The Small Island Developing States (SIDS) across the Pacific, Caribbean and Atlantic, Indian Ocean and South China Sea are home to roughly 65 million people. They boast a high degree of biodiversity, accounting for 14% of the planet’s coastlines.
The SIDS manage 19.1% of the globe’s Exclusive Economic Zones and the vital resources they hold. The people there have pioneered clean energy solutions, championed sustainable tourism, and been spearheading major conservation efforts and developing ocean-based economies.
Climate action becoming increasingly urgent
Yet these small island nations are in the crossfires of multiple crises: the climate emergency, the economic and social repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic, and a pressing crisis of debt. The lockdowns heavily impacted all island nations, especially the tourism-dependent ones.
Climate action is becoming increasingly urgent as natural disasters have doubled in the past couple of decades. It has never been more important to shield the many island nations from the impacts of climate change as they are both the most vulnerable and least responsible.
In this brutal time of great peril, opportunity needs to be seized. The international community has gathered in Antigua and Barbuda this month for the fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4), being held from May 27-30.
Summit of the Future to present another chance to SIDS
The participants at SIDS4 seek to deliver a bold transformative plan of action to help SIDS build resilience, tackle the most pressing challenges across the globe and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. It is expected to demonstrate innovations and develop practical solutions.
Looking ahead, the upcoming Summit of the Future, to be held in the US from September 22 to 23, is likely to be an opportunity to further address the concerns of island nations. The Summit is expected to ensure vulnerable countries access both the finance and technology.
