4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States
Charting the Course Toward Resilient Prosperity
27-30 May 2024; Antigua and Barbuda
sdgs.un.org/sites/default/files/2024-05/n2409990.pdf(opens in a new tab)
Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are in the crossfires of multiple crises: climate change, the economic and social repercussions of COVID-19, and a crisis of debt. The pandemic hugely impacted all island nations, especially those dependent on tourism. Global lockdowns left large holes in islands’ coffers and severely set back efforts to invest in the Sustainable Development Goals.
Meanwhile, climate action is becoming increasingly urgent, as weather-related disasters have doubled in two decades: with island nations both most vulnerable and least responsible.
At this time of great peril, opportunity must be seized. In Antigua and Barbuda in May 2024, the international community gathered to review SIDS’ sustainable development progress and proposed a new decade of partnerships and solutions to supercharge their path to resilient prosperity.
“The United Nations is committed to supporting islands in their quest for a more resilient and sustainable future. They may be geographically remote, but their problems are not theirs to face alone.”
Li Junhua, Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs