Antigua and Barbuda continues to play an active role in the intensive process now underway at the United Nations to ensure that the High Seas Treaty delivers fair and equitable outcomes for Small Island Developing States.

CARICOM thorugh its membership of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) is leading negotiations with signatory parties to the agreement, formally known as the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Treaty.

The treaty aims to protect marine biodiversity in international waters while ensuring that small states, including Antigua and Barbuda, share in the benefits of ocean resources beyond their national borders.

As the treaty moves toward implementation next year, AOSIS continues to coordinate closely to ensure its priorities are fully reflected.

Antigua and Barbuda’s Darius Joseph of the Department of Marine Services and Marine Shipping (ADOMS) is actively engaged in these coordination efforts, contributing to the collective advocacy for fairness and equity.

At the same time, the First Secretary at Antigua and Barbuda’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations is playing a prominent leadership role as Vice President of the Preparatory Commission for the Treaty, supporting the coordinated positions of Caribbean Community and AOSIS as they work to shape an inclusive and balanced framework for global ocean governance.

Involved as well is Crown Counsel II at the Office of the Attorney General Zachary Phillips who has been invited to serve as AOSIS’ Legal Coordinator for 2026.