Representatives of Antigua and Barbuda’s Department of Environment are already on the ground in Antalya, Türkiye, participating in preparatory sessions ahead of the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31).

Among those attending the pre-COP engagements are Arry Simon and Garth Simon, who are participating in discussions with international climate stakeholders ahead of the World Leaders Summit and the formal opening of the conference. These preparatory engagements provide an opportunity to discuss key negotiating priorities and build consensus on issues that will shape the global climate agenda.

Antigua and Barbuda’s wider delegation to COP31 will be led by Prime Minister, Gaston Browne, who will participate in the World Leaders Summit, bringing together heads of government and other world leaders to address the global climate agenda.

The delegation will also include Minister of Health, Wellness, Environment and Civil Service Affairs, Michael Joseph, who will participate in the conference during a later phase. Other members include Climate Ambassador and Director of the Department of Environment, Ruleta Camacho-Thomas and Gita Nicholas of the Department of Environment.

Minister Joseph has been appointed by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to lead the region’s engagement on Science and serve as one of three ministerial leads on Climate Finance, alongside the Ministers from Barbados and Belize. These responsibilities will see him contributing to regional coordination and negotiations on the scientific evidence informing climate action and the financing needed to support vulnerable countries.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Antigua and Barbuda Environment Officials Participate in Pre-COP31 Sessions Ahead of Global Climate Summit.