Chasm between Member States Spoken Commitments, Financial Implementation ‘Condemns Us’, Prime Minister Tells Global Conference on Small Island Developing States
Small island developing States face a diversion of expenditure from sustainable development to recovery from the impacts of climate-change-induced disasters, speakers told the Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States in Antigua and Barbuda today, to highlight the critical importance of financial support and access to finance.
“SIDS [small island developing States] are often debating a ‘Sophie’s choice’ between sustainable development and rebuilding from the ravages of natural hazards,” said Carlos James, Minister for Tourism, Civil Aviation, Sustainable Development and Culture of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
Small island developing States in the Caribbean spend a significant portion of capital on recovery from the devastating impacts of climate change and natural hazards instead of sustainable development programmes such as education and health care, he said, joining a chorus of calls for the reform of the international financial architecture, including the Bridgetown initiatives.
During a day-long debate on the second day of the 27-30 May conference, more than 50 delegates took the floor. Several speakers pointed out that many small island developing States have middle or high per capita income, which does not accurately reflect their vulnerabilities. Therefore, the unique circumstances of these States must be considered as a criterion for concessional financing, they asserted.
To that end, France proposed to build a new financial pact — the Paris Pact for the People and the Planet. Supported by nearly 60 States, this pact aims to rebuild an international financial system to meet the challenges of the twenty-first century, said Chrysoula Zacharopoulou, that country’s Minister of State for Development and International Partnerships. “All topics are on the table,” she went on to say, citing debt, special drawing rights (SDRs), private finance and multilateral development banks.
The “chasm” between Member States’ spoken commitments and their financial implementation “condemns us”, said Mia Amor Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados and the architecture of the Bridgetown initiatives aimed at reforming the world of development finance. Underlining the increased frequency and scale of natural hazards, she called for a more responsive, fair and inclusive global financial system that must be built with speed and scope. However, “financing is not the destination”, she cautioned, noting that it is simply the mechanism by which necessary projects can be implemented.
Financing his country’s needs cannot be achieved through domestic resource mobilization alone, said Kuike Numoi, Acting Deputy Secretary (Policy), Department of Foreign Affairs of Papua New Guinea. “It is not enough to demand SIDS to fix their domestic systems to support development financing,” he said, stressing the crucial need to address the existing shortcomings of the international financial system. He therefore expressed support for the use of the multidimensional vulnerability index and the Secretary-General’s call for a Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Stimulus Package.
Mohammad Hasan Mahmud, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh, was among those who spotlighted the newly established loss and damage fund to compensate for damage caused by climate change impacts. Along with other funding mechanisms, this fund must make climate financing “easily accessible” to small island developing States and other vulnerable countries. Dace Melbārde, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia, underscored the need to accelerate climate finance for nations “carrying the heaviest burden”, calling for the loss and damage fund to be operationalized before the 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference.
On that, Hosaka Yasushi, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, said that his country has already disbursed the pledged amount of $10 million to have the fund up and running. Tokyo will continue to provide the necessary cooperation to small island developing States regardless of their income levels, considering their actual development needs, their ability to bear the associated obligations and their unique vulnerabilities.
Many development partners came forward with pledges and initiatives. Among them was Richard Benyon, Minister of State for Climate, Environment and Energy of the United Kingdom, who noted that his country announced in 2023 an additional £1.6 billion for the Green Climate Fund. “That’s our biggest single aid commitment to help tackle climate change,” he emphasized, noting a recent pledge of a further £200 million “to build on our landmark Caribbean Infrastructure Fund”. But the most important question is whether small island developing States can access this money.
Karmenu Vella, Special Envoy of the Minister for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade of Malta, said his country is strengthening its scholarship programme at both the master’s and PhD level over the next programming period. Such endeavours, which are open to citizens of eligible small island developing States, contribute to increasing their capacities and resilience, he said.
Several speakers highlighted the responsibility of major industrialized countries to play their parts in fighting climate change. Jennifer Lee Morgan, State Secretary and Special Envoy for International Climate Action of Germany, said that her country is on track to reduce emissions by 65 per cent, achieve 80 per cent in sustainable energy and phase out coal by 2030. It also intends to become carbon neutral by 2045. Announcing new bilateral projects, including a €5 million Pacific Blue Economy programme, the creation of the first online cultural heritage repository and a contribution to the SIDS Centre of Excellence, she declared: “The next 10 years, starting today, are going to be the most important we have ever experienced historically, to turn the tide, as decisions we take today and tomorrow will have an impact for thousands of years.”
General Debate
SEWA LAMSAL, Foreign Secretary of Nepal, speaking on behalf of the Group of Least Developed Countries, said that along with landlocked developing and small island developing States, her group of countries is among the hardest hit by the impacts of compounding and intersecting crises — from the COVID‑19 pandemic to climate change, conflicts to geopolitical competition, and the rising cost of living. The context of small island developing States is unique due to their structural vulnerability emanating from the geographical situation, lack of alternative energy sources, and burgeoning impacts of increased frequency and intensity of climate disasters. “Small island developing States deserve stronger attention and should not be left behind,” she said, expressing the support of least developed countries for the cause of those island States.
She said that towards the Summit of the Future in September 2024 and the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development in 2025, the needs and priorities of those countries must be reflected and addressed properly. The global-level systemic problems can be addressed only through stronger international solidarity, harmony, cooperation and collaboration. “We must stop carbon emissions first, the main cause of sea-level rise and melting of glaciers, before it is too late for the existence of human beings,” she urged, underlining the high cost of climate change despite their “negligible contribution” to the phenomena.
KUIKE NUMOI, Acting Deputy Secretary (Policy), Department of Foreign Affairs of Papua New Guinea, expressing appreciation to the many delegations who expressed solidarity with his country for last Friday’s devastating and tragic landslide, said this tragic natural hazard is a clear reminder of the vulnerabilities facing small island developing States. Stressing the need to build capacity, he commended the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for prioritizing the mainstreaming of disaster risk reduction and strengthening disaster preparedness, including multi-hazard early warning systems. The financing his country needs cannot be achieved through domestic resource mobilization alone. “It is not enough to demand SIDS to fix their domestic systems to support development financing, it is crucial to address the existing shortcomings of the international financial system,” he said, expressing support for the use of the multidimensional vulnerability index and the Secretary-General’s call for a Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Stimulus Package.
VIRIATO LUÍS SOARES CASSAMÁ, Minister for Environment, Biodiversity and Climate Action of Guinea-Bissau, said that his country is blessed with both “unique natural beauty” and an “extraordinary wealth” of biodiversity and culture. However, it is facing significant challenges caused by climate change, as a large portion of its territory is less than five metres above sea level and, therefore, vulnerable to sea-level rise and extreme climate events. These threats, he stressed, jeopardize not only biodiversity, but also the security and livelihoods of coastal and island communities. Stating that a “vision of a prosperous and integrated Africa guides our initiatives”, he detailed national policies designed to promote renewable energy, sustainable agriculture and conservation of both marine and terrestrial ecosystems. Further projects focus on capacity-building in coastal and island communities, as well as plastic waste management. “Although our contribution to global greenhouse-gas emissions is minimal, we are disproportionately impacted,” he went on to say, calling for greater solidarity and international support in this context. Also spotlighting the candidacy of the Bijagós Archipelago for classification as a world natural heritage site, he said this will help protect global biodiversity.
ANDERS ADLERCREUTZ, Minister for European Affairs and Ownership Steering of Finland, stressed the importance of multilateralism more than ever in tackling the impacts of climate change that are threatening small island developing States, as well as the urgency to implement necessary reforms. He called for finding common solutions to global challenges, noting that all suffer from the impacts of those challenges but small island developing States are among the hardest hit by them. Advocating for the whole-of-society approach, he highlighted the partnership between the European Union and small island developing States at UN climate negotiations to address climate change. “Next year is critical if we are going to bend the curve on emissions,” he said. For its part, Finland has a long history of supporting developing countries in several areas, such as weather services. Countries must step up, he said, stressing that there is “no time to waste.” Let’s chart the course for resilience and prosperity, he urged.
LASHA DARSALIA, First Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Georgia, noting that his country has been sharing its innovative experiences and reforms with interested countries, said that it is also facilitating educational opportunities for small island developing States through its scholarship programmes. These nations are being hit hardest by more frequent El Niños, sea level rise and extreme weather events, he said, adding that his country is no exception in experiencing bitter repercussions of climate change. Georgia is enhancing its nationally determined contribution ambition, with plans to develop a new emission reduction target by 2025. Further, Georgia’s Long Term (2050) Low Emission Development Concept outlines a pathway towards achieving climate-neutrality by 2050. Reaffirming commitment to aligning his country’s climate change ambitions with leading international standards, he stressed that small island developing States cannot bear the weight of transformation alone.
MOHAMMAD HASAN MAHMUD, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh, said that his country is “one of the most vulnerable” to climate change. In response, its agricultural scientists have worked to invent drought- and flood-resistant crop varieties, and he said that Bangladesh will share these advances in adaptation with small island developing States and other vulnerable nations. For their part, advanced, large-emitting economies must take ambitious, time-bound action to curb greenhouse-gas emissions so that vulnerable countries can still be spared the worst consequences. He also said that the newly established loss and damage fund — along with other funding mechanisms — must make climate financing “easily accessible” to small island developing States and other vulnerable countries. Turning to issues of human mobility, he reported that there are millions already of internally displaced in his country due to saltwater intrusion and sea-level rise. Noting that he hails from a coastal city in his country, he emphasized that he has seen the negative effects of climate change “with my own eyes”, as the morning and evening tides now regularly encroach into the city. Against that backdrop, he stressed that Bangladesh will “remain engaged with SIDS and other countries in the Global South to make sure that our people get justice”.
LOVEMORE MATUKE, Minister for Presidential Affairs in the Office of the President of Zimbabwe, expressed his country’s solidarity with small island developing States in charting a new course for their sustainable development and building a better future for all, pledging to “leave no one behind”. It is therefore important to agree on an achievable pathway. The challenges faced by small island developing States are deeply intertwined with those faced by landlocked developing countries. While their geographical features differ, their aspirations for sustainable development, resilience and prosperity are fundamentally the same, “bound by a common destiny and shared responsibilities to safeguard the planet”. Noting that the group of small island developing States was formed and recognized in 1992, he stressed that multilateral systems are no longer fit for purpose and called for their reforms.
NIKOLAUS MARSCHIK, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Austria, said that small island developing States should reduce dependencies, de-risk and diversify as well as invest in more robust resilience. Noting that war is back in his neighbourhood, he called on the Russian Federation to stop its aggression. His country is a bridge builder and works for dialogue and conflict prevention, he said, adding that the world needs more multilateralism and dialogue. “Multilateralism also means talking to those we do not agree with,” he said, adding that this is one of the reasons Austria is a proud candidate for a non-permanent seat at the Security Council for the term 2027-28. His country has been supporting the global network of sustainable energy centres. Pointing to the new Agenda’s reference to conserving the ocean and its resources, he noted that Austria has been working with Pacific small island developing States to fight marine pollution and plastic waste.
MINNA-LIINA LIND, Under-Secretary for Global Affairs of Estonia, noting her country’s small population and large coastline, said that — like for small island developing States — “the maritime environment directly impacts our economy and well-being”. For Estonia and others, “rising sea levels and extreme weather events are not abstract concerns”; rather, they are real threats that demand urgent action. Reporting that her country allocates approximately €1.5 million to climate finance annually — and that this amount will increase by 7 per cent by 2027 — she nevertheless observed that “as small nations, our resources are limited”. However, digitalization offers a powerful tool in this context, and — spotlighting her country’s efforts towards “e-governance solutions” — she said that innovation and digital solutions can streamline State functions, reduce costs and improve people’s lives. She added that, for small island developing States, embracing digital technology can improve access to services and “create new economic opportunities closer to home”.
JENNIFER LEE MORGAN, State Secretary and Special Envoy for International Climate Action of Germany, noted that climate change was already a reality for small island developing States 30 years ago. The international community has not delivered on commitments at the pace needed to address the threat and can no longer look away from it, she said, highlighting the responsibility of G7 and G20 countries to scale up action and reduce emissions. Her country is on track to reduce emissions by 65 per cent, achieve 80 per cent in sustainable energy and phase out coal by 2030. It also plans to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045. She then announced new bilateral projects, including a €5 million Pacific Blue Economy programme, the creation of the first online cultural heritage repository and a contribution to the SIDS Centre of Excellence. “The next 10 years, starting today, are going to be the most important we have ever experienced historically to turn the tide, decisions we take today and tomorrow will have an impact for thousands of years,” she said.
ANDREAS MOTZFELDT KRAVIK, State Secretary for the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Norway, commending the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for its strong language on human rights, gender and Indigenous Peoples, among others, said the ocean is a fundamental foreign policy priority for his country. Welcoming the focus on biodiversity in the Agenda, he stressed the need to tackle unreported and illegal fishing. The international community must recognize the existence of transnational organized crime in the fishing industry, he said, also pointing to the impact of plastic pollution on small island developing States and the need for better access to ocean data. Further, Norway has doubled its climate financing, he said, adding that mitigation and adaptation are core priorities. A dedicated fund to address loss and damage is crucial, he said, highlighting his country’s Green Shipping Challenge, an initiative aimed at cutting greenhouse gases from shipping.
DACE MELBĀRDE, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia, noting the “immediate and profound environmental challenges” faced by small island developing States, welcomed the designation of 2024 as an international year for such States. This will raise awareness and increase visibility of their challenges and perspectives as, today, such States are leaders in the fight against climate change. In that context, she expressed support for Vanuatu’s initiative that culminated in a European Union request to the International Court of Justice for the clarification of State obligations with regards to climate change. Also underlining the need to accelerate climate finance for nations “carrying the heaviest burden”, she encouraged development institutions to build on the “vital new tool” of the multidimensional vulnerability index. Further, the loss and damage fund is a crucial instrument with which to support vulnerable States, and it should be operationalized before the 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference.
CARLOS JAMES, Minister for Tourism, Civil Aviation, Sustainable Development and Culture of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, expressed concern about the International Development Association’s intention to reduce its concessional loans to certain small island economies significantly. Such a decision will adversely affect life, living and production in developing countries. In 2024, his country allocated over $92 million towards environmental protection, with many infrastructure projects aimed at fighting the effects of climate change and building resilience. Small island developing States in the Caribbean spend a significant portion of capital on recovery from the devastating impacts of climate change and natural hazards instead of social services in education and health care. “SIDS are often debating a ‘Sophie’s choice’ between sustainable development and rebuilding from the ravages of natural hazards,” he lamented, calling for enhanced concessional development finance and implementation of the multidimensional vulnerability index to address access and eligibility criteria. Further, consideration should be given to the Bridgetown Initiative, which calls for reforming the global financial architecture, he added.
TRAIAN LAURENȚIU HRISTEA, Secretary of State for Global Affairs and Diplomatic Strategies of Romania, said that with less than six years left until 2030 and multiple crises erupting in different parts of the world, collective action involving all relevant stakeholders is crucial. Pointing to the gravity and urgency of sea level rise, he drew attention to the legal debate concerning the manifold consequences of this. An interconnected response, based on effective multilateralism, is crucial, he said, stressing the need to ensure a strong complementarity between the SDG Summit and the Summit of the Future. Between 2021 and 2023, Romania has allocated official development assistance (ODA) for the benefit of small island developing States, he said, adding that 70 per cent of the total ODA allocated was in the form of scholarships. His country has also shared technical expertise in natural hazard management, fighting climate change effects and increasing the resilience of public health systems.
PAVAN KAPOOR, Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs of India, said that his country will support the implementation of the “Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS” through its long-standing bilateral development partnerships that include concessional financing, grant assistance and capacity-building. Under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation programme, almost 6,000 people from small island developing States have received training courses in India over the last 10 years, and he said that “we are hoping to double this number in the coming years”. He also said that the India-UN Development Partnership Fund currently supports 82 projects in 57 countries, “of which half are SIDS”. Among other initiatives, he reported that India remains committed to strengthening hazard resilience among such States through the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, which his country helped launch in 2019. This initiative is unique, he emphasized, “in that it is co-owned, co-managed and co-operated by SIDS”.
CHRYSOULA ZACHAROPOULOU, Minister of State for Development and International Partnerships, attached to the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France, said that since 2018, her country has invested more than €1 billion in ODA to small island States. President Emmanuel Macron has announced the tripling of his country’s aid investments in the Pacific. “Small islands inspire the world,” she stressed, adding: “It is often your solutions and your initiatives that guide the action of France.” Alongside the Bridgetown Initiative, France has proposed to build a new financial pact — the Paris Pact for the People and the Planet. Supported by nearly 60 States, this pact aims to rebuild an international financial system to meet the challenges of the twenty-first century. All topics are on the table: debt, special drawing rights (SDRs), private finance and multilateral development banks. “This agenda postulates that climate and development present two fronts of the same battle.” Her country will host the June 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice. “There are no small countries,” she said. “To face the shared challenges, we need the action of all.”
IGOR ZHOVKVA, Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, said his country recognizes the urgency of climate change, especially for small island developing States, whose communities suffer disproportionately from its impacts. Ukraine has always been a promoter of intensified and concerted actions to address climate change, he said, adding that as one of the world’s leading food suppliers, his country is committed to ensuring the availability of safe, nutritious and affordable food for all. Despite the Russian federation’s military aggression, Ukraine managed to harvest 81 million tons of grain and oilseeds in 2023, of which 50 million tons were supplied to foreign markets. Drawing attention to the Summit on Peace in Ukraine, to be held in June in Switzerland, he urged all nations to join the Summit at the highest possible political level.
MIA AMOR MOTTLEY, Prime Minister of Barbados, noting that increased frequency and scale of natural hazards is now “regrettably a horrifying global reality”, stressed that the “chasm” between Member States’ spoken commitments and their financial implementation “condemns us”. Therefore, a more responsive, fair and inclusive global financial system must be built with speed and scope — “which are exactly what are missing from our agenda”, she said. She also urged that the establishment of the loss and damage fund not “take our eyes away” from the critical financing needed for adaptation. “Financing is not the destination,” she cautioned, however — it is simply the mechanism by which necessary projects can be implemented. Spotlighting the new hub for small island developing States established through partnership between the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and Barbados, she said it will promote cooperation between such States, deliver technical support to increase such States’ resilience, facilitate economic diversification and, ultimately, promote investment in small island developing countries.
She went on to point out that such States’ experience during the pandemic “clearly demonstrated” that they and other developing countries must focus on pharmaceutical manufacturing. She urged, therefore, steps to ensure that countries “are not on the wrong side of the technological divide”. Also calling for a biennial assembly for small island developing States — rather than meetings that occur every 5 or 10 years — she quoted Barbadian novelist George Lamming: “The architecture of our future is not finished.” The task facing this generation of leaders, then, is to complete the work started in 1994 in Barbados, where the need was felt to create a special framework for small island developing States. “It is geopolitics and national politics blocking progress in this world,” she observed. Urging that those present “leave Antigua with a spirit of hope”, she said that progress has been made — just not with sufficient speed and scope. “Let us now press the gas,” she said.
NUNO SAMPAIO, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Portugal, pledged his country’s support for implementing the “Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS”. Portugal’s 2030 cooperation strategy aims to scale up ocean and climate action, address the multiple impacts of sea-level rise, reduce disaster risks and diversify the economy, and finance development, including through triangular cooperation and debt-for-climate swaps. Portugal is officially launching an “ocean fellowship” with the United Nations, an annual capacity-building programme starting this year, aimed at supporting developing countries, especially small island developing States, in ocean governance, marine conservation, sustainable blue economy and the continental shelf regime. With 2024 marking the International Year of Small Island Developing States, “let it also be the year we achieve progress towards establishing a solid monitoring and evaluation framework” for the new Agenda.
EDUARD HULICIUS, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, while noting that his country is landlocked, expressed solidarity with the predicament of small island developing States, and noted the European Union’s commitment to assist them. Drawing attention to his country’s support for projects in education and health-care capacity-building for disaster resilience in countries such as Belize, Antigua and Barbuda and Palau among others, he said it also provided assistance for reconstruction of schools in Haiti after the devastating earthquake there. Stressing the need for cyber capacity-building, he said it is vital to defend against information and communications technology (ICT) threats. Small island developing States are particularly vulnerable due to their small size, remoteness and exposure to global economic and political shocks, he said, adding that it is crucial to address challenges such as ocean acidification and biodiversity loss.
The representative of Italy pointed out that his country’s longstanding bilateral cooperation with the Pacific small island developing States and Caribbean Community (CARICOM) “predates the 2030 Agenda [for Sustainable Development] and the Paris Agreement [on climate change]”. In that context, Italy has focused its efforts on projects related to energy transition, climate change adaptation, protection of oceans and seas, marine plastic pollution, disaster preparedness and response and women empowerment. He also reported that Italy recently made a pledge of €100 million for the new loss and damage fund, as well as a pledge of €300 million for the replenishment of the Green Climate Fund. Further, it finalized a concessional loan partnership for sustainable development projects in CARICOM countries. Underlining the importance of meaningful youth participation in this context, he also reported that Italy funds scholarships on “climate diplomacy” on a multi-year basis to benefit young leaders coming from countries belonging to the Alliance of Small Island States.
KEEYONG CHUNG, Special Representative for Indo-Pacific, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Korea, said that his country increased its ODA in 2023 by more than 20 per cent from 2022 and increased it again by more than 30 per cent in 2024. Seoul seeks to build “green ladders” by supporting adaptation and mitigation efforts, fully committed to increasing green ODA and contributing to the Green Climate Fund and the Global Green Growth Institute. Small island developing States represent remarkable diversity and dynamism. “They are the centre of the blue economy and stewards of irreplaceable biodiversity,” he said, drawing attention to the Korea-Pacific Islands Summit in 2023, the annual high-level forum on the Korea-Caribbean Partnership, and the first-ever Korea-Africa Summit in Seoul next week. With only six years left until the target year for SDGs, he expressed hope that the conference would galvanize political leadership and pave the way for bold, concrete actions to accelerate SDG implementation in small island developing States.
KARMENU VELLA, Special Envoy of the Minister for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade of Malta, said that “as one of the smallest island States in the world, Malta shares a deep affinity with the aspirations and concerns of small island developing States”. Highlighting his country’s “Island for Islands” initiative, he acknowledged the importance of investing in capacities and the potential of youth as pivotal agents of change in achieving a sustainable future. Malta is strengthening its scholarships programme at both the master’s and PhD level over the next programming period. Such endeavours, which are open to citizens of ODA-eligible small island developing States, contribute to increasing their capacities and resilience, he said. Also recalling a series of webinars, co-organized by his country, he said it dealt with “SIDS-specific themes” such as sustainable tourism and management of water resources. He also highlighted the climate vulnerability and resilience index, which alongside the multidimensional vulnerability index, will become a valuable tool to developing countries.
RICHARD BENYON, Minister of State for Climate, Environment and Energy of the United Kingdom, noting that his country “is helping Antigua host this conference”, said that London works to ensure that the support it offers small island developing States “takes your specific needs into account”. In that context, the international community should ask three questions. First, whether systems reflect such States’ unique circumstances — and, on that, he said: “Frankly, the way we do aid does not work for some of the world’s most vulnerable, and there is something inherently wrong with the system.” The second question is whether enough funding is offered, and he reported that his country announced in 2023 an additional £1.6 billion for the Green Climate Fund. “That’s our biggest single aid commitment to help tackle climate change,” he emphasized, also noting a recent pledge of a further £200 million “to build on our landmark Caribbean Infrastructure Fund”. However, the final test — the most important — is whether small island developing States can access this money. Reporting that the United Kingdom is using programme funding to boost technical assistance to such States, he said this is to ensure that they can harness expertise, get the funding they need and spend it effectively.
The representative of Indonesia said that her archipelagic country shares similar challenges with small island developing States. Addressing sea-level rise, reducing disaster risks and advancing effective ocean and coastal resource management are some of their common interests. Indonesia has thus placed special priority on small island developing States in its development partnership. Stressing the need for bold and innovative partnerships that correspond to the needs of those countries is key. Indonesia sees a strategic opportunity to forge synergies between the Archipelagic and Island States Forum and small island developing States. This partnership can address common challenges through smart and innovative solutions in four key areas — climate change mitigation and adaptation; blue economy; marine pollution; and maritime governance. The Forum’s research grants, scholarships, start-up incubators and blue financing could serve as catalysts for the development priorities of small island developing States, she added.
The representative of Denmark said that while more people have woken up to the fact that climate change is real, intensified storms and sea-level rise and other impacts are no longer confined to small island developing States. However, such impact is disproportionate for these States, she said, adding that their communities are paying the highest price, often compounded by the debt burden and the ramifications of the pandemic. The link between climate change and security has been acknowledged widely, she said, welcoming the inclusion of key deliverables in the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda. Highlighting Denmark’s efforts towards decarbonization of shipping, she looked forward to small island developing States’ leadership on fossil fuel phaseout. Her country has pledged $25 million for the loss and damage fund and has doubled its global climate fund contribution, which is now close to $250 million. It will work closely with the Green Climate Fund to facilitate access to funding, she added.
MA ZHAOXU, Special Representative of the Government and Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of China, recalled a statement by President Xi Jinping that “this blue planet, shared by humanity, does not consist of isolated islands separated by oceans”. Rather, oceans connect humanity, and all countries — regardless of size, strength or wealth — are equal members of the international community. The active participation of small island developing States, therefore, is “critical to the improvement of global governance”, he stressed. Further, efforts should be made to reform the unjust international economic order and create an enabling environment for such States’ development. He also urged accelerated implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework to support small island developing States in “building beautiful homelands, where man lives in harmony with nature”. Additionally, as innovation is a primary force in driving development, such States must not be left behind amidst a new round of industrial revolution. Rather, they must be supported in building capacity, strengthening scientific empowerment and tapping into new drivers of economic growth. “China has long seen SIDS as important development partners and good friends,” he emphasized, adding that Beijing fully respects their sovereignty, independence, will for development, cultural traditions and “efforts to seek strength through unity”.
The representative of Spain supported the new Agenda for small island developing States and explained how his country assists these nations, with its overall assistance to them amounting to $240 million over the last decade. In the past three years, it increased development aid in areas such as environmental protection, food security, science and technology, and water and sanitation. Spain also cooperates with small island developing States in addressing coastal erosion and plastic pollution and in developing the blue economy. In 2025, Spain will host the fourth Conference on Financing for Development. It will make it participatory to bring forth substantive discussion and consider the concerns of small island developing States. Madrid has enshrined in its law the goal of devoting 0.7 per cent of gross national income to ODA by 2030 and intends to increase the rechannelling of its SDRs to 50 per cent in a short time. He expressed his country’s commitment to restructuring the debt architecture, also voicing support for the debt service suspension initiative and a successful conclusion of the United Nations tax framework.
The representative of Thailand said that small island developing States collectively pay vital roles in managing the oceans and marine resources, all of which are highly critical for global food security as well as human and planetary health. International development cooperation is at the core of his country’s foreign policy, he said, noting various training programmes as well as postgraduate scholarships on topics such as climate change, public health, green energy and sustainable tourism development. The advisory opinions of the International Court of Justice will be instrumental in spurring global effort to combat climate change, he said, calling for a truly transformative approach to achieve the SDGs. Highlighting his country’s “sufficiency economy philosophy”, he said this is crucial to building long-term resilience. Finally, the international financial architecture needs to be reformed with developing countries given a greater voice. This is essential to address the financing gap and scale up investment in the SDGs.
The representative of the Russian Federation expressed regret that “some countries” made political statements “with no relevance” to this conference. He then said that small island developing States boast unique ecosystems and cultural heritage, but face many challenges, such as limited access to trade and resources. “Russia has long provided support to these countries,” he said, detailing assistance that focuses on food security, health care, education, emergency response, digitalization, debt relief, environmental protection and the fight against climate change. Further, Moscow contributes every year to the technical cooperation programme of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which allows island States to receive assistance in using nuclear technology for sustainable development. He also spotlighted his country’s bilateral partnership with Cuba. While adding that his country will continue to support the development of such States, he said that it is “unacceptable” to directly link questions of climate change to those of peace and security.
HOSAKA YASUSHI, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, said that his country continues to provide the necessary cooperation to small island developing States regardless of their income levels, considering their actual development needs, their ability to bear the associated obligations and their unique vulnerabilities. Tokyo is providing up to $70 billion in public and private funds over five years to 2025, also having pledged to make a new contribution of up to 165 billion Japanese yen for the second replenishment of the Green Climate Fund. In addition, it has already disbursed the pledged amount of $10 million to have the loss and damage fund start operating. In the Caribbean, a Japanese start-up plans to introduce its innovative small-scale decentralized water recycling system in Antigua and Barbuda with financial support from a Japanese Government-affiliated financial institution. In the Pacific, Japan has also been contributing to capacity-building at the Pacific Climate Change Centre in Samoa. In 2024, Japan will host the tenth Pacific and Islands Summit in July and the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) Ministerial Meeting with African countries in August, he said, noting that this year marks the Japan-CARICOM Friendship Year.
The representative of Morocco, noting the need to help small island developing States overcome their structural obstacles, highlighted their geographical situation, scarcity of resources and the impact of climate change. Stressing the need for “real political resolve”, he said Morocco’s foreign policy prioritizes exchange of expertise and cooperation, especially with small island developing States in Africa. Drawing attention to the establishment of a climate change skills centre, various projects for the adaptation of African agriculture and the creation of a youth platform, he said his country is working to boost renewable energy and decrease energy consumption by 2030. Morocco has a vision of transforming the Afro-Atlantic region into an area of prosperity, he said; South-South cooperation and triangular cooperation are crucial to this.
The representative of Pakistan called for urgent climate action in line with the principle of “common but differentiated and respective responsibilities”. At the next United Nations Climate Change Conference, countries must agree on a new collective quantified goal on climate finance that reflects the needs and priorities of developing countries. They must also pursue the full operationalization of the loss and damage fund, with additional pledges for capitalizing it. Simultaneously, they must also seek to reform the international financial architecture in various upcoming processes to make it more equitable, just and responsive to the needs of developing countries.
The representative of Armenia said that his country — a landlocked developing one — shares many of the developmental challenges faced by nations with “unique structural constraints”, including in the contexts of climate change, environmental degradation and natural hazard. “While not on an island, Armenia shares many vulnerabilities with small island States due to its geographic and climatic challenges,” he observed, spotlighting unprecedented torrential rainfall — and the consequent severe flooding and landslides — that recently affected several communities in the Lori and Tavush provinces of his country. This caused significant damage to infrastructure, homes and livelihoods, demonstrating the urgent need for robust disaster-preparedness-and-response strategies. He emphasized, however: “The flood in Armenia was not an isolated incident, but part of a worrying pattern driven by the changing climate.” Underlining the need to enhance disaster-preparedness-and-response measures, he nevertheless observed that national efforts alone are insufficient. Therefore, more robust international cooperation is needed.
The representative of Luxemburg urged to recognize that small island developing States are at “a crossfire of a multitude of complex crises” which include climate change, debt crisis and the economic and social repercussions of the pandemic. These exogenous shocks impact humanitarian, cultural, economic and social aspects of life in the 39 small island developing States. For that reason, his country supports these States in building resilience for prosperity through its international climate finance strategy, committing €340 million from 2014 to 2025. Detailing his country’s engagement with a number of small island developing States — Cabo Verde, Fiji, Palau and Vanuatu — he also spotlighted the support provided to the Alliance of Small Island States. “Access to concessional finance must be made easier for small island developing States to allow for a mitigation of fiscal constraints and a reduction of indebtedness,” he stressed.
The representative of Monaco pointed out that 10 years after the Samoa conference, the sustainable development of small island developing States is still out of reach. The new Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for those nations seeks to be transformative, she said, welcoming the establishment of the Centre of Excellence as a useful mechanism to share data and technology and foster innovation and investment. A multidimensional vulnerability index will be a better tool to measure the special circumstances of small island developing States. The international community must support capacity-building, access to finance and scientific and technological cooperation. In this regard, Monaco will host the Blue Economy and Finance Forum on the margin of the 2025 UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France.
The representative of Qatar, noting the many road maps that the international community has established to counter the developmental and environmental challenges facing small island developing States, called for concerted effort to promote partnership and multilateralism. Highlighting Qatar’s policy of partnership and solidarity, he stressed the importance of the principle of common but differentiated responsibility. Qatar is an active partner, bilaterally, regionally and internationally, he said, recalling the Fifth United Nations Conference on Least Developed Countries that was hosted in his country in March 2023. Also highlighting the Qatar Fund for Development, he said it focuses on food security and promoting sustainable solutions to build resilience. Qatar has pledged $100 million to help small island developing States and least developed countries address climate change, he said.
The representative of Kiribati, associating himself with the Alliance of Small Island States, Pacific Islands Forum, Pacific Small Island Developing States and the Group of Least Developed Countries, said that his country “aspires to be connected to the world”. The Government has therefore invested in digital-connectivity infrastructure across the nation, subsidizing mobile infrastructure on all of Kiribati’s islands. “We see this as an innovative pathway towards long-term resilience and prosperity,” he said. Fisheries — the largest revenue source for Kiribati — remain a priority for economic growth, and he said that the Government aims to protect and complement such revenue through marine protection, spatial planning, collaborative arrangements to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, diversification of tax resources and an expansion of the national revenue base. This is in line with Kiribati’s 20-year vision, which aims to transform the country into a wealthy, healthy, peaceful and prosperous nation and people by 2036. He also spotlighted the “enormous sustainable-development and economic potential” of Kiritimati Island, the world’s largest coral atoll.
The representative of the Federated States of Micronesia said that despite being free from colonial occupation, small island developing States’ lives, livelihoods and security remain under threat from other “destructive forces” — none of their own making. These include sea-level rise and climate change, greenhouse gases and global warming. Echoing the Secretary-General’s calls for integrating human rights principles into climate adaptation, mitigation and resilience efforts — particularly focusing on those most affected — he expressed disappointment that the “language from the global stock take on transitioning away from fossil fuels” was blocked from the Conference outcome document. Reiterating his country’s call for urgent reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, particularly from developed countries, he called for a new methane agreement modeled after the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. “The success or failure of the Conference will ultimately lie with how much support we get,” he said, urging for greater partnership cooperation.
The representative of New Zealand said that though small States have been the most consistent advocates for a rules-based international order, all too often their unique interests and vulnerabilities are overlooked. Highlighting her country’s close relationship with the Pacific small island developing States, she said their shared destiny appears more uncertain now than ever before. The Antigua and Barbuda Agenda offers a blueprint to correct the course, she said, adding that her country is raising awareness about the existential threat posed by sea-level rise. Climate change is a defining issue that imperils lives and livelihoods in small island developing States, she said, calling for scaled-up climate action. In response to calls for more autonomy over funding, her country established a country-flexible finance programme that provides finance directly to partner Governments to tackle priorities they themselves have identified. It also established a $160 million project to enable Pacific small island developing States to better anticipate high-impact weather.
The representative of Canada said that, despite the “contrasts of geography and history”, there is “much that we share”. Countries of the world share the vulnerability demonstrated by recent events in Papua New Guinea and those experienced on a regular basis by those living in small island developing States, he said — “vulnerability to the force of Mother Nature herself”. For example, Indigenous communities in Canada have recently faced issues with forest fires, and parts of the country have fallen into the ocean due to hurricanes and rising sea waters. Emphasizing that Canada is proud to support key shared priorities, he detailed its support for women vendors across Pacific Island markets. He also underlined the importance of locally led, community-driven climate initiatives and said, in this context, that Canada supports the “Caribbean Organizations for a Resilient Environment” project. Adding that global gross domestic product (GDP) equals $100 trillion and global debt equals $300 trillion, he observed: “Debt levels of three times GDP are simply not sustainable.”
The representative of Cyprus, aligning herself with the European Union, said that her country, an island nation itself, “sympathizes with the unique socioeconomic and environmental struggles faced by small island developing States”, including climate change, sustainable development and access to resources. Describing climate change as “the most important challenge” the small island developing States are facing, she underscored that this “shared identity” fosters solidarity and cooperation between her country and these States. For that reason, Cyprus amplifies small island developing States’ voices through diplomatic channels and bilateral partnerships, ensuring their concerns are addressed globally. Additionally, Cyprus provides practical support via capacity-building programmes, technical assistance and knowledge-sharing initiatives, offering expertise in renewable energy, water management and sustainable tourism. “Cyprus is committed to a continuous support towards the sustainable development needs of SIDS such as climate neutrality and resilience,” she concluded.
The representative of Poland, expressing support for collective action in support of small island developing States, called on the international community to strengthen partnerships in education, green economy and other fields that are essential for sustainable development in those States. His country’s contributions to that fall under joint European Union actions under the Samoa Pathway, he said, noting that the bloc’s vibrant cooperation includes significant development assistance. Poland has also made voluntary contributions to the trust fund for least developed countries and small island developing States, to support their participation in the work of the Human Rights Council. The high vulnerability of islands States to natural hazards cannot be ignored, he said, adding that climate considerations should be mainstreamed in all dimensions of the development agenda. It is necessary to look beyond income indicators to assess the needs of developing countries, he said, adding that the new multidimensional vulnerability index can help with this.
The representative of Saudi Arabia, noting unique challenges faced by small island developing States that undermine their efforts towards sustainable development, urged support for such States’ “needs and aspirations”. For its part, Saudi Arabia works to help such States achieve the SDGs, currently advancing development assistance to small island developing States in the Caribbean and Central America that “will be a launching pad for more cooperation and partnership in the future”. Further, the Saudi Fund for Development “has funded more than 800 development projects worth more than $21 billion in more than 100 countries over the world”, he reported. The Fund is now expanding the scope of its work to the Caribbean, where it recently funded 63 projects — worth $1.63 billion — in infrastructure, energy and other major sectors in several small island developing States. He added that, in 2023, Saudi Arabia hosted a meeting designed to promote cooperation between Arab and Pacific Island States in several priority areas.
The representative of Bahrain said that the situation of small island developing States remains “special” in the terms of sustainable development, necessitating renewed solidarity due to the ongoing adverse impacts of climate change. Bahrain continues to implement initiatives to protect environmental security regionally and globally, she said, recalling the announcement of the “Bahrain Blueprint” for carbon neutrality, focusing on a low carbon economy, climate adaptation and sustainable opportunities in the green economy. This also includes launching a national energy strategy and a $750 million climate technology fund, as well as creating a platform for carbon emissions offset. “The impact of climate change could be addressed only through collective cooperation to accelerate progress and to step up preparedness,” she stressed, underscoring the need to build “resilient economies and harness digital technologies for all peoples”.
The observer of the Holy See, expressing support for the multidimensional vulnerability index, looked forward to its timely implementation. Calling for a “bold approach to debt”, he said the escalating debt burden faced by small island developing States is becoming more and more unsustainable. Debt obligations compel them to make untenable choices between servicing mounting interest payments or allocating resources to invest in health, education, social protection systems and infrastructure. Moreover, he pointed out, debt perpetuates a cycle of dependency that hampers their ability to address poverty and climate change. Underscoring that debt relief — or better, debt cancellation — can give these countries the fiscal space they require, he said that “debt cancellation is not just a matter of economic or development policy, but a moral imperative rooted in the principles of justice and solidarity.” He reiterated Pope Francis’s appeal to wealthy nations to acknowledge the gravity of past decisions and determine “to forgive the debts of countries that will never be able to repay them”.
The representative of Ireland recalled that his country hosted representatives from small island developing States to launch its first national strategy for partnership with such States in 2019. “We were one of the first countries in the world to develop a bespoke national strategy for SIDS,” he said, which served as a catalyst to transform longstanding cooperation into holistic, inclusive partnership. Ireland will continue to develop tailored initiatives to strengthen small island developing States’ capacities and facilitate their participation in international policy discussions. “Professional and education exchanges are strengthening our shared capacity and understanding,” he added, spotlighting over 60 “Ireland Fellows” from 26 small island developing States. Stressing that a “constant” across Ireland’s strategy for such States is a “partnership approach”, he recalled the opening of a new “Office for the Caribbean” in Miami earlier in 2024. This Office, he said, will have a specific mandate to “deepen our relationships with this important region”.
The representative of Türkiye said that multiple challenges faced by small island developing States demand a “comprehensive and well-coordinated response based on the spirit of cooperation and actionable commitments”. As a country highly vulnerable to climate change, Türkiye is committed to global and regional efforts to combat the climate crisis and advocates for the sustainable management of ocean resources. “Today’s complex problems cannot be solved with yesterday’s archaic tools,” she said, urging for innovating solutions. Bridging the massive funding gap for the SDGs is one of the most urgent issues, which requires unlocking private capital. Harnessing science, technology and innovation is vital for sustainable development in vulnerable countries, she said, highlighting the role of United Nations Technology Bank for Least Developed Countries in Gebze, Türkiye, which supports least developed States’ economic transformation. Small island developing States that fall into the least developed countries category can benefit from the Bank’s services.
The representative of Belgium said that her seafaring country maintains an active marine policy to protect the ocean and its biodiversity. Highlighting how the country has developed into a hub of oceanic expertise, she noted that in 2019, Belgium launched the Blue Leaders Initiative, which advocates for protecting 30 per cent of the world’s oceans by 2030. Her country was among the top promoters of a treaty for the protection of biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction. To continue putting its marine expertise at the service of the oceans’ protection, Belgium is offering to host the treaty’s secretariat. With €1 billion per year, the European Union is — and intends to remain — the second-biggest partner for small island developing States. The bloc is committed to keep exploring all possibilities to alleviate public debts, facilitate access to international development financing and attract private investments.
The representative of Australia, noting that small island developing States have led the way on climate action and have delivered significant outcomes, said that it is because of small island developing States’ leadership that the world is aspiring to keep the global temperature rise to below 1.5°C. Their leadership also led to the establishment of a loss and damage fund and groundbreaking legal initiatives such as the International Court of Justice advisory opinion. Recalling the statements from the representatives of the Cook Islands and Tonga, who highlighted the Pacific-owned and led Pacific Resilience Facility, he said his country will make an anchor investment of $100 million in that facility. Australia has also re-joined the Green Planet Fund and is working to reduce its emissions. Highlighting how remoteness adds an additional dimension of vulnerability, when it comes to access to markets and supply chains, he said eligibility for international aid mechanisms should not rely solely on gross national income and must be based on a more comprehensive understanding of vulnerability.
The representative of Mauritania urged that the Conference result in a targeted, consensual and international plan of action that “commits everybody to act to achieve sustainable development”. Additionally, States must reform the international financial architecture, which currently limits financial flows to developing countries. Financial markets and banking systems, he stressed, must provide the resources necessary so that “no one is left behind”. In that context, he expressed regret that borrowing rates remain “so high and unstable”, also pointing out that debt servicing is more expensive for lower-income countries than for rich ones. Additionally, while it is necessary to invest in developing countries’ health, education, digital and infrastructure sectors, this must be done in such a manner as to ensure sustainable development that respects the environment. Adding that “SIDS risk being overwhelmed by the ocean”, he called for the mobilization of all necessary support for these States — as well as for all those with a coastline — as all such nations “face the same existential threats”.
The representative of Malaysia stressed the need for “focused attention” to the economic viability and sustainable development of small island developing States. Following the 2014 conference in Samoa, his country has fulfilled its pledge of $1 million for capacity-building programmes for small island developing States, which empowered over 1,100 participants to confront the pressing challenges such as economic instability, environmental degradation and social inequality. Looking forward, Malaysia has committed to closer cooperation with small island developing States through the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Program, providing $2 million in capacity-building and technical assistance over the next decade. As Malaysia prepares to assume the chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2025, it seeks to strengthen cooperation with small island developing States to achieve the goals outlined in the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda, promoting a “resilient and prosperous future”.
The representative of Greece, noting that 2024 is the International Year of small island developing States, said their perspectives must be mainstreamed into the global development agenda. His country consists of thousands of islands and islets, he said, highlighting his Government’s innovative policy approach for promoting green economy, energy autonomy and digital innovation by the year 2030. Further, as a European Union member State, Greece will continue to deepen capacity-building cooperation with small island developing States. There is no development without security, he emphasized, underscoring the important role of the Charter of the United Nations, the various conventions and the Law of the Sea. Also highlighting his country’s candidature for a non-permanent seat on the Security Council, he said the climate-security nexus will be a top priority while “three words beginning with the Greek letter Delta — dialogue, diplomacy and democracy” will guide how its approaches this.
The representative of the Philippines, recognizing that “SIDS are the primary authors of their story”, said that the international community must heed their unique voices, needs and aspirations when implementing the “Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS”. He went on to say that the Philippines, “as an archipelagic and maritime nation”, is “one with SIDS” in promoting the primacy of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and calling for resolute climate action pursuant to the principle of common-but-differentiated responsibility. The Philippines is also a partner in strengthening financing mechanisms and compensation for losses attributed to climate change, and he further called for concessional financing and debt relief for small island developing States — including middle-income ones. Adding that his country will host a conference on disaster risk reduction in October, he said that it can share knowledge and good practices on early warning systems, data collection and digital inclusion.
The representative of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said that it has invested nearly $300 million in 244 new initiatives in 37 small island developing States, which are members or observer States of the organization. “Well managed migration is an essential part of a course towards resilient prosperity for small island developing States,” she said, adding that these countries are home to 3.81 million international migrants and are countries of origin for nearly 10 million migrants. Describing climate change as “the major driver of new displacements around the world”, she said IOM’s major strategic priority is to drive solutions for this issue, using proactive measures, technology and analytical tools. Another priority for the organization is facilitating and expanding regular migration pathways, involving all stakeholders in policy development to enhance migrants’ ability to find work.
The representative of the International Development Law Organization, underscoring the role of rule of law in creating a foundation for climate-resilient development, said fair and effective laws, along with accountable and people-centred institutions, foster the trust necessary to mobilize climate finance and address loss and damage equitably. Improved access to justice and empowered communities promote inclusive climate decision-making and help build a society resilient to external shocks and stresses. The rule of law can be a powerful enabler of women’s empowerment across small island developing States, he noted, adding that there can be no peaceful and prosperous societies without equality for women and girls. “If we increase access to justice, we can drive economic growth, we can lower levels of public corruption, we can improve protection of property rights and shrink the shadow economy,” he said.