Prime Minister the Honourable Gaston Browne on Tuesday welcomed the ten finalists of the UN–Government of Antigua and Barbuda Global Call for Project Pitches to the Office of the Prime Minister for a high-level discussion centered on innovation, resilience, and transformative development.
The finalists are in Antigua and Barbuda for a week-long Proof-of-Concept Workshop, a key element of the Global Call initiative. The programme, launched by the UN Resident Coordinator Office for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, seeks to identify and nurture scalable, high-impact project concepts that address national priorities and the region’s most pressing development challenges.
During the meeting, finalists presented their proposals, each offering creative, technically sound strategies aimed at strengthening national resilience, enhancing key sectors, and promoting inclusive, sustainable growth.
Prime Minister Browne commended the innovators for the quality and ambition of their submissions.
“I am truly impressed by the caliber of ideas presented. These projects reflect the innovation and forward-thinking that our region needs to thrive in a rapidly changing global environment. I wish all finalists the very best as you progress to the next phase of this important initiative.”
Among the concepts highlighted for their strong potential impact were proposals to scale mushroom production to support livelihoods for women and youth; circular waste-to-energy systems to strengthen waste management and energy security; the Sol Agri System, an integrated solar-powered hydroponic and aeroponic farming model supported by advanced data tools; fisheries technologies aimed at mitigating the effects of sargassum; and the BEACON Project, a cutting-edge solution addressing the Codrington Lagoon barrier breach in Barbuda.
These ideas align closely with the Building Resilience Roadmap, which prioritizes food system enhancement, a green and equitable energy transition, digital transformation, job creation, and stronger social protection systems.
The Global Call is structured to promote transparency, inclusivity, and innovation through its open eligibility, international reach, rigorous evaluation process, and hands-on in-country development stage. The Proof-of-Concept Workshop gives finalists the opportunity to refine their proposals in collaboration with government officials, technical experts, and UN partners, significantly strengthening their prospects for national deployment.
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda reaffirmed its commitment to supporting forward-looking, high-impact initiatives that advance national development priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals. Prime Minister Browne emphasized that partnerships like the Global Call play a vital role in building resilience, mobilizing investment, and positioning Antigua and Barbuda as a regional leader in sustainable development.
The finalists will continue technical sessions throughout the week as they refine their concepts ahead of the final selection phase.
