“We Need a Seat”: Antigua and Barbuda Calls for Greater Voice for Climate-Vulnerable Nations

Antigua and Barbuda is pleased to be participating in the Berlin Climate Mobility Forum 2026, where global leaders, policymakers, communities, and partners are coming together to advance solutions to one of the most pressing consequences of the climate crisis: climate mobility.

As part of the Forum, the Honourable Michael Joseph, Minister of Health, Wellness, the Environment and Civil Service Affairs, participated in an interview highlighting the unique vulnerabilities of Caribbean Small Island Developing States and the urgent need for climate justice, equitable access to finance, and greater representation in global decision-making.

Minister Joseph emphasized that climate mobility is ultimately about people.

Successful relocation and adaptation efforts must be community-led, protect cultural identity and heritage, and ensure that those most affected have a meaningful voice in decisions about their future. Drawing on Antigua and Barbuda’s experience following the devastation of Barbuda by Hurricane Irma, he noted the importance of planning, community engagement, and protecting the rights and dignity of affected populations.

The Minister also underscored that for Small Island Developing States, the preferred option is not relocation but resilience.

The newly endorsed Global Principles for Addressing Climate Mobility recognize the importance of protecting the “right to stay,” while also supporting safe and dignified mobility pathways where necessary.

A central message from Antigua and Barbuda was that climate-vulnerable countries must have a meaningful seat at the table.

While our contribution to global emissions is negligible, we remain among those most affected by rising sea levels, stronger storms, and increasing climate impacts.

As Minister Joseph stated, “We’re not asking because we’d like to have a seat. We’re asking because we need a seat.”

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