The Government of Antigua and Barbuda proudly announces the establishment of the Committee for Coordination of Actions Related to Sustainable Development Treaties, a critical step in strengthening the country’s engagement with international treaties and multilateral agreements.
Speaking at the launch, Hon. Sir Molwyn Joseph, Minister of Health, Wellness, Social Transformation, and the Environment, emphasized the importance of refining national coordination mechanisms to ensure efficiency, credibility, and effectiveness in fulfilling Antigua and Barbuda’s international environmental obligations.
“We take great pride in the progress Antigua and Barbuda has made in meeting our international environmental obligations,” said Sir Molwyn Joseph. “However, the rapidly evolving global landscape demands that we continuously improve our approach. The establishment of this Committee is an opportunity to build upon past lessons and embrace a more inclusive, adaptive, and responsive structure to maximize the benefits of our treaty commitments.”
In the past, the National Coordinating Mechanism (NCM) served as a platform for dialogue and strategic planning among national focal points. However, due to shifting institutional priorities and evolving mandates, the NCM ceased operations, leading to gaps in communication and coordination. The new Committee will correct these deficiencies by fostering improved inter-agency collaboration, streamlining reporting, and ensuring that Antigua and Barbuda remains a respected and capable partner on the international stage.
Ambassador Clarence Pilgrim, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, underscored the critical role of this Committee in enhancing Antigua and Barbuda’s credibility in global negotiations.
“The geopolitical landscape is shifting, and multilateralism faces new and complex challenges,” said Ambassador Pilgrim. “Antigua and Barbuda must reaffirm its commitment to strategic and unified engagement across all international platforms. The creation of this Committee is a direct response to that call. Too often, fragmented communication among national actors has led to inefficiencies, missed opportunities, and duplication of efforts. This Committee will strengthen coherence, support effective diplomacy, and enhance our collective impact. It will also help us expand our access to funding and ensure that we take full advantage of the mechanisms that multilateral agreements offer.”
The establishment of the Committee for Coordination of Actions Related to Sustainable Development Treaties is particularly timely, given global trends that challenge Small Island Developing States (SIDS). With shifts in international policies, including anti-multilateral stances and reduced recognition of SIDS’ special circumstances, it is imperative that Antigua and Barbuda adopts a centralized, strategic approach to international treaty engagement.
This newly established Committee will be facilitated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and will ensure inter-agency coordination, policy coherence, and the alignment of national positions across all UN treaties, including those related to the environment, trade, human rights, and disaster resilience.
The meeting was chaired by Permanent Representative of Antigua and Barbuda to the United Nations, Ambassador Aubrey Webson, whose leadership and extensive diplomatic experience bring invaluable guidance to this critical initiative.
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda calls upon all stakeholders to commit to this renewed approach, ensuring that the country’s voice is not only heard but also respected and valued on the global stage.