Antigua and Barbuda Celebrates UN Day

Under the theme: "Partnering for People, Planet", as a show of solidarity, the Government of Antigua and Barbuda today illuminated the southern portion of the building housing the Office of the Prime Minister and the Headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in blue, in observance of the UN's 76th anniversary. The Official building will remain lit  for the weekend of Friday October 22 to Sunday October 24. 

Tree Planting Ceremony to Indicate Government's Commitment to Climate Action

To  highlight action on climate and as a precursor to COP26, a Tree Planting ceremony was also held on the grounds of the Office of Prime Minister Gaston Browne. Joining the celebration virtually, UN Resident Coordinator, Didier Trebucq , expressed congratulations to the Government of Antigua and Barbuda ahead of its 40th anniversary of UN membership to be celebrated next month.

He also expressed satisfaction that Antigua was in the process of implementing its first Country Implementation Plan, that is intended to provide the country with more integrated support from the UN System. 

"These last few decades have seen a strong relationship between Antigua and Barbuda and the UN, and through my office we are seeking to deepen our engagement and partnership to better support your needs and priorities in alignment with the 2030 agenda and the SDGs. Today’s Tree Planting Ceremony is timely, with COP 26 being only nine days away. It is important for Governments and citizens alike to step up climate action and address this climate emergency that is just now facing us,"  Mr. Trebucq stated. 

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Immigration and Trade, the Hon. E.P. Chet Greene, represented the Government and planted the tree with support of the UN's recently appointed Country Coordination Officer, Andrea Andrew. He also briefly addressed the small gathering that included senior Government officers. 

"The celebration of UN day 2021, provides a platform for the UN membership to strengthen international cooperation for a more peaceful and prosperous future for all. The planting of this tree today, though symbolic, represents  Antigua and Barbuda's commitment to taking the necessary action to ensure a safer future for all of our  citizens," he explained. 

Antigua and Barbuda will celebrate its 40th anniversary of UN membership on November 25, under the theme: "Resilience, Reflection and Recovery".