Global Call Proof of Concept Workshop: Driving Innovation and Collaboration for Sustainable Solutions.

St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda- The United Nations Resident Coordinator Office for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, in partnership with the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, has taken significant steps to advance innovative, scalable, climate-resilient solutions, that foster sustainable development in key areas vital to the resilience of Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

This progress follows the successful staging of a Global Call Proof of Concept W orkshop—a landmark event focused on accelerating innovation in renewable energy, agriculture, waste management, and sustainability. The three-day workshop convened innovators, technical experts, government representatives, and development partners to examine and validate transformative ideas that can drive progress toward a more resilient and inclusive future.

The Global Call is part of a worldwide initiative to test, refine, and scale cutting-edge proposals designed to strengthen climate resilience and sustainable development. This new approach for the Eastern Caribbean opens the door for innovators globally to contribute directly to national and regional priorities. By establishing a structured pipeline for ideas to be tested and supported, the initiative ensures that countries across the region can access tailored solutions suited to their unique climate and economic challenges.

Beyond technical innovation, the Global Call is designed to accelerate collaboration—bringing together governments, communities, private sector actors, and innovators to strengthen shared ownership of emerging solutions. This collaborative model is central to building resilience in SIDS, where scalable, context-appropriate innovations can significantly reinforce national systems and long-term sustainability.

During the workshop, participants reviewed global submissions, explored climate-smart agricultural practices, and engaged in interactive design-thinking sessions to refine strategies for high-impact projects. Several development partners also pledged support for pilot initiatives, helping move promising concepts from ideas to action. In his opening remarks, Kenroy Roach, Head of the UN Resident Coordinator Office, described the gathering as a pivotal moment in the region’s innovation journey

“This workshop marks a critical phase in our journey—from ideas to impact. The Proof-of-Concept stage is where creativity meets practicality. It’s about testing feasibility, refining solutions, and ensuring that the concepts we develop are not only visionary but also actionable and scalable.”

As part of the initiative, participants attended field visits showcasing successful community-led programmes, including beekeeping enterprises. They also met with the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, the Hon. Gaston Browne, who expressed deep appreciation for the creativity and technical rigour demonstrated in the submissions. He praised the finalists for their commitment to addressing urgent national and regional challenges, from food security and climate resilience to economic diversification:

"I am truly impressed by the calibre of ideas displayed. This level of of innovation reflects the type of forward-thinking that the region needs in today's rapidly changing global environment,"

 During the discussion, the Prime Minister highlighted several proposals of particular interest for national implementation, including:

• Expanding mushroom production to support livelihood opportunities for women and youth;
• Developing a circular waste-to-energy model to enhance waste management and energy security;
• Advancing the Sol Agri System—a hybrid hydroponic–aeroponic farm powered by solar energy and managed through advanced data ecosystems;
• Improving fisheries productivity and reducing sargassum accumulation through innovative marine-friendly feed solutions;
• Applying state-of-the-art environmental engineering via the BEACON project to address the Codrington Lagoon barrier breach. 

Mr. Browne  emphasized that these initiatives present strategic opportunities to leverage public and private financing, strengthen national resilience, create green jobs, and bolster Antigua and Barbuda’s leadership in sustainable development. The Government reaffirmed its commitment to supporting projects that align with national priorities and contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.