—Antigua and Barbuda has secured an important diplomatic achievement with the election of the Honourable E. P. Chet Greene, Minister of Foreign Affairs, as Vice-Chair of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC). The appointment underscores the country’s commitment to advancing a sustainable, resilient and inclusive development agenda for Latin America and the Caribbean.
The election took place ahead of the conclusion of the Forty-First Session of ECLAC,
held from 7–9October 2026 in Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic. The session convened representatives of governments across the region to deliberate on critical economic, social and environmental priorities, with particular emphasis on strengthening regional cooperation and navigating an increasingly complex global geopolitical and geoeconomic landscape.
Commenting on the election, the Honourable Minister Greene stated, “Antigua and Barbuda welcomes its election as Vice-Chair of ECLAC and recognises this responsibility as an opportunity to deepen our engagement with countries across Latin America and the Caribbean. At a time when our region faces complex economic, social and environmental challenges, regional solidarity and meaningful cooperation are essential. We look forward to contributing constructively to ECLAC’s work and advancing priorities that promote resilience, sustainable development and shared prosperity for our peoples.”
Antigua and Barbuda’s representative to the Forty-First Session, Miss Joy-Marie King, Director of International Trade, confirmed that Minister Greene’s election was unopposed. She described the outcome as “a reflection of the importance of active regional engagement and our country’s commitment to multilateralism, international cooperation and the pursuit of sustainable and inclusive development.”
Addressing the ECLAC membership, King reaffirmed Antigua and Barbuda’s commitment to working with the Commission, its member countries and regional and international partners to advance a development agenda responsive to the region’s priorities, expand economic opportunities and strengthen collective capacity to address emerging challenges. She underscored the importance of sustained collaboration in translating regional commitments into practical outcomes that advance resilience and sustainable development.
The Forty-First Session of ECLAC examined the transformations required for Latin America and the Caribbean to respond effectively to an increasingly complex geopolitical and geoeconomic environment. Deliberations highlighted the importance of strengthening institutional capacities, deepening regional integration and pursuing coordinated, forward-looking approaches to sustainable development.
Antigua and Barbuda’s election as Vice-Chair provides an important platform for the country to contribute to ECLAC’s regional deliberations and support collective efforts to advance the development priorities of Latin America and the Caribbean.
This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Antigua and Barbuda Elected Vice-Chair of ECLAC, Strengthening its Leadership in Regional Diplomacy.