PM Browne Advances Antigua and Barbuda’s Global Agenda During Packed Day at 81st UN General Assembly

Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, the Right Honourable Gaston Browne, completed a packed schedule of high-level engagements on his first full day at the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), with activities beginning early Wednesday morning and continuing late into the evening.

The Prime Minister’s programme included the signing of a major energy partnership, participation in two high-level panel discussions, bilateral and regional meetings, and a reception hosted in support of Antigua and Barbuda’s endorsed candidate for Secretary-General of the United Nations, María Fernanda Espinosa.

Prime Minister Browne began the day with the signing, on behalf of the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, of a potentially transformative agreement with Octopus Energy. The partnership is aimed at exploring opportunities to advance Antigua and Barbuda’s transition towards cleaner, more affordable and resilient energy through renewable energy, electric mobility, battery storage and smart-energy technology.

Following the signing, Prime Minister Browne participated in his first speaking engagement of the day as a panellist at the Global Citizen Impact Sessions 2026.

Joining him on the panel were Zoisa North-Bond, CEO of Octopus Energy Generation, and Sierra Leone’s Chief Minister and Chief Innovation Officer, Dr. David Sengeh. The discussion was moderated by Yasamin Altahir.

Prime Minister Browne used the platform to highlight the energy and climate challenges confronting Small Island Developing States and Antigua and Barbuda’s determination to pursue practical partnerships capable of reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels while building a more resilient and sustainable economy.

The Prime Minister later held bilateral discussions with the Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Judith Suminwa Tuluka. During the meeting, Prime Minister Browne introduced María Fernanda Espinosa, whose candidature for the position of Secretary-General of the United Nations has received the endorsement and full support of the Government of Antigua and Barbuda.

Prime Minister Browne subsequently joined fellow leaders from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States for discussions with a delegation from the European Union. The meeting addressed a broad range of matters of importance to the sub-region as OECS member states continue to navigate pressing international economic, development and geopolitical challenges affecting Small Island Developing States.

Later in the afternoon, the Prime Minister participated in another high-level discussion at Devex Impact House, a major platform on the margins of the UN General Assembly where global leaders, policymakers and development partners engage on issues shaping the international development agenda.

Prime Minister Browne participated in a discussion under the theme “From Evidence to Impact: Making Eye Health a Development Priority.”