Identifying the synergies between the 2030 Agenda and the SAMOA Pathway, this session called special attention to the unique vulnerabilities faced by Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in their sustainable development. Challenges including their small geographic size, remoteness, narrow resource and export base, and their frontline exposure to global environmental challenges such as climate change and ocean degradation. SIDS are urging resource mobilization so as to help businesses access and apply investment capabilities so as to cope with these physical, social and economic impacts, as well as allow for further sustainable, economic development. Of primary concern are both SDG13 and 14 – climate action and life below water – as the negative consequences of inaction have the potential to destroy most island populations’ livelihoods. Indeed, the devastating climate change impacts on oceans, such as sea level rise, ocean acidification, and ecosystem destruction make SIDs more vulnerable and call for a robust mechanism of coordination and strengthened means of implementation to ensure that no one is left behind, including SIDS.

Meeting: Discussion on ‘Making the 2030 Agenda deliver for SIDS, building on the SAMOA Pathway’

Date/Time/Location: 14 July, 2016; 11:30 – 13:00; Trusteeship Chamber

Speakers: H.E. Mr. Sven Jürgenson, Permanent Representative of Estonia to the UN and Vice President of ECOSOC; Ms. H. Elizabeth Thompson, Former UN Assistant Secretary General and Executive Coordinator for Rio+20 and former Minister for Energy and Environment of Barbados; Mr. Anote Tong, Former President of the Republic of Kiribati; Mr. David Smith, Coordinator at the University of Consortium for Small Island States, and the Institute for Sustainable Development, the University of the West Indies; Ms. Jusitna Langidrik, Chief Secretary of the Republic of the Marshall Islands; Ms. Kate Brown, Executive Director of the Global Island Partnership

Written By: Lena Courcol
Photo by: UN Development Programme (UNDP)