The Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, the Honourable Gaston Browne met with Mr. Ibrahima Cheikh Diong, Executive Director of the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage, on the sidelines of the Belém Climate Summit, convened as part of COP30.
Mr. Diong congratulated the Prime Minister for his unwavering advocacy and leadership in championing the creation of the Loss and Damage Fund and for Antigua and Barbuda’s continued role in advancing climate justice for Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
The Executive Director briefed the Prime Minister on the Fund’s operational progress, noting that USD 800 million has been pledged to date. The Fund will operate through three modalities — multilateral development banks (MDBs), direct access entities, and existing accredited entities of the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and Adaptation Fund (AF) — to ensure flexibility, speed, and efficiency in delivering support to vulnerable countries. The Fund’s official launch is scheduled for 15 December 2025, with full activation expected within six months thereafter.
Prime Minister Browne welcomed the update and reaffirmed Antigua and Barbuda’s intention to be among the first applicants for financing, citing the country’s recent experiences with hurricanes, coastal erosion, and other climate-induced losses. He also commended the leadership of Mr. Diong and pledged Antigua and Barbuda’s continued collaboration as a member of the Fund’s Board to ensure that resources reach those most in need.
The Prime Minister further congratulated the Fund on its progress and confirmed Antigua and Barbuda’s readiness to align national systems with the Fund’s operational requirements. He also highlighted the upcoming launch of the Barbuda Implementation Mechanism (BIM), scheduled for 10 November 2025 at COP30, as a model for locally driven action to address loss and damage.
Both parties reaffirmed their shared commitment to advancing the full capitalization and effective implementation of the Fund so that communities on the frontlines of the climate crisis can recover, rebuild, and thrive.
Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Antigua!
We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages.
Contact us at [email protected]
Gaston here, money money money money money money money money money money , give me the money no one in Antigua and Barbuda is looking, they don’t know the offshore bank account, the consolidated funds and the auditor general won’t mess with me the top dog, me have a full state capture of civil servants and judiciary.
It’s encouraging to see real progress on funding for countries hit hardest by climate change, not just speeches. The USD 800 million pledge is a big deal
The references to hurricanes and Barbuda make it real, this isn’t abstract climate talk; it’s about people losing homes and livelihoods.
Ok good. Hope we can benefit from that
These talks are crucial. If the Loss and Damage Fund actually delivers, it could make a big difference for vulnerable nations.
USD 800 million has been pledged to date.
Pledges don’t always materialize.
The UN is not effective in stopping starvation and genocide in Darfur and Palestine.
Let’s see how effective it can be in going the Develop Nations from committing to funding.
Don’t count the eggs before they are hatched
@ Jeanette,
It’s not abstract talk; it’s shake down talk.
Do your research.
Few Barbudans living on the island when Irma and Maria hit, lost their primary home.
Many lost their roofs which were replaced by UNDP, who also built a number of shoe box size homes that went to selected few.
Most of the structures which were completed destroyed were shacks rented to DR, Jamaica, Trinidad and Guyana migrants.
The Urma hurricane disaster money including the money from the Gentleman at Jumby Bay that got consumed in Global Bank, never made it to Barbuda.
So keep Barbuda of you keyboard until you do your research.