Minister of Health, Wellness, Environment and Civil Service Affairs Michael Joseph is calling for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to be given greater representation in international climate discussions. According to Antigua News Room, Joseph made the remarks in an interview following the Berlin Climate Mobility Forum 2026.
Joseph highlighted the stark disparity between the Caribbean region's minimal contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions and the disproportionate climate impacts its nations continue to endure. He argued that Caribbean countries remain underrepresented in international conversations on climate mobility and adaptation, despite facing severe risks from rising sea levels, extreme weather events and climate-induced displacement.
"Caribbean voices are diminished even more," Joseph said, urging that the region play a greater role in shaping the policies that will determine its future.
The minister drew particular attention to the annual threat posed by hurricanes, noting that many Caribbean nations endure a six-month hurricane season. He stressed that this vulnerability makes it essential for Caribbean leaders to have a seat at the table when decisions are made about climate financing and resilience measures.
"For many of us, it is not a matter of if, but who is going to be impacted," he said.
Joseph pointed to the severe economic consequences that major storms have inflicted on small island economies, citing examples from Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica, where single hurricanes have caused extensive damage and significant setbacks to national development.
He renewed calls for broader international use of the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI) when determining access to grants, loans and other forms of climate-related funding. Joseph argued that traditional measures used by international financial institutions frequently fail to capture the true vulnerabilities of small island states, placing many countries at a disadvantage when seeking support.
The minister called for increased funding, stronger representation in global decision-making processes and greater international support to help preserve the livelihoods, cultures and way of life of Caribbean people as climate change intensifies.
The Berlin Climate Mobility Forum brings together policymakers, researchers and international organisations to address the growing challenges of climate-induced displacement and migration worldwide.
