Speaking at the conclusion of the Fourth International Conference on Small Island States (SIDS4), Amin Mohammed emphasized that, despite the increasing existential threats to SIDS, “we have reasons for hope and optimism”.
More than two dozen world leaders and senior ministers from more than a hundred countries joined nearly four thousand other participants on the opulent campus of the American University of Antigua this week – along with representatives from the private sector, civil society, academia and youth – to address a problem. set of issues essential to the survival of the 39 SIDS in the face of the climate crisis and other shocks.
The UN Deputy Chief stated that the adopted outcome, known as the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda (ABAS) presented a “vision for the future that SIDS want and need.”
On the right track
The plan for the next ten years agreed upon by all parties to the conference, entitled: A renewed declaration for resilient prosperitydescribes the collective sustainable development ambitions of SIDS and the support needed from the international community to achieve them.
The UN Deputy Chief told delegates that ABAS puts SIDS economies on a strong path so they can strengthen resilience, serving populations in ways that are safe, healthy, productive and prosperous “but also where access to food, energy and water is guaranteed. ”
Biodiversity will be protected while the ocean and its resources are preserved, assured by strong climate action to limit temperature rise – and rising sea levels.
She stated that all measures to slow global warming “mustmeet the urgency of the moment.”
The new Center of Excellence for SIDS – based in Antigua and Barbuda – will be solutions-oriented and serve as a platform for critical private sector engagement, she added.
ABAS is also calling for significant new financing at scale, where it is needed most, given the crippling impact of high interest debt repayments that many SIDS face.
A new Debt Sustainability Support Service is also being established as part of the forward-looking agenda and providing data that can actually measure vulnerabilities to scale up financing “to where it matters most, with a sense of urgency.”
UN News/Matt Wells
Wide view of the conclusion of the Fourth International Conference on Small Island States (SIDS4) in Antigua and Barbuda.
Commitment ‘at all levels’
Although the path has been set, there is no automatic right to success, Ms Mohammed warned: “Success depends on each of us – on each of us – stepping up real partnerships that are timely, robust and effective” to make the ABAS a reality.
Ms Mohammed said a ‘reality check’ is needed when it comes to monitoring and evaluation.
“Let me say that what we measured halfway through the SDGs has not been done that’s a wake-up call for us…so as not to lose the credibility of the multilateral system. She emphasized that the real work will be in implementing the Agenda.
Speaking on behalf of the UN, she said: “We are committed to joining your efforts at all levels.”
UN Resident Coordinators and country teams will work hand-in-hand with all partners to achieve resilient prosperity and support the digital, “green and blue” transformation.
New journey
“Let us not forget that this conference marks the beginning of a new journey. Our responsibilities do not end here. The ABAS must guide our efforts towards 2030, when we meet in ten years’ time.”
Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda Gaston Browne, who chaired SIDS4, agreed that while much has been achieved “our real work has only just begun.”
“We have the roadmap and institutional arrangements ready. Let us remain committed to multi-stakeholder partnerships, innovation, collaboration and inclusivity, and work together to overcome our unique challenges,” he added.
UN News/Matt Wells
Delegates arrive for the final day of the SIDS4 conference in Antigua and Barbuda.
Investing in people must be the ‘absolute priority’
Earlier in the day, delegates gathered to discuss the importance of health, especially for the youngest generation.
The fragility of healthcare systems in many small island states is hindering the “growth and potential of our younger generations,” St. Martin’s Minister Plenipotentiary Patrice Gumbs warned on Thursday during an interactive dialogue session on tackling health crises and supporting young people.
Investing in human capital in the areas of health, education and youth empowerment “is not just a policy choice, but a need for survival and growth“, he added.
UN photo/Eskinder Debebe
Cindy McCain (right), Executive Director of the World Food Program (WFP), speaks during the closing of the Fourth International Conference on Small Island States (SIDS4) in Antigua and Barbuda.
This must be led by innovative healthcare solutions such as telemedicine, mobile health teams and partnerships “that bring expertise and technology to our shores.”
Co-chair of the event, Jose Ulisses Correia e Silva, Prime Minister of Cape Verde, said that investing in people in general “must be an absolute priority for us”, together with defending the dignity of women, respect for human rights, gender equality and tolerance.
“We have to strengthening investments, policies and partnerships for access to quality education and healthcare and give top priority to eradicating extreme poverty and creating decent jobs for youth,” he stressed.
Speaking from her perspective as head of the world’s largest humanitarian organization, the World Food Program, (WFP) Cindy McCain told the meeting that boosting health care, education and skills is about helping people thrive, not just survive.
Human capital is the foundation for sustainable development, she noted.
“It is a golden thread that runs through all our conversations this week”, she stated, “as we discussed how we can work together. To adapt to climate change, protect livelihoods and help small island developing states chart a path to resilient prosperity. “
