Prime Minister Gaston Browne has reaffirmed Antigua and Barbuda’s commitment to global climate action as he departs for Belém, Brazil, to lead the national delegation to the 30th UN Climate Change Conference (COP30).

“Antigua and Barbuda will continue to punch above its weight in global climate diplomacy,” Browne said before departing V. C. Bird International Airport on Tuesday. “Our participation at COP30 is about defending our right to exist and securing financing for resilience and adaptation for all small island nations.”

The two-day summit, running November 6–7, will gather world leaders and experts to advance climate adaptation, financing, and ecosystem protection. Browne will deliver the national statement on Friday and take part in two thematic sessions chaired by Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva: _“Climate and Nature: Forests and Oceans”_ and _“10 Years of the Paris Agreement: NDCs and Financing.”_

He will be joined by Foreign Affairs Minister E.P. Chet Greene, Health and Environment Minister Sir Molwyn Joseph, and senior officials from key ministries and agencies.

A key highlight of COP30 will be the launch of the Tropical Forest Forever Facility, a blended-finance initiative aimed at making tropical forests “worth more standing than destroyed.” Antigua and Barbuda is expected to endorse the facility’s launch declaration and advocate for fair access for small island states.

Browne will also attend the Leaders’ Luncheon, hold bilateral meetings with regional and global partners, and discuss climate financing, blue economy growth, and renewable energy transition.

The delegation’s participation continues Antigua and Barbuda’s global climate leadership, following the 2024 UN SIDS4 Conference and ahead of hosting the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in 2026.