Antigua and Barbuda is set to play a key role in advancing Caribbean climate priorities at the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), with the Honourable Michael Joseph, Minister of Health, Wellness, Environment and Civil Service Affairs, designated to lead climate science negotiations on behalf of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

 

Minister Joseph will also share responsibility for CARICOM’s climate finance negotiations, placing Antigua and Barbuda at the forefront of regional efforts to advance critical priorities for small island developing states.

 

The country’s technical leadership was also highlighted during the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) preparatory meetings, where Mr. Arry Simon, AOSIS Lead Negotiator for Science and representative of Antigua and Barbuda, briefed negotiators on key scientific matters expected to feature prominently at COP31.

 

The discussions focused on Research and Systematic Observation (RSO), the Periodic Review of the long-term global temperature goal, and ensuring that findings from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) inform the second Global Stocktake under the Paris Agreement. Particular emphasis was placed on maintaining the 1.5°C temperature limit, strengthening climate observation systems and ensuring that timely scientific assessments guide international climate action.

 

Antigua and Barbuda has also advocated for the timely delivery of the IPCC’s Seventh Assessment Report to ensure that the latest scientific evidence on climate impacts, adaptation and mitigation is available to inform the Global Stocktake, which concludes in 2028.

 

COP31, scheduled for November 9–20 in Antalya, Türkiye, will provide an important platform for advancing these priorities. For Antigua and Barbuda and the wider Caribbean, the negotiations carry significant implications for coastal protection, water security, food systems, tourism and the resilience of vulnerable communities.

 

Through its technical engagement in AOSIS and ministerial leadership within CARICOM, Antigua and Barbuda continues to advocate for science-based climate policies, stronger regional representation and meaningful international action to protect the future of small island states