Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister the Hon. Gaston Browne fulfilled a busy schedule of engagements on his first full day at the 81st United Nations General Assembly that begun early in the morning and ending late Wednesday night.
After signing a game-changing agreement on behalf of the Government of Antigua and Barbuda with billion dollar company, Octopus Energy, Prime Minister Browne took the stage for his first speaking engagement. The CEO of Octopus Energy Zoisa North-Bond was also a part of the distinguished panel, which was moderated by Yasamin Altahir and organized by Global Citizens as part of its Impact Sessions 2026. Also on the panel was Sierra Leone’s Chief Minister and Chief Innovation Officer Dr. David Sengeh.
Prime Minister Browne also held bilateral discussions with the Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Judith Suminw Tuluka. He used the opportunity to introduce María Fernanda Espinosa, who has been endorsed and fully supported by Antigua and Barbuda, as a candidate for the post of Secretary General of the United Nations.
Shortly after, he joined fellow colleagues from the OECS for a meeting with a delegation from the European Union to discuss a broad range of matters as the region seeks to navigate a number of pressing issues affecting small island developing nations.
Later in the afternoon, Prime Minister Browne was sitting on another panel at Devex Impact House, which provides a major platform on the margins of the UNGA for global leaders, policymakers and development partners to engage on many of the issues shaping the international development agenda.
He was asked to be a part of discussions which focused on the theme, From evidence to Impact: Making Eye Health a Development Priority, on account of the significant work Antigua and Barbuda has been doing in the area of eye health for its residents and citizens. Accompanying him to the discussions was Antigua and Barbuda’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Walton Webson, who has been a leading advocate for eye health and disability inclusion.
Prime Minister Browne ended a hectic schedule of activities later that evening by attending a reception hosted by the Government of Antigua and Barbuda in honour and in support of Espinosa.
The UN Secretary General candidate used the opportunity to heap praise on Prime Minister Browne and the Government of Antigua and Barbuda for standing behind her at a time when the United Nations is seeking urgent reform to meet a rapidly shifting and challenging global climate.
It was more of the same today as Prime Minister Browne continued his packed UNGA schedule, moving between bilateral meetings and crucial discussions aimed at advancing Antigua and Barbuda’s interests on a range of matters.
This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: PM Wraps Up Busy UN Day With Reception for Antigua and Barbuda’s UN Secretary-General Candidate.