn Joseph, and Climate Ambassador Reuleta Camacho.
