At the Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4), Foreign Secretary Sewa Lamsal, leading the Nepali Delegation, engaged in talks with Everly Paul Chet Greene, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Agriculture, Trade, and Barbuda Affairs of Antigua and Barbuda. The meeting, held on Wednesday in St. John’s during the sidelines of SIDS4, focused on various topics concerning SIDS and Least Developed Countries (LDCs).

Among the matters discussed were Nepal-Antigua and Barbuda relations, the implementation of Internationally Agreed Development Goals such as Sustainable Development Goals and the Doha Programme of Action, as well as the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS. Both parties emphasized the importance of solidarity among countries in special situations to address common global challenges like climate change.

In addition, they deliberated on issues related to Nepal-UN partnership, Nepal’s graduation from the LDC category, and the UN’s role in supporting Nepal's development efforts. Climate change and the significance of effective multilateralism were also key topics during their discussions.

The Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States, held under the theme of “Charting the Course Towards Resilient Prosperity,” took place in St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda from May 27 to May 30, 2024. The conference concluded today with the official closing ceremony, after which Foreign Secretary Lamsal is scheduled to return home.

Foreign Secretary Lamsal previously delivered a statement at the General Debate of the conference representing the group of Least Developed Countries (LDCs). In her statement, she underscored the significant impact of climate change on countries in special situations and urged the international community to provide support. She also commended SIDS for adopting the ambitious and action-oriented Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS) and expressed solidarity from LDCs towards SIDS.