Alexa Lightbourne, the Minister of Home Affairs, discussed Bermuda’s energy context during the World Governments Summit in Dubai last week.

A government spokeswoman said she joined the Global Energy Efficiency Alliance ministerial round table, hosted by the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, from February 3 to 5.

She explained: “Ms Lightbourne signed a Declaration of Participation in the Alliance on behalf of Bermuda, reflecting the Government’s commitment to accelerating energy efficiency as a cornerstone of sustainable development and climate action.”

Ms Lightbourne highlighted Bermuda’s unique energy context as a small island jurisdiction with no external grid interconnection, high electricity costs and significant climate exposure — with energy efficiency standing out as the most immediate, cost-effective pathway means for affordability and energy security.

She told the gathering that alliances such as GEEA can help close the gap between policy ambition and implementation.

Ms Lightbourne shared the panel with ministers from countries such as Serbia, South Africa and Mauritania. Representatives from nations including France, Egypt and Madagascar also participated.

She met with Noemi Espinosa Madrid, Secretary General of the Association of Caribbean States; joined David Burt in a meeting with Roosevelt Skinner, the Prime Minister of Dominica; and participated in a closed-door round table, “Google and PwC: AI Works for Government,” with Jason Hayward, the Minister of Economy and Labour.

Ms Lightbourne took part in another round table on development and post-2030 co-operation priorities as well as the ACS International Co-operation Conference, aimed at strengthening collaboration among Caribbean and Latin American nations.

The UAE Government covered all airfare and accommodation costs for the ministers and Bermuda delegation.