Formal proceedings for the Third International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS) began with an opening plenary followed by a general debate among UN Member States.
A parallel multi-stakeholder partnership dialogue took place on sustainable economic development in the afternoon, and numerous side events convened through the day and evening.
1 September 2014: Formal proceedings for the Third International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS) began with an opening plenary followed by a general debate among UN Member States. A parallel multi-stakeholder partnership dialogue took place on sustainable economic development in the afternoon, and numerous side events convened through the day and evening.
The Conference aims to form genuine and durable partnerships among participants, with the aim of strengthening island initiatives to address global issues. According to the UN, 287 partnerships have already been registered on the Conference website.
Conference President Tuilaepa Aiono Sailele Malielegaoi, Prime Minister of Samoa, said one of the “biggest breakthroughs for [SIDS] is the potential that oceans will become a stand-alone goal in the post-2015 development agenda,” which he said was possible because of SIDS’s persistent advocacy for oceans. He also said the September 2014 UN Climate Summit should send a clear signal to delegates to make the forthcoming UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) 21st Conference of Parties (COP 21) in Paris a ‘conference of hope’ with an ambitious climate treaty agreed in 2015.
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said he sees SIDS as a “magnifying glass” that show the vulnerabilities we all face. “By addressing the issues facing SIDS we are developing the tools we need to promote sustainable development across the entire world,” he said, highlighting the need for action on effective waste management, renewable energy, oceans, disaster resilience and climate-smart agriculture (CSA). Ban said the world should prioritize achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in SIDS, and reaching meaningful agreement on the post-2015 development agenda and a global climate treaty that reflects the needs of SIDS.
During a general debate, many Member States highlighted the development challenges facing SIDS, particularly climate change, and outlined domestic sustainable development initiatives. Participants called for improving the management capacity and effectiveness of partnerships, and for the needs of SIDS to be better reflected in international partnerships. They highlighted partnerships including the Coral Triangle Initiative (CTI) on coral reefs, fisheries and food security; and a partnership among the Comoros, New Zealand and UN Development Programme (UNDP) for the development of renewable energy.
The multi-stakeholder partnership dialogue on sustainable economic development addressed, inter alia: decoupling economic development from environmental degradation; and investing in renewable energy. The Cook Islands called for protecting shared fisheries and abundant minerals through sustainable ocean development. The Maldives said the international community should create partnership opportunities with SIDS, as their progress already made toward sustainable development is under threat, including as a result of some SIDS’ having been graduated to middle-income country status. UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) President Martin Sajdik called for ensuring that partnership mechanisms are a part of the post-2015 development agenda.
The Conference will include a total of six partnership dialogues, with the others addressing: climate change and disaster risk management; social development in SIDS, health and non-communicable diseases (NCDs), youth and women; sustainable energy; and oceans, seas and biodiversity.
The draft outcome document, ‘SIDS Accelerated Modalities of Action [S.A.M.O.A.] Pathway,’ is expected to be adopted at the conclusion of the Conference.
The SIDS Conference was preceded by a Private Sector Forum, a Youth Forum, a Major Groups and Stakeholders Forum, and a Renewable Energy Forum. A ceremony and cultural performance took place on the eve of the conference, with an opening prayer, speeches, choral singing, and young people’s dance performances, including fire knife dancing. Prior to the ceremony, participants attended the launch of a photographic exhibition in celebration of the International Year of SIDS, which illustrates the lives of people living in SIDS. [Conference Website] [IISD RS Meeting Coverage. 1 September] [UN Press Release] [Statement of UN Secretary-General] [Press Remarks of UN Secretary-General] [Remarks of Samoa Prime Minister] [UNEP Press Release]