Antigua and Barbuda represented at LAC and NDE Forum and Capacity Building for System Transformation Programme
The Ministry of Health through the Department of Environment participated in the 2026 Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) National Designated Entities (NDE) Forum and Capacity Building for System Transformation Programme, held from May 19–22, 2026, in San Ignacio, Belize.
Garth Simon of the Department of Environment, attended on behalf of Antigua and Barbuda’s National Designated Entity (NDE) under the Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN) mechanism of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
Hosted by the Government of Belize and organized by the UN Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN), the forum brought together government representatives, climate technology experts, development partners, financial institutions, and regional organizations from across Latin America and the Caribbean to strengthen collaboration and accelerate climate resilience initiatives throughout the region.
The forum focused on scalable climate technology solutions and system-level approaches to climate action, particularly in support of countries’ Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement. Discussions explored emerging technologies and innovative solutions including artificial intelligence for climate forecasting, drone technologies, climate data systems, digital transformation, and nature-based approaches such as mangrove restoration and ecosystem protection.
A key component of the programme included capacity-building sessions centered on the water-energy-food nexus, aimed at helping countries better integrate climate resilience into national planning and development strategies.
During the forum, Simon actively participated in technical discussions, collaborative breakout sessions, and networking engagements with regional and international stakeholders. The engagement provided an opportunity for Antigua and Barbuda to exchange experiences, identify partnership opportunities, and explore innovative climate technology solutions relevant to the country’s sustainable development and resilience priorities.
The forum also facilitated dialogue with major international financial institutions and climate financing entities, including the Green Climate Fund (GCF), Global Environment Facility (GEF), Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), and the World Bank, highlighting opportunities for technical assistance, technology transfer, and investment support for Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
The Department of Environment continues to strengthen Antigua and Barbuda’s participation in regional and international climate initiatives, particularly in areas relating to climate resilience, environmental data systems, technology deployment, and sustainable development. Participation in forums such as the CTCN NDE Forum supports ongoing national efforts to build institutional capacity, enhance climate adaptation planning, and accelerate the implementation of innovative climate solutions across Antigua and Barbuda.
The 2026 Forum comes at a critical time as countries across the region intensify efforts to respond to increasing climate impacts and advance the deployment of climate technologies through stronger regional cooperation and knowledge-sharing.