NEW YORK, 26th March, 2026…Antigua and Barbuda is playing an important role in the process of selecting one of the most prestigious awards at the United Nations.

First Secretary at the Permanent Mission to the United Nations, Claxton Duberry, on Thursday chaired a meeting on behalf of Antigua and Barbuda to select the United Nations Population Award at both the institutional and individual levels.

Antigua and Barbuda was a member of the 10-member Committee for the United Nations Population Award last year but was selected to chair this year.

The award, which was first established in 1981, brings recognition to those who are making an outstanding contribution to improving matters related to global health, gender equality and sustainable development.

By recognizing the role that individuals and institutions play, the award brings crucial population issues to the fore. The announcement of the laureates will be made later this year by the Committee, as the UNFPA makes use of this opportunity to reinforce the need for continued focus on population challenges.

“It was a profound honor to chair the selection process and important for Antigua and Barbuda to be a part of an exercise that advances the human dignity and sustainable development of populations across the globe,” Duberry stated.

The late family physician, Sir Prince Ramsey, won the award in 2018, earning him recognition for his pioneering work in HIV/AIDS advocacy, care, and prevention in Antigua and Barbuda and throughout the Caribbean for many years.