The UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) and the UN Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (OHRLLS) published regional snapshots of the global online stakeholder consultation on the Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4). The SIDS4 Conference will be held in Antigua and Barbuda, from 27-30 May 2024.

The Conference will bring together leaders to assess the ability of SIDS to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its SDGs. It will aim to “agree on a new programme of action for SIDS with a focus on practical and impactful solutions and to forge new partnerships and cooperation at all levels.”

As part of the inter-agency preparations for the SIDS4 Conference, DESA and OHRLLS organized a global online consultation to create a space for stakeholders, especially those in SIDS, to contribute to the substantive work towards the Conference. Stakeholders were invited to identify key challenges that SIDS face in achieving sustainable development, offer policy recommendations, and provide examples of game-changing actions that can accelerate progress towards sustainable development in SIDS. The online consultation took place from 13 June to 7 July 2023.

Stakeholders from the Caribbean, Pacific, and Atlantic, Indian Ocean, and South China Sea (AIS) regions provided their inputs. The adverse effects of climate change, biodiversity loss, and accessing financing for the SDGs emerged as priority challenges for all SIDS regions. Other challenges identified include natural disasters, poverty and hunger, education, and health.

Stakeholders called for action on climate change, including protecting the ocean and ecosystems and improving resilience to natural disasters. They also recommended policies focused on empowering young people, digitalization, and energy, and called for financing for sustainable development and capacity building across policy areas.

Examples of game-changing actions and partnerships highlighted by stakeholders include the Global Island Partnership (GLISPA), the Local2030 Islands Network, the Caribbean Climate Justice Alliance, and the Pacific Islands Renewable Energy Project (PIREP).

Also in preparation for the Conference, regional meetings convened in July and August 2023. An interregional preparatory meeting for all SIDS is taking place in Cabo Verde from 30 August to 1 September 2023. [2024 SIDS Conference] [SIDS4 Global Online Stakeholder Consultation Summary] [SDG Knowledge Hub Story on SIDS4 Preparatory Process]