President Wavel Ramkalawan of Seychelles stressed the crucial need for small island developing states (SIDS) to stand together and present a united front at the Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4), which kicked off on Monday in St. Johns, Antigua, and Barbuda.
“Today, as we convene, our shared commitment is to confront the distinctive challenges confronting small island nations. Despite three decades of recognition of the special considerations deserved by SIDS, we face a complex web of interlinked issues, from climate change and rising sea levels to environmental degradation, devastating pandemics, geopolitical tensions, economic vulnerability, and sustainable development”.
The President delivered this message during his address to the heads of state and government general debate plenary session at the SIDS4 conference.
“The climate crisis will destroy all of us. Already, we are being hit by coastal erosion, coral bleaching, rise in sea level, stronger storm surges, and destruction of our biodiversity and sea life in general. Tourism forms an important part of our economy and this is closely linked to the beauty of our environment. Speaking with one voice will ensure we protect our economic gains and thus allow us to continue giving our children and people good education, appropriate health services and a good standard of living,” he stressed.
In his address, UN Secretary General António Guterres appealed to the G20, which accounts for 80% of global CO2 emissions, to acknowledge and address the disproportionate effects of climate change on Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
While reiterating the UN’s dedication to supporting these vulnerable nations.
“We cannot accept the disappearance of any country or culture under the rising waves. The idea that an entire island state could become collateral damage for profiteering by the fossil fuel industry or competition between larger economies is simply obscene,” said Guterres.
Guterres stressed that SIDS deserve economic justice and urgently require resources for climate mitigation and finance. He emphasized that finance is the fuel that can drive progress, and it is essential for these nations to achieve sustainable development.
The Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4) is taking place from May 27-30, under the overarching theme of “Charting the course toward resilient prosperity.” The conference will assess the ability of SIDS to achieve sustainable development, including the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The event aims to identify solutions and strategies to support these vulnerable nations in overcoming their unique challenges and achieving a more resilient and prosperous future.
The SIDS4 conference, held every decade, convenes representatives from 37 United Nations member states to address pressing issues affecting Small Island Developing States. This year’s discussions will center on revitalizing SIDS’ economies, enhancing aid effectiveness, and scaling up climate finance, building on the momentum from the 28th UN Framework Conference on Climate Change (COP28).
