Diplomats from Antigua and Barbuda have convened for a three-day event, Diplomatic Encounter, focusing on aligning foreign policy with national priorities. The forum, hosted by Foreign Affairs Minister E.P. Chet Greene, is taking place at the Royalton Hotel.

The event opened with a reception at Dow’s Hill Interpretation Centre, followed by an official ceremony this morning. Ambassador Clarence Pilgrim, Permanent Secretary in the Foreign Affairs Ministry, stressed the importance of strategic engagement, transparency, and collaboration in diplomacy.

Keynote speaker Ambassador Martin Kimani, head of the African Center in New York, highlighted climate threats, debt, and political instability as critical challenges for Small Island Developing States (SIDS). He commended Antigua and Barbuda’s active role in global responses.

Minister Greene emphasized the need for resilience in tackling climate change, economic inequality, and human rights. The conference continues with ambassadorial roundtable discussions before concluding on Wednesday.