United Nations stakeholders note it is more critical than ever before for the international community to devise a strong action plan for small island developing states (SIDS) when leaders converge this May at the Fourth International Conference on SIDS (SIDS4). A major milestone in preparations for the SIDS4 is underway, as UN Member States are currently participating in the first Preparatory Committee Meeting for SIDS4.  

The Preparatory Committee is meeting from 22 to 26 January 2024 to engage in negotiations on anew ten-year programme of action for SIDS, to be adopted during SIDS4in Antigua and Barbuda from 27 to 30 May 2024.

These vulnerable countries continue to face significant challenges to their sustainable development, worsened by impacts from climate change and issues such as food-price volatility, and external financial shocks.

Building on the SAMOA Pathway, the new programme of action will set out a comprehensive development agenda for SIDS over the next ten years. Drawing on the outcomes of regional and interregional preparatory meetings, it will define SIDS’ development priorities and the support required from the international community to make the SIDS-led, SIDS-focused agenda achievable.  

In recognition of their unique vulnerabilities to external shocks and stressors, the international community designated SIDS a special case for environment and development, but after thirty years of this recognition and targeted action the situation remains unchanged.

Co-chairs of the Preparatory Committee, H.E. Caroline Schwalger, Permanent Representative of New Zealand to the United Nations, and H.E. Dr. Ali Naseer Mohamed, Permanent Representative of the Maldives to the United Nations, reminded Member States of the gravity of the work ahead of them and reiterated their commitment to steward negotiations toward an ambitious, action-oriented outcome.  

Chair of AOSIS, H.E. Fatumanava-o-Upolu III Pa’olelei Luteru of Samoa, stated:

“AOSIS advocates for a new and more responsive UN for SIDS. This will be essential to deliver a robust 10-year outcome. SIDS’ survival is at stake. Our people, natural environments, and overall sustainable development is under threat.  The development challenges we are facing are far outpacing our ability to respond. We are seemingly going from one event to another, without the time or ability to recover and regrow.  We are running out of time and running out of space to maneuver. 

We sit here with you today with a single request: decide that the development of SIDS and our resilient prosperity provides a collective good, and let us act on that decision throughout the preparatory process for the Fourth Conference and the decade of action to come.”

Strong political commitment to the aspiration of SIDS was evident in the 42 statements from UN Member States and 22 statements from UN entities and other stakeholders. They highlighted the need for urgent action to address the impacts of climate change– which are existential for many SIDS – to build resilience, reform the international financial architecture to enable SIDS to access sufficient and sustainable finance, and alleviate the impact of external shocks.  

Speaking on behalf of the European Union, Stavros Lambrinidis, Head of the European Union Delegation to the United Nations said the EU will “engage constructively in the negotiations on the SIDS4 outcome document” and that the EU is “committed to achieving strong, concrete results for the SIDS for the next ten years.”  

Speaking on behalf of Canada, Australia and New Zealand (CANZ), H.E. James Larsen, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations said “CANZ extends our unwavering support for the upcoming process to agree a new programme of action that delivers meaningful outcomes for SIDS.”  

Negotiations on the outcome document will continue ahead of the Second Preparatory Committee meeting on 1 to 5 April 2024.

United Nations stakeholders note it is more critical than ever before for the international community to devise a strong action plan for small island developing states (SIDS) when leaders converge this May at the Fourth International Conference on SIDS (SIDS4). A major milestone in preparations for the SIDS4 is underway, as UN Member States are currently participating in the first Preparatory Committee Meeting for SIDS4.   The Preparatory Committee is meeting from 22 to 26 January 2024 to engage in negotiations on anew ten-year programme of action for SIDS, to be adopted during SIDS4in Antigua and Barbuda from 27 to 30 May 2024. These vulnerable countries continue to face significant challenges to their sustainable development, worsened by impacts from climate change and issues such as food-price volatility, and external financial shocks. Building on the SAMOA Pathway, the new programme of action will set out a comprehensive development agenda for SIDS over the next ten years. Drawing on the outcomes of regional and interregional preparatory meetings, it will define SIDS’ development priorities and the support required from the international community to make the SIDS-led, SIDS-focused agenda achievable.   In recognition of their unique vulnerabilities to external shocks and stressors, the international community designated SIDS a special case for environment and development, but after thirty years of this recognition and targeted action the situation remains unchanged. Co-chairs of the Preparatory Committee, H.E. Caroline Schwalger, Permanent Representative of New Zealand to the United Nations, and H.E. Dr. Ali Naseer Mohamed, Permanent Representative of the Maldives to the United Nations, reminded Member States of the gravity of the work ahead of them and reiterated their commitment to steward negotiations toward an ambitious, action-oriented outcome.   Chair of AOSIS, H.E. Fatumanava-o-Upolu III Pa’olelei Luteru of Samoa, stated: “AOSIS advocates for a new and more responsive UN for SIDS. This will be essential to deliver a robust 10-year outcome. SIDS’ survival is at stake. Our people, natural environments, and overall sustainable development is under threat.  The development challenges we are facing are far outpacing our ability to respond. We are seemingly going from one event to another, without the time or ability to recover and regrow.  We are running out of time and running out of space to maneuver.  We sit here with you today with a single request: decide that the development of SIDS and our resilient prosperity provides a collective good, and let us act on that decision throughout the preparatory process for the Fourth Conference and the decade of action to come.” Strong political commitment to the aspiration of SIDS was evident in the 42 statements from UN Member States and 22 statements from UN entities and other stakeholders. They highlighted the need for urgent action to address the impacts of climate change– which are existential for many SIDS – to build resilience, reform the international financial architecture to enable SIDS to access sufficient and sustainable finance, and alleviate the impact of external shocks.   Speaking on behalf of the European Union, Stavros Lambrinidis, Head of the European Union Delegation to the United Nations said the EU will “engage constructively in the negotiations on the SIDS4 outcome document” and that the EU is “committed to achieving strong, concrete results for the SIDS for the next ten years.”   Speaking on behalf of Canada, Australia and New Zealand (CANZ), H.E. James Larsen, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations said “CANZ extends our unwavering support for the upcoming process to agree a new programme of action that delivers meaningful outcomes for SIDS.”   Negotiations on the outcome document will continue ahead of the Second Preparatory Committee meeting on 1 to 5 April 2024.

The University of  The Bahamas (UB) along with GEF Small Grants Programme and Disney Conservation Fund are taking a lead in developing a shared understanding of the current challenges facing The Bahamas in conservation and climate change mitigation. 

UB Acting President Janyne Hodder; Maria Oriakhi, VP/Academic Affairs and Joey Gaskins, Regional Director Public Affairs, Disney Cruise Lines today at UB announced a Conservation Conclave to be held February 1 and 2, 2024 at the National Training Agency, Gladstone Road.

The two-day conference-style conclave is intended to bring together public policy experts, scientists, activists, community stakeholders and industry stakeholders to address this landmark event. 

Among the goals of the conclave: to develop a shared understanding of the spectrum of current challenges facing The Bahamas in conservation, climate change mitigation and national development; consensus building on proposed solutions to challenges related to conservation, scientific research, data sharing and environmental protection policy in The Bahamas; and an agreement on an action plan, decision making process and a framework for recommendations required to move forward.

“It is hoped that the dialogue will culminate with the development of a white paper which could advise the development of a national policy on conservation with recommendations for adoption by the Government of The Bahamas,” said Hodder.

With The Bahamas facing “unique” challenges as a Small Island Developing State, Dr. Oriakhi said the primary objective of the gathering is to “bolster” the conservation capacity for climate change mitigation.

“The conclave will employ a deliberative dialogue methodology fostering engagement with a diverse range of stakeholders. Our overarching goals include developing a shared understanding of the challenges we face, building consensus on proposed solutions and formulating an action plan for conservation, scientific research, data sharing and environmental protection policy,” she said.

Mr. Gaskins said, “Disney is proud to support this Conservation Conclave and we look forward to participating in meaningful dialogue that will no doubt result in concrete outcomes for the benefit of the Bahamian people and for the environment of The Bahamas.”

He noted Disney’s continued work in The Bahamas to advance public education, conservation and research efforts including protection of reef systems from stony coral tissue loss disease and coral bleaching, funding coral reef nurseries, protection of parrots, green turtles, the Nassau grouper and tiger sharks.

The University of  The Bahamas (UB) along with GEF Small Grants Programme and Disney Conservation Fund are taking a lead in developing a shared understanding of the current challenges facing The Bahamas in conservation and climate change mitigation.   UB Acting President Janyne Hodder; Maria Oriakhi, VP/Academic Affairs and Joey Gaskins, Regional Director Public Affairs, Disney Cruise Lines today at UB announced a Conservation Conclave to be held February 1 and 2, 2024 at the National Training Agency, Gladstone Road. The two-day conference-style conclave is intended to bring together public policy experts, scientists, activists, community stakeholders and industry stakeholders to address this landmark event.    Among the goals of the conclave: to develop a shared understanding of the spectrum of current challenges facing The Bahamas in conservation, climate change mitigation and national development; consensus building on proposed solutions to challenges related to conservation, scientific research, data sharing and environmental protection policy in The Bahamas; and an agreement on an action plan, decision making process and a framework for recommendations required to move forward. “It is hoped that the dialogue will culminate with the development of a white paper which could advise the development of a national policy on conservation with recommendations for adoption by the Government of The Bahamas,” said Hodder. With The Bahamas facing “unique” challenges as a Small Island Developing State, Dr. Oriakhi said the primary objective of the gathering is to “bolster” the conservation capacity for climate change mitigation.   “The conclave will employ a deliberative dialogue methodology fostering engagement with a diverse range of stakeholders. Our overarching goals include developing a shared understanding of the challenges we face, building consensus on proposed solutions and formulating an action plan for conservation, scientific research, data sharing and environmental protection policy,” she said. Mr. Gaskins said, “Disney is proud to support this Conservation Conclave and we look forward to participating in meaningful dialogue that will no doubt result in concrete outcomes for the benefit of the Bahamian people and for the environment of The Bahamas.” He noted Disney’s continued work in The Bahamas to advance public education, conservation and research efforts including protection of reef systems from stony coral tissue loss disease and coral bleaching, funding coral reef nurseries, protection of parrots, green turtles, the Nassau grouper and tiger sharks.

Prime Minister Davis delivered a signature lecture at St. John’s University on December 11, 2023, as part of the 17th Annual CSB/SJU Eugene J. McCarthy Lecture Series. This lecture emphasized the urgency of climate change, particularly for Small Island Developing States, and the vital role of educational partnerships in addressing global challenges.

Addressing the impact of climate change, Prime Minister Davis highlighted the acute vulnerability of The Bahamas and similar nations. He stated, “Countries like The Bahamas, despite contributing minimally to global emissions, face the front-line impacts of climate change. Our experiences underscore the need for a globally coordinated response, emphasizing both mitigation and adaptation strategies.”

The Prime Minister also underscored the importance of international educational collaborations. He discussed the Bahamian scholarship program, designed to support students attending St. John’s University and the College of Saint Benedict, as a strategic initiative to foster global understanding and cooperation. He noted, “This scholarship program is more than an educational opportunity; it’s a platform for cultural exchange and developing global perspectives on shared challenges.”

Prime Minister Davis called for collective action in combating climate change, emphasizing the moral responsibility of the global community. He urged, “It is imperative for all nations, regardless of size or economic power, to commit to sustainable practices and policies that address the root causes of climate change.”

Prime Minister Davis highlighted the importance of dialogues like these, fostering greater understanding and collaborative efforts in tackling global issues. His lecture at St. John’s University serves as a call to action for leaders and communities worldwide to prioritize sustainable development and climate resilience.

Following his lecture, Prime Minister Davis was bestowed a dual honorary doctorate from St. John’s University and College of St. Benedict. Normally each institution awards doctorate degrees separately; this is the first time they have offered a dual doctorate.

Prime Minister Davis delivered a signature lecture at St. John’s University on December 11, 2023, as part of the 17th Annual CSB/SJU Eugene J. McCarthy Lecture Series. This lecture emphasized the urgency of climate change, particularly for Small Island Developing States, and the vital role of educational partnerships in addressing global challenges. Addressing the impact of climate change, Prime Minister Davis highlighted the acute vulnerability of The Bahamas and similar nations. He stated, “Countries like The Bahamas, despite contributing minimally to global emissions, face the front-line impacts of climate change. Our experiences underscore the need for a globally coordinated response, emphasizing both mitigation and adaptation strategies.” The Prime Minister also underscored the importance of international educational collaborations. He discussed the Bahamian scholarship program, designed to support students attending St. John’s University and the College of Saint Benedict, as a strategic initiative to foster global understanding and cooperation. He noted, “This scholarship program is more than an educational opportunity; it’s a platform for cultural exchange and developing global perspectives on shared challenges.” Prime Minister Davis called for collective action in combating climate change, emphasizing the moral responsibility of the global community. He urged, “It is imperative for all nations, regardless of size or economic power, to commit to sustainable practices and policies that address the root causes of climate change.” Prime Minister Davis highlighted the importance of dialogues like these, fostering greater understanding and collaborative efforts in tackling global issues. His lecture at St. John’s University serves as a call to action for leaders and communities worldwide to prioritize sustainable development and climate resilience. Following his lecture, Prime Minister Davis was bestowed a dual honorary doctorate from St. John’s University and College of St. Benedict. Normally each institution awards doctorate degrees separately; this is the first time they have offered a dual doctorate.

As intense negotiations on the Global Goal on Adaptation appear to have reached a stalemate at the pivotal United Nations global climate summit, COP28, a number of Caribbean leaders and climate experts forged ahead to launch a landmark civil society led framework to build resilience to these climate change impacts, the proposed Regional Goal on Adaptation (RGA) for the Caribbean.

The proposed RGA for the Caribbean was developed as a tool to connect the international climate change negotiations on the Global Goal on Adaptation (a collective commitment within the Paris Agreement aimed at “enhancing the world's adaptive capacity, strengthening resilience and reducing vulnerability to climate change.”) with local, national and regional adaptation actors in the Caribbean and vice versa. This will be facilitated by enabling more effective climate governance processes and practical adaptation actions at the local, national and regional levels.

The event kicked off the endorsement process by Caribbean governments to formally adopt a RGA for the Caribbean.

Panelists included:

- The Honourable Minister Shawn Edward, Minister for Education, Sustainable Development, Innovation, Science, Technology and Vocational Training, Government of St. Lucia.

- Senator Dr. Shantal Munro-Knight, Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, Government of Barbados.

- Dr. Colin Young, Executive Director, Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre.

- Dr. Orville Grey, Head of Secretariat for the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) Global Network, International Institute for Sustainable Development.

- Mr. Crispin D'Auvergne, Programme Director, Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management, OECS.

- Ms. Sasha Jattansingh, Loss and Damage Expert, Climate Analytics Caribbean.

The Honourable Minister Shawn Edward, Minister for Education, Sustainable Development, Innovation, Science, Technology and Vocational Training, Government of St. Lucia spoke on the importance of adaptation and environmental protection to his country’s economy.

“Tourism and fisheries are two very critical areas for our GDP and livelihoods in our country, with tourism as the mainstay of our economy. And the marine environment is critical to the tourism product. Resources must be harnessed in such a way that they benefit every citizen, and for the best decisions to be made to redound to the economic benefit of the country.”

Senator Dr. Shantal Munro-Knight, Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, Government of Barbados highlighted her support for the proposed RGA.

“We are saying to the world that as a region we are walking the talk. We will develop our own solutions and put them on the table. This initiative is extremely critical for the Caribbean in terms of having a fit for purpose framework that is built on our experiences and brings the voices of the communities to bear. We must ensure we have the necessary cross-collaboration and I look forward to seeing this tool develop.”

“The proposed Regional Goal on Adaptation for the Caribbean has been done through a collaborative process and can help to re-prioritise adaptation, ensuring it is a focus of our NDCs (Nationally Determined Contributions),” Sasha Jattansingh, Loss and Damage Expert, Climate Analytics Caribbean. “We have to formulate new NDCs by 2025, so this proposed RGA can drive that process forward. We hope that this proposal is endorsed by our CARICOM leaders and becomes a true regional goal where we can all track progress and take adaption to the priority it needs at a leadership level.”

Dr. Orville Grey, Head of Secretariat for the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) Global Network, International Institute for Sustainable Development, also urged governments to utilise the proposed RGA for the Caribbean.

“Not every Caribbean country has already developed a National Adaptation Plan, and this framework will provides a good mechanism. We need the support at the political level to champion this framework for the Caribbean. If we say climate change adaptation is important to us, it must be highly articulated by our CARICOM Heads of Government. If we are not a resilient Caribbean, we will not be a safe Caribbean.”

As intense negotiations on the Global Goal on Adaptation appear to have reached a stalemate at the pivotal United Nations global climate summit, COP28, a number of Caribbean leaders and climate experts forged ahead to launch a landmark civil society led framework to build resilience to these climate change impacts, the proposed Regional Goal on Adaptation (RGA) for the Caribbean. The proposed RGA for the Caribbean was developed as a tool to connect the international climate change negotiations on the Global Goal on Adaptation (a collective commitment within the Paris Agreement aimed at “enhancing the world's adaptive capacity, strengthening resilience and reducing vulnerability to climate change.”) with local, national and regional adaptation actors in the Caribbean and vice versa. This will be facilitated by enabling more effective climate governance processes and practical adaptation actions at the local, national and regional levels. The event kicked off the endorsement process by Caribbean governments to formally adopt a RGA for the Caribbean. Panelists included: - The Honourable Minister Shawn Edward, Minister for Education, Sustainable Development, Innovation, Science, Technology and Vocational Training, Government of St. Lucia. - Senator Dr. Shantal Munro-Knight, Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, Government of Barbados. - Dr. Colin Young, Executive Director, Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre. - Dr. Orville Grey, Head of Secretariat for the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) Global Network, International Institute for Sustainable Development. - Mr. Crispin D'Auvergne, Programme Director, Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management, OECS. - Ms. Sasha Jattansingh, Loss and Damage Expert, Climate Analytics Caribbean. The Honourable Minister Shawn Edward, Minister for Education, Sustainable Development, Innovation, Science, Technology and Vocational Training, Government of St. Lucia spoke on the importance of adaptation and environmental protection to his country’s economy. “Tourism and fisheries are two very critical areas for our GDP and livelihoods in our country, with tourism as the mainstay of our economy. And the marine environment is critical to the tourism product. Resources must be harnessed in such a way that they benefit every citizen, and for the best decisions to be made to redound to the economic benefit of the country.” Senator Dr. Shantal Munro-Knight, Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, Government of Barbados highlighted her support for the proposed RGA. “We are saying to the world that as a region we are walking the talk. We will develop our own solutions and put them on the table. This initiative is extremely critical for the Caribbean in terms of having a fit for purpose framework that is built on our experiences and brings the voices of the communities to bear. We must ensure we have the necessary cross-collaboration and I look forward to seeing this tool develop.” “The proposed Regional Goal on Adaptation for the Caribbean has been done through a collaborative process and can help to re-prioritise adaptation, ensuring it is a focus of our NDCs (Nationally Determined Contributions),” Sasha Jattansingh, Loss and Damage Expert, Climate Analytics Caribbean. “We have to formulate new NDCs by 2025, so this proposed RGA can drive that process forward. We hope that this proposal is endorsed by our CARICOM leaders and becomes a true regional goal where we can all track progress and take adaption to the priority it needs at a leadership level.” Dr. Orville Grey, Head of Secretariat for the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) Global Network, International Institute for Sustainable Development, also urged governments to utilise the proposed RGA for the Caribbean. “Not every Caribbean country has already developed a National Adaptation Plan, and this framework will provides a good mechanism. We need the support at the political level to champion this framework for the Caribbean. If we say climate change adaptation is important to us, it must be highly articulated by our CARICOM Heads of Government. If we are not a resilient Caribbean, we will not be a safe Caribbean.”