At the beginning of September, heads of state, policymakers, and business leaders convened in Apia, Samoa for the United Nations' third International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS). With the slogan, “Island Voices, Global Choices,” conference participants sought to highlight the global consequences of small island issues.
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon stated, “I see small island developing states as a magnifying glass. When we look through [their] lens, we see the vulnerabilities we all face. And by addressing the issues facing small island developing states we are developing the tools we need to promote sustainable development across the entire world.” Within this framework, global representatives attending the conference focused on the unique environmental and developmental challenges faced by SIDS, forged new partnerships, and identified innovative solutions for sustainable development.
Given their small geographic size and remote locations, SIDS experience a unique set of challenges and vulnerabilities that significantly affect their ability to prosper, develop, and even survive. These states are particularly sensitive to rising sea levels resulting from climate change or natural disasters. In Samoa, for example, the World Bank Group collaborated with the government to construct roads leading “into the hills away from the seashore.” This new infrastructure provides residents with escape routes when major storms and rising sea levels threaten the coast.
Environmental hazards–floods, tsunami, storm surges–can devastate the economies of these states. Too often, the amount suffered in damages and the cost of reconstruction amounts to an unsustainable percentage of GDP. According to the World Bank Group, when Hurricane Ivan hit Grenada in 2004, the estimated loss of nutmeg crops was $900 million–200 percent of GDP. Although an extreme case, it illuminates the acute vulnerability of SIDS and the financial burden disasters can place on a country’s budget.
Undoubtedly, this has profound consequences on development and growth. The situation is further compounded by remote location. Aid and assistance are not always readily available or near by. To remedy this challenge, some island states have developed regional insurance systems enabling countries to access funds immediately after disasters strike. Begun in the Caribbean, this model is now replicated by islands in the Pacific.
Together, SIDS are developing sustainable, innovative solutions for the unique challenges they face. These solutions can be extrapolated and applied to countries across the globe.
The conference was not limited to dialogue on the impact of climate change and natural disasters. Other aspects of development in relation to the post-2015 development plan were also assessed. From energy, ocean conservation, and health to education and gender parity, SIDS leaders discussed progress and areas for improvement. Furthermore, new challenges and opportunities for sustainable development and the means of addressing them were identified.
Throughout the conference, governments, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector sought partnerships and joint ventures to meet the challenges faced by SIDS. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon attested, “We are here to seek a renewed commitment to the small island developing states by focusing on practical actions and durable partnerships.”
The conference established a development agenda prioritizing issues for the sustainable development of SIDS going forward. Many consider the conference to be a milestone in preparation for the UN Climate Summit to be held on September 23rd in New York City.
Photo: National Park Service of American Samoa (public domain).
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Third International Conference on Small Island Developing States Brings SIDS Into Post-2015 Agenda Conversation
September 15, 2014
At the beginning of September, heads of state, policymakers, and business leaders convened in Apia, Samoa for the United Nations' third International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS). With the slogan, “Island Voices, Global Choices,” conference participants sought to highlight the global consequences of small island issues.
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon stated, “I see small island developing states as a magnifying glass. When we look through [their] lens, we see the vulnerabilities we all face. And by addressing the issues facing small island developing states we are developing the tools we need to promote sustainable development across the entire world.” Within this framework, global representatives attending the conference focused on the unique environmental and developmental challenges faced by SIDS, forged new partnerships, and identified innovative solutions for sustainable development.
Given their small geographic size and remote locations, SIDS experience a unique set of challenges and vulnerabilities that significantly affect their ability to prosper, develop, and even survive. These states are particularly sensitive to rising sea levels resulting from climate change or natural disasters. In Samoa, for example, the World Bank Group collaborated with the government to construct roads leading “into the hills away from the seashore.” This new infrastructure provides residents with escape routes when major storms and rising sea levels threaten the coast.
Environmental hazards–floods, tsunami, storm surges–can devastate the economies of these states. Too often, the amount suffered in damages and the cost of reconstruction amounts to an unsustainable percentage of GDP. According to the World Bank Group, when Hurricane Ivan hit Grenada in 2004, the estimated loss of nutmeg crops was $900 million–200 percent of GDP. Although an extreme case, it illuminates the acute vulnerability of SIDS and the financial burden disasters can place on a country’s budget.
Undoubtedly, this has profound consequences on development and growth. The situation is further compounded by remote location. Aid and assistance are not always readily available or near by. To remedy this challenge, some island states have developed regional insurance systems enabling countries to access funds immediately after disasters strike. Begun in the Caribbean, this model is now replicated by islands in the Pacific.
Together, SIDS are developing sustainable, innovative solutions for the unique challenges they face. These solutions can be extrapolated and applied to countries across the globe.
The conference was not limited to dialogue on the impact of climate change and natural disasters. Other aspects of development in relation to the post-2015 development plan were also assessed. From energy, ocean conservation, and health to education and gender parity, SIDS leaders discussed progress and areas for improvement. Furthermore, new challenges and opportunities for sustainable development and the means of addressing them were identified.
Throughout the conference, governments, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector sought partnerships and joint ventures to meet the challenges faced by SIDS. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon attested, “We are here to seek a renewed commitment to the small island developing states by focusing on practical actions and durable partnerships.”
The conference established a development agenda prioritizing issues for the sustainable development of SIDS going forward. Many consider the conference to be a milestone in preparation for the UN Climate Summit to be held on September 23rd in New York City.
Photo: National Park Service of American Samoa (public domain).
