Gaston Browne calls for climate justice and fairer financing at Global Citizen NOW Summit

Speaking at the Global Citizen NOW Summit in Australia, Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne called for urgent international action to address climate injustice and provide fairer financing for Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Browne characterized climate change as an existential threat and a development crisis that undermines the economic sovereignty of vulnerable nations.

He highlighted a “double injustice” where countries contributing the least to global greenhouse-gas emissions suffer the most severe consequences, such as rising seas, intensifying hurricanes, and coastal erosion. Furthermore, these nations are often forced to borrow at high interest rates to rebuild after disasters, creating a cycle of debt and reconstruction.

Browne advocated for accessible, predictable, and affordable climate finance, emphasizing the need for grants as compensation rather than charity. His proposals include increased support for adaptation, loss and damage, concessional financing, and disaster-responsive debt arrangements that recognize structural vulnerabilities.