Ambassador Karen-Mae Hill Highlights Strengthened Ireland–Antigua and Barbuda Partnership on SIDS Priorities
Ambassador Karen-Mae Hill, Antigua and Barbuda Non-Resident Ambassador to Ireland, has reaffirmed the deepening partnership between Antigua and Barbuda and Ireland, guided by Ireland’s Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Strategy.
Antigua and Barbuda remains a key partner in shaping and implementing this Strategy.
During a visit to Dublin on May 19th which marked the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Antigua and Barbuda and Ireland, Ambassador Hill engaged in a series of meetings and activities focused on celebrating Irish-Antigua and Barbuda relations over the years as well as looking ahead to new aspects of this relationship in a fast-changing geopolitical landscape.
Meetings were held with the Global Programmes Unit of the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Directorate of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to discuss the SIDS Ireland Fellows Programme and the outcomes of the 2024 SIDS Conference.
Ireland supported this conference both financially and technically.
Ambassador Hill also met with the Climate Unit of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to explore ongoing collaboration in the blue economy.
She also engaged with representatives from the EU Presidency Policy Unit and the EU and Trade Policy Division of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to discuss Ireland’s upcoming 2026 Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
Ambassador Hill took the opportunity to engage with Ireland on its upcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union scheduled for July to December 2026.
She encouraged that special attention be given to the interests and priorities of SIDS during Ireland’s presidency notwithstanding the many other global issues on the EU agenda.
As such, she advocated for continued Irish leadership in amplifying the SIDS agenda at the European level.
Ireland reaffirmed its support for the operationalisation of the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (“ABAS”) including the planned Centre of Excellence for Data and the Debt Sustainability Support Service, both to be headquartered in Antigua and Barbuda.
Ireland’s engagement at the United Nations, European Union, and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development also supports advocacy around improved access to funding, water security, and implementation of the Multi-Dimensional Vulnerability Index.
Among the discussions, particular attention was given to the Ireland-SIDS Fellows Programme, through which Antigua and Barbuda has continued to benefit.
The Our Shared Ocean initiative, and training partnerships with institutions such as UNCTAD, the WTO, and University College Dublin were also highlighted.
Three Antiguans and Barbudans to date have been beneficiaries of Irish-sponsored scholarships reflecting Ireland’s commitment to building long-term skills and leadership in SIDS.
Discussions also focused on Ireland’s pledge of €225 million annually in climate finance to include €25 million for the Loss and Damage Fund.
Joint priorities include advancing the blue economy through the ProBlue Trust Fund and Blue Action Fund, and supporting climate-resilient initiatives across the Caribbean.
Ireland also funds the World Maritime University’s BBNJ Clinic Programme, which supports Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs) in addressing the complexities of ratifying and implementing the Agreement on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ).
Ambassador Hill met with senior leaders from the National Museum of Ireland, the National Library, and the Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland, exploring avenues for cultural exchange and heritage collaboration.
Continued advocacy for Aer Lingus to operate flights from Ireland to Antigua and Barbuda remains firmly on the agenda.
In a previous visit in 2023, Ambassador Hill joined EPIC – The Irish Emigration Museum to launch the “Entangled Islands – Ireland and the Caribbean” exhibition which will be showcased in Antigua and Barbuda in 2026.
This exhibition explores 400 years of Irish links to the Caribbean.
Looking ahead, Ambassador Hill shared details on planning for the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting which will be hosted in Antigua and Barbuda.
The meeting discussed possible areas of support including participation in side-events on ocean research and marine based economic development.
“Ireland remains one of our strongest partners—committed, consistent, and collaborative.
Together we are driving sustainable solutions that serve the real needs of Small Island Developing States,” said Her Excellency Karen-Mae Hill.
“In Antigua and Barbuda, Ireland has a partner in the Caribbean with shared roots from the past, shared values in the present and a shared vision and ambition for the future.
There is much we can do together, for the benefit of our economies, our peoples and our shared ocean”, Sharon Lennon, Head of Ireland’s Office for the Caribbean stated.
Ambassador Hill was joined by Brent Scotland, Political and Consular Officer, for this visit.
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