Prime Minister Browne Engages Caribbean and International Leaders at COP31 World Leaders Summit

ANTALYA, TÜRKİYE, November 11, 2026 – Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, the Right Honourable Gaston A. Browne, has joined fellow Caribbean Heads of Government and international leaders at the COP31 World Leaders Summit in Antalya, Türkiye, as global attention focuses on strengthening climate action, advancing international cooperation and addressing the urgent challenges confronting climate-vulnerable nations.

Prime Minister Browne arrived at the conference venue accompanied by Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the State of Qatar, His Excellency Theon Ali, and Climate Ambassador and Acting Director of the Department of Environment, Her Excellency Ruleta Camacho Thomas.

Upon his arrival, the Prime Minister engaged several Caribbean leaders attending the high-level gathering, including Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, the Honourable Philip J. Pierre; Prime Minister of Barbados, the Honourable Mia Amor Mottley; Prime Minister of The Bahamas, the Honourable Philip E. Davis; and Deputy Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, the Honourable Dr. Geoffrey Hanley.

Prime Minister Browne also exchanged greetings with Ambassador Z. Levent Gümrükçü, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye, and former United States Secretary of State and former Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, John Kerry.

The interactions underscored the importance of sustained diplomatic engagement and collaboration among Caribbean and international partners in confronting the growing threats posed by climate change.

The World Leaders Summit, scheduled for November 11 and 12, brings together Heads of State and Government, senior international officials and climate stakeholders to reaffirm global commitments, strengthen multilateral cooperation and accelerate meaningful action on climate change.

For Antigua and Barbuda and other Small Island Developing States (SIDS), the Summit provides a critical platform to amplify the urgent call for greater access to affordable and predictable climate financing, increased investment in climate-resilient infrastructure, and stronger international commitments to addressing loss and damage associated with the worsening impacts of climate change.

Prime Minister Browne continues to champion the position that small island nations, despite contributing minimally to global greenhouse gas emissions, remain among the countries most exposed to the devastating consequences of climate change. He has consistently advocated for a more equitable international financial system that recognises the unique vulnerabilities of SIDS and provides the resources necessary to strengthen their resilience and safeguard their development gains.

His participation at COP31 reinforces Antigua and Barbuda’s leadership in international climate diplomacy and its commitment to ensuring that the voices and priorities of small island nations remain central to global climate negotiations.

As the Summit progresses, Prime Minister Browne is expected to continue advocating for practical, measurable outcomes that translate international climate commitments into tangible benefits for vulnerable countries, particularly those across the Caribbean.

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