Prime Minister Browne Engages Green Climate Fund on Increased Financing for Climate Resilience

Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, the Honourable Gaston Browne, has met with Executive Director of the Green Climate Fund (GCF), Mafalda Duarte, and members of her team to explore opportunities for increased climate financing to support the country’s adaptation, renewable energy and resilience-building priorities.

The meeting, held on the margins of COP31 in Antalya, focused on how Antigua and Barbuda can better leverage GCF resources to address its growing climate vulnerabilities while advancing its transition towards renewable energy and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

Prime Minister Browne highlighted the importance of securing financing for climate-resilient housing, particularly for vulnerable households that are disproportionately exposed to extreme weather events. He emphasised that GCF support could be instrumental in helping to provide safer, more resilient homes for those most at risk.

Coastal erosion was also raised as a major concern, with the Prime Minister seeking assistance to support coastal protection and shoreline restoration initiatives. He further highlighted the need to strengthen the resilience of critical national infrastructure, particularly the country’s seaport and airport, which are essential to tourism, trade and economic development.

Discussions also explored opportunities to mobilise additional resources and develop a strategic program of activities that would enable Antigua and Barbuda to accelerate its adaptation measures, expand renewable energy development and strengthen its overall climate resilience in the face of the overshoot of the 1.5 degree target.