14 November 2014: The UN General Assembly (UNGA) adopted a resolution on the outcome document of the Third International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS), the ‘SIDS Accelerated Modalities of Action (SAMOA) Pathway’ (A/69/L.6), by consensus. The Samoa Pathway recognizes the adverse impacts of climate change and sea-level rise on SIDS’ efforts to achieve sustainable development as well as to their survival and viability, and addresses economic development, food security, disaster risk reduction (DRR) and ocean management, among other issues.

During the meeting on 14 November 2014, Nauru, for the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), called for capacity building, institutional strengthening and partnerships to implement the Samoa Pathway, and for SIDS to build their resilience and take ownership of their sustainable development. Jamaica, for the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), asked Member States to prioritize SIDS in the post-2015 development agenda. Samoa welcomed the resolution’s adoption as a critical step in focusing global attention on SIDS’ sustainable development needs. Delegates also stressed the need to, inter alia: integrate SIDS’ sustainable development in the post-2015 agenda; address climate change and ocean degradation; and track progress through robust global monitoring systems that strengthen accountability at all levels.

The Secretariat orally amended the resolution to add US$470,100 in additional resources to establish a temporary post, starting in 2016.

The US, Japan, Canada and the EU welcomed the resolution but expressed concern about the Secretariat’s amendment. [UN Press Release] [UNGA 69 Resolutions]