26 April 2017: Participants at an ambassadorial-level meeting of the Steering Committee on Partnerships for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) reported on progress, outlined elements that need further work, and discussed preparations for the UN Ocean Conference convening from 5-9 June 2017, in New York, US.

The Steering Committee met on 26 April 2017, at UN Headquarters in New York, US, following an expert-level meeting on 27 February 2017. The Committee is part of the SIDS Partnership Framework, established by the UN General Assembly (UNGA) following the Third International Conference on SIDS, held in Samoa in 2014. The Framework seeks to monitor and ensure the full implementation of pledges and commitments through partnerships for SIDS, and to encourage new, genuine and durable partnerships for SIDS’ sustainable development. In addition to the Steering Committee, the Partnership Framework includes a partnership reporting template and an annual Global Multi-Stakeholder SIDS Partnership Dialogue. The next annual meeting of the Dialogue takes place on 7 June 2017.

According to an informal summary of the meeting provided by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), Ahmed Sareer, Permanent Representative of the Maldives and Committee co-chair, encouraged members to support and create innovative projects and relationships, while also collaborating with capitals to identify successful partnerships that could be scaled up and shared with other islands. Sebastiano Cardi, Permanent Representative of Italy and Committee co-chair, noted that more work needs to be done on strengthening accountability and monitoring and reviewing progress. He said his government will continue its collaboration on climate change mitigation by promoting renewable energy.

Sainivalati Navoti, DESA, reported on activities that took place in 2016, noting that: the “partnership reporting process” was established in May; a SIDS partnership dialogue took place during the UN High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) in July, another one was held during the high-level week of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) in September; and a publication on ‘Partnerships for SIDS’ was issued, with inputs from many partnerships. According to the presentation on partnerships analysis, a 2017 edition of the ‘Partnerships for SIDS’ publication is under preparation, and is expected to analyze results by: SIDS region; beneficiary countries; and SIDS priority areas, SDGs and targets.

Sandagdorj Erdenebileg, UN Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (OHRLLS), said the annual SIDS Business Forum provides a valuable platform for open discussion and exchange on sustainable fisheries, agriculture, tourism, renewable energy and other issues, and that the SIDS Global Business Network (SIDS-GBN) has enhanced reporting and sharing of best practices at the national, regional and global levels. He reported that OHRLLS is encouraging all SIDS to give voice to the Parley A.I.R. (Avoid, Intercept, Redesign) Strategy, an initiative seeking to tackle ocean plastic pollution.

The summary notes that several delegations underscored the need for more analysis on the status of partnerships, such as the number of inactive partnerships and a breakdown of partnerships by implementing entities. Singapore said it has renewed its Technical Cooperation Package for SIDS, which pursues capacity development for SIDS. The United Arab Emirates informed that the country has launched a US$50 million fund for grants on renewable energy in the Caribbean region, and called for sharing of information on existing initiatives and capacity gaps, so partners can target the areas most in need of support. The UK reported that it has quadrupled its assistance to SIDS, including approximately US$385 million (GBP 300 million) in a contribution for infrastructure through the Caribbean Development Bank, and US$19 million (GBP 15 million) on climate mitigation to support Pacific islands.

The second annual Global Multi-Stakeholder SIDS Partnership Dialogue will take place on 7 June, in the margins of the UN Ocean Conference. The event will have a specific focus on ocean partnerships for SIDS, and will seek to galvanize voluntary commitments for the implementation of SDG 14 (Life below water), as a contribution to the outcome of the Ocean Conference. [Meeting Webpage] [Informal Summary] [[DESA Statement] [Presentation on Analysis of SIDS Partnerships] [Concept Note and Tentative Programme for Second Global Multi-Stakeholder SIDS Partnership Dialogue] [SDG Knowledge Hub Story on SIDS Partneship Meeting of 27 February 2017 Outlining Future Plans]