1 November 2013: In a special event on ‘Strengthening the resilience of small island developing States (SIDS) within the context of sustainable development,’ the UN General Assembly’s (UNGA) Second Committee (Economic and Financial) discussed SIDS’ unique and particular vulnerabilities, while also noting their diverse challenges.

Panelists in the 1 November 2013 event described initiatives and partnerships to strengthen SIDS’s ability to address their vulnerabilities and respond to external shocks, including climate change and macroeconomic challenges. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) should reflect SIDS’ aspirations, said Wu Hongbo, Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs and Secretary-General of the Third International Conference on SIDS, in a keynote address. Wu supported strengthening SIDS’ resilience, including through the post-2015 development agenda.

Moderating the session, Janine Coye-Felson, Office of the UNGA President, said actions to address SIDS’ vulnerability should match the magnitude of the challenges. Osman Mahomed, Executive Chair, Commission on Maurice Ile Durable, Mauritius, described the Maurice Ile Durable initiative, which aims to transform Mauritius into a sustainable development model among SIDS through a fund created by polluting industries to support sustainable development, including by generating renewable energy and green jobs.

Makurita Baaro, Permanent Representative of Kiribati to the UN, described Kiribati as the “early warning system” for climate change, noting that many coastal cities will eventually face the same challenges as Kiribati. She stressed the need for action, particularly on adaptation, emphasizing that Kiribati is “the most studied, most researched and most media-covered nation relating to climate change,” yet remains just as vulnerable today. She supported people-centered, durable partnerships based on mutual respect. Peter Allum, International Monetary Fund (IMF), cautioned that SIDS are not homogenous, noting that while small States are disproportionately vulnerable to natural disasters, differences exist between Caribbean and Pacific SIDS’ macroeconomic performance. He said Caribbean SIDS have experienced economic slowdown and have high debt levels, while Pacific SIDS have experienced steady economic growth, have moderate debt levels and receive more aid. He said building resilience requires adequate financing, implementation, international support, policy design and public safety nets. Allum suggested finding a balance between a common approach to SIDS’ shared characteristics and showing sensitivity to their diverse challenges.

José Regidor García, University Consortium of Small Island States, recommended education curricula and programmes on topics important to SIDS. He supported partnerships of and for SIDS. Papua New Guinea advocated for a stand-alone oceans and seas objective in the post-2015 agenda. Nauru described healthy oceans and seas as critical for the post-2015 agenda. [Meeting Summary] [Webcast] [Concept Note]