Secretary-General Hails Leadership of Small Island Nations in Tackling Climate Crisis, Ocean Protection, Pledging Support for COVID-19 Response, Recovery

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ video message on the thirtieth anniversary of the Alliance of Small Island States, held today:

I send my warmest greetings to the Alliance of Small Island States and congratulate you on your thirtieth anniversary.  Your exemplary leadership on the climate crisis has helped to move the entire international community to increase ambition and action.  Your commitment to protect your oceans and harness the blue economy sustainably is essential to global efforts on biodiversity.

The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed deep vulnerabilities for certain groups of countries — including small island nations.

We need global unity and solidarity to address gaps and weaknesses, and build a more sustainable and resilient future, guided by the Paris Agreement [on climate change], the 2030 Agenda [for Sustainable Development] and the other great global accords of our times.

Our reformed United Nations development system will work hand-in-hand with your Governments to support response and recovery efforts.  And I will continue to advocate for improved access for small island developing States and middle-income countries to debt relief, fresh resources and concessional loans and grants.

The United Nations is committed to bringing the special case of small island developing States to the international community at every opportunity.  I extend my best wishes to the Alliance of Small Island States for another 30 years of strong leadership and success.  Thank you.