Antigua and Barbuda continues to hold a leadership role in global climate diplomacy, as Ambassador Diann Black-Layne, Director of the Department of Environment co-chaired a critical meeting of the UNFCCC’s Response Measures forum held on the heels of COP30 in Brazil.
Ambassador Black-Layne was elected by the Plenary of the COP to serve as one of the Co-Chairs as the work reconvened alongside Ms. Veronica Bagi, Climate Policy Officer with the UNFCCC who was also elected by the Plenary as the other Co-Chair. Together, they guided parties through a demanding round of negotiations focused on the impacts of mitigation policies—including how climate action affects economies, workforces, and communities, particularly in developing countries.
Ambassador Black-Layne emphasized that this effort reflects the collective strength of the Antiguan and Barbudan delegation. She highlighted the significant contributions of Gita Gardner, Arry Simon, and Ambassador Ruleta Camacho-Thomas, who continue to work across various parts of the negotiation process. Their combined engagement reflects the Government of Antigua and Barbuda’s continued commitment to consistent, strategic, and high-level participation across all negotiation tracks.
As Co-Chairs, Ambassador Black-Layne and Ms. Bagi played a central role in helping parties manage areas where consensus was difficult to reach.
A major priority for Antigua and Barbuda under the Response Measures agenda is ensuring a just transition for workers and industries. As the global community moves toward renewable energy to remain aligned with the 1.5°C temperature goal, it is essential that the transition be fair and equitable, especially for nations and sectors that depend heavily on fossil fuels for their economic stability.
Although a broader framework decision was adopted, several sensitive and unresolved issues remain. These matters will now be elevated to the COP President, who will conduct further consultations and present alternative pathways for parties to consider.
The Ministry commends Ambassador Black-Layne and the Antiguan and Barbudan delegation for their continued leadership, diplomacy, and unwavering advocacy on behalf of Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Their work reinforces Antigua and Barbuda’s commitment to shaping global climate policy and ensuring that the transition to a low-carbon world is both responsible and just.
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