Antigua and Barbuda is participating in the Island States Ocean Summit 2026, taking place in Tokyo, Japan from 3–4 June under the theme, “Sustainable Ocean Action for Resilient Islands.”
The delegation is led by the Honourable Anthony Shamari Smith Jr., Minister of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and the Blue Economy. It also includes Her Excellency Ruleta Camacho Thomas, Climate Ambassador; Ms. Marver Woodley, Senior Operations and Policy Manager within the Department of the Blue Economy; Dr. Tricia Lovell, Deputy Chief Fisheries Officer; and Dr. Branson Belle of the Centre of Excellence for Oceanography and the Blue Economy at The University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus.
The Summit brings together representatives of island states, development partners, scientists and international organizations to advance climate-resilient and science-based ocean planning.
During the High-Level Segment, Minister Smith delivered Antigua and Barbuda’s national statement, emphasizing the importance of the ocean to the country’s food security, livelihoods, tourism and economic development. He highlighted the increasing pressures faced by Small Island Developing States, including sea-level rise, coastal erosion, coral reef degradation, marine pollution and stress on marine resources.
Minister Smith outlined Antigua and Barbuda’s efforts to strengthen ocean governance, including the development of a national Blue Economy Bill and ongoing work on Marine Spatial Planning. These initiatives are intended to support the sustainable management of fisheries, tourism, conservation, maritime transport and coastal development.
He also reaffirmed the country’s support for the global 30×30 target and called for increased access to ocean science, research, data, technology and technical support for Small Island Developing States.
As a new member of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO, Antigua and Barbuda welcomed the Sustainable Ocean Planning and Management Strategy as a useful framework for integrated ocean governance and regional cooperation.
Minister Smith also participated in a High-Level Special Event on “Sea Level Rise and International Law,” which focused on safeguarding the rights and interests of Small Island Developing States.
The Summit includes the launch of a Sustainable Ocean Planning and Management Support Platform to strengthen technical assistance, coordination and partnerships for island states. The Antigua and Barbuda delegation is also participating in bilateral meetings and technical discussions on ocean governance, sustainable fisheries, climate resilience and financing.
Antigua and Barbuda remains committed to working with regional and international partners to promote sustainable ocean management and a resilient blue economy for present and future generations.