4th International Conference on SIDS
The conference has given the international community the opportunity to move away from talking and ensure a future for small island developing states, if there is the necessary political will.
Islands
Small Island Developing States (SIDS) were recognized at the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED or Earth Summit) held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil as a distinct group of developing countries facing specific social, economic, and environmental vulnerabilities. SIDS tend to confront similar constraints in their sustainable development efforts, such as a narrow resource base, which deprives them of the benefits of economies of scale. They also have small domestic markets and heavy dependence on a few external and remote markets, as well as high costs for energy, infrastructure, transportation, and communication. Islands tend to be long distances from export markets and sources of imports, have low and irregular international traffic volumes, resulting in a high volatility of economic growth, limited opportunities for the private sector, and a large reliance of their economics on the public sector. Islands also are highly vulnerable to natural disasters and climate change, and have fragile natural environments, which are further threatened by population growth.
Events and Articles
Showing 1 - 10 of 29 results
The Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States
Small island developing states (SIDS) are on the frontlines of climate change. They feel the impacts first and most severely, yet they barely contribute to global greenhouse gas emissions. Not only are they vulnerable to devastating hurricanes and cyclones, which are becoming more frequent and extreme, but their dependence on food and energy imports, and tourism revenue, increase their vulnerability to external shocks.
Launch of the SIDS Coalition for Nature and Call for Action: Advocating for Greater Means for Achieving Ambitious Objectives
This CBD COP 15 side event made a call to action to enhance the means of implementing ambitious objectives for nature in SIDS under the post-2020 global biodiversity framework.
Energy Infrastructure, Governance, Regulatory Framework to Drive Transition and Resilience for Islands
This COP27 side event highlighted energy transition solutions tailored to insular environments, and featured exchanges of views and best practices from actors from across Asia, Europe, and the Caribbean.
Island Responses to COVID-19 - In the Context of Climate Resilience and Sustainable Development through the Local2030 Islands Network
This HLPF side event shared island solutions, experiences, and approaches in building back better amid the pandemic while noting the leading role islands play in advancing climate solutions.
Securing our Future in the Blue Pacific
This event highlighted the launch of the Kiribati Joint Implementation Plan for Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management 2019-2028 and featured voices of youth from Pacific islands who presented on programs aimed at securing their future.
Island Values, Local Knowledge, Global Solutions
During the event, the Local2030 Islands Network was launched to accelerate action on the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Led by islands for islands, the Local2030 Islands Network will serve as the platform to recognize and accelerate island-led SDG implementation as part of the UN Local2030 partnership.
UN Summits Week 2019
Inside the halls of the UN and outside on the streets of not only New York, but cities around the world where protests were held, the verdict of the people was clear: leaders are failing to address the environmental and development emergency that the world is currently facing.