Antigua and Barbuda is playing an active role in ongoing United Nations negotiations to ensure the High Seas Treaty delivers fair and equitable outcomes for Small Island Developing States.
CARICOM, through its membership in the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), is leading negotiations with signatory parties to the agreement, formally known as the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Treaty. The treaty aims to protect marine biodiversity in international waters while ensuring that small states, including Antigua and Barbuda, share in the benefits of ocean resources beyond their national borders.
As the treaty moves toward implementation next year, AOSIS continues to coordinate closely to ensure its priorities are fully reflected in the final framework.
Darius Joseph of the Antigua and Barbuda Department of Marine Services and Marine Shipping (ADOMS) is actively engaged in these coordination efforts, contributing to the collective advocacy for fairness and equity.
The First Secretary at Antigua and Barbuda's Permanent Mission to the United Nations is also playing a prominent leadership role, serving as Vice President of the Preparatory Commission for the Treaty. In that capacity, the official is supporting the coordinated positions of CARICOM and AOSIS as they work to shape an inclusive and balanced framework for global ocean governance.
Additionally, Crown Counsel II at the Office of the Attorney General Zachary Phillips has been invited to serve as AOSIS' Legal Coordinator for 2026, further cementing Antigua and Barbuda's contribution to the regional effort.
