Prime Minister Browne Advances National Agenda Through Strategic Bilateral Engagements at FfD4
Sevilla, Spain โ 1 July 2025 โ Prime Minister the Honourable Gaston Browne maintained a strong and focused presence on the second day of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) in Seville, Spain, engaging in a series of high-level bilateral meetings aimed at advancing Antigua and Barbudaโs national development objectives.
The dayโs agenda was strategically crafted to maximize opportunities for impactful collaboration with key international partners and financial institutions. Each engagement was guided by a singular purpose: to deliver tangible and lasting benefits for the people of Antigua and Barbuda.
โThis Conference is not just about speechesโit is about results. Every conversation Iโve had today is part of a broader mission to improve lives at homeโwhether through better financing, technical cooperation, or long-term strategic partnerships,โ said Prime Minister Browne during a media briefing.
Throughout the day, Prime Minister Browne held targeted discussions on pressing development priorities, including debt relief strategies, climate resilience financing, and capacity-building programmes. He consistently advocated for expanded access to concessional financing, greater technical assistance for small states, and robust partnerships to support growth in tourism, renewable energy, and digital infrastructure.
Antigua and Barbudaโs delegation continues to earn recognition at FfD4 for its principled advocacy and forward-thinking approach. Under Prime Minister Browneโs leadership, the country has positioned itself as a leading voice calling for a more equitable and inclusive global financial systemโone that reflects the unique vulnerabilities and development goals of Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
Key bilateral meetings on Tuesday included:
โข Dr. Abdulhamid Alkhalifa, President of the OPEC Fund for International Development
โข Dr. Amit Prothi, Director General of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI)
โข Dr. Jarbas Barbosa da Silva Jr., Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)
As the Conference continues, Prime Minister Browneโs active diplomacy is translating global dialogue into practical outcomesโreaffirming Antigua and Barbudaโs commitment to transformative development and international cooperation.
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Digital Photos: Prime Minister Gaston Browne in discussion with Minister of State for International Cooperation for the UAE, Her Excellency Reem Bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy on the margins of the Conference. Both officials discussed varying levels of cooperation and advancing the diplomatic relations.
