The Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4) will bring together governments, the UN, civil society, the private sector, and youth leaders to turn new ideas into action, gather new commitments of support, and address the main challenges that lie ahead for these vulnerable nations.
There are 39 SIDS, ranging from Antigua and Barbuda, the host of the conference, to Vanuatu in the South Pacific. These nations were recognized as a special case for support during the first Earth Summit in 1992, also known as the game-changing UN Conference on Environment and Development.
Located in some of the most disaster-prone regions of the world, SIDS are highly susceptible to sea level rise, climate shocks, and natural disasters. They also have small domestic markets and are vulnerable to economic downturns.
Other challenges include rapid population growth, which strains basic services and job availability, and their exposure to climate change and environmental fragility.
Many SIDS lack the necessary resilience to cope with the increasing frequency of natural disasters, as evidenced by the devastating impact of hurricanes Irma and Maria on Antigua and Barbuda in 2017, according to Prime Minister Gaston Browne in an interview with UN News.
In order for small island States to survive in the coming decades, global collaboration to reduce global warming is crucial, as stated by Prime Minister Browne.
Other common challenges faced by SIDS include high import and export costs, limited natural resources, higher population density compared to the global average, high debt, and limited access to affordable borrowing.
In 2014, SIDS met and agreed upon the SAMOA Pathway for action, which expanded the UN body responsible for advocating for the interests of landlocked developing countries and least developed nations to include small island States.
UN Under Secretary-General and High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries, and Small Island Developing States, Rabab Fatima, told UN News that the SIDS4 conference will “deliver a bold new plan of action to enhance the resilience of 39 small island nations in tackling the world’s most pressing challenges and achieving the SDGs.”
She highlighted the consensus that has already been reached on a program of action, which delegates will take back to their respective countries after the conference concludes on May 27 in Antigua and Barbuda.
This new agenda will outline the sustainable development goals of small island States for the next decade.
“We are going there to renew our commitment to strengthening resilience and fostering prosperity, collectively,” said Ms. Fatima, who is also the Special Advisor to the SIDS4 conference.
“We need everyone on board,” she added. “Therefore, NGOs, civil society, government, and the private sector all have a role to play.”
She stated that this new strategy will help to build resilience, increase climate action, mainstream disaster risk reduction, strengthen safe and healthy societies, promote science, technology, innovation, and digitalization, enhance prosperity, employment, equality, and inclusivity, and build partnerships.
To achieve this, more support is needed from the international community, both at the conference in Antigua and beyond.
“NGOs, civil society, government, and the private sector all have a role to play.”
— Rabab Fatima
But how can SIDS plan for the long term when transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable resources may not be in their short-term interests due to limited resources and increased vulnerability?
Ms. Fatima stated that island nations have been at the forefront of setting ambitious targets for this transition.
“Many island nations have launched roadmaps to achieve 100% energy generation from renewable resources by 2030,” including the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and Antigua and Barbuda.
In the Pacific, countries like Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, and the Federated States of Micronesia have made significant investments in solar, wind, and hydropower projects with support from financial institutions such as the Asian Development Bank.
In the Caribbean, Jamaica and Grenada have seen growth in rooftop solar, wind farms, and other renewable energy projects.
So, what are the positive outcomes that the top UN official for small island State development hopes to see emerge from the conference in Antigua and Barbuda?
“In addition to advancing the global sustainable development agenda, my ultimate hope is that the SIDS4 conference will act as a catalyst for positive change, resulting in noticeable improvements in the lives of those living in small island developing States,” said Ms. Fatima.
She called for concrete action plans to address urgent issues faced by SIDS and for the strengthening of partnerships “among international organizations, development partners, civil society, and SIDS.”
Other participating nations and organizations are also expected to make policy commitments to help SIDS achieve the 2030 SDGs, “which could involve pledges to provide funding, technical assistance, and capacity building.”
Ms. Fatima hopes that SIDS will be empowered to take charge of their own development plans and will be given the necessary tools and support to implement resilient and sustainable initiatives.
“I believe the success of SIDS4 will be measured by its ability to inspire significant action, mobilize resources, and promote positive change for the benefit of the people living in small island developing States.”
UN News will have a team in St. Johns, the capital of Antigua and Barbuda, to provide live coverage of all the events and discussions at the conference. From your mobile device or computer, you can follow the key happenings as delegates at SIDS4 work towards a focused, forward-thinking, and action-oriented political outcome document.