Development

Renewing commitment to the sustainable development of small island developing States, world leaders today agreed on a landmark action plan at the conclusion of the United Nations Third International Conference on those nations held in Apia, Samoa.

Proper management of the world’s vast oceans — the lifeline of the planet — and its rich marine life was vital to end degradation of ecosystems, stem biodiversity loss and ensure the world’s food supply, delegates warned as the Third International Conference on Small Island Developing States continued today.

The critical importance of partnerships, financing, trade, capacity-building and technology to address severe challenges facing small island developing States were highlighted today in Samoa as world leaders met on the second day of the Third International Conference on those nations.

With their very existence at stake, isle nations made a fervent call for urgent global teamwork and a new approach to address rising sea levels and the surge in more extreme weather patterns that were wreaking havoc on their communities, as the Third International Conference on Small Island Developing States opened in Samoa this morning.

Global action to improve the health of women and children would be enhanced through a new programme to share ideas and successes among developing countries, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon announced yesterday.

Twenty-four countries pledged approximately $488 million during a Headquarters event in support of United Nations development activities primarily covering 2014. The amount represents a decline of approximately $377 million in comparison to last year’s pledges.

By shooting her and her friends, “the terrorists thought that they would change our aims and stop our ambitions, but nothing changed in my life except this: weakness, fear and hopelessness died; strength, power and courage were born”, Malala Yousafzai said today, during a Headquarters celebration of her sixteenth birthday as part of the United Nations Youth Takeover event.

New strategies are needed to address the impacts of rapid urbanization around the world, including increasing demands for energy, water, sanitation, public services, education and health, according to the World Economic and Social Survey 2013, launched today at the United Nations.

KINGSTON, 1 July — To ensure that the voices of Caribbean States are heard at the 2014 Conference of Small Island Developing States, representatives of Caribbean States will gather in Kingston, Jamaica, from 2 to 4 July to determine common concerns, exchange experiences and lessons learned, and discuss regional perspectives and positions for the Conference.