Over four thousand delegates representing Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are
participating in the 4 th Small Island Developing States (SIDS) conference, which is taking
place at the American University of Antigua (AUA).
On Monday, delegates gathered in the Wadadli Plenary Hall, where they were treated to a
diverse cultural production focused on the effects of climate change and other challenges
affecting SIDS. This was executed by the Department of Culture and was a vibrant
introduction for the delegates who were visibly entertained by the pieces showcased on the
stage before them.
Following the presentation, Governor General of Antigua and Barbuda, Sir Rodney Williams
extended words of welcome and also introduced a televised video of King Charles III who
spoke to the significance of the next four days. King Charles urged the world leaders, to seek
opportunities to build new partnerships, to attract the type of investment needed for
sustainable economies and environments.
One of the highlights of the ceremony, was the appointment of Prime Minister, the Hon.
Gaston Browne, as the President of the SIDS 4 Conference after the meeting was called to
order by United Nations Secretary General, António Guterres
In his remarks, Prime Minister Browne, expressed that the gathering comes at an ideal time,
where SIDS are on the frontline of a battle against a number of crises.
“Our inherent vulnerabilities, characterized by small size, limited financial resources, and
constrained human capital, place us at a marked disadvantage on the global stage, with the
scales of equity and justice unevenly balanced against us”, the country’s leader indicated.
The financial meltdown of 2008 and the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic are the two
major effects which were mentioned as having lasting effects, from which SIDS are yet to
recover.
Prime Minister Browne also called for urgent, multilateral support to combat environmental
challenges, to include those posed by the use of fossil fuels, where oil companies are
concerned.
On Tuesday, the Debt Service Support Initiative (DSSI), which advocate for the reform of the
international financing architecture to deliver innovative financing will be launched.
The DSSI will include debt for climate swaps, insurance instruments, SDR’s, green and blue
bonds, and the leveraging of public-private partnerships to fulfill their potential to support
sustainable development goals.
The four-day high level forum is taking place under the theme “Charting the course toward
resilient prosperity”. The sessions are expected to stimulate meaningful dialogue, showcase
new innovations and is also expected to develop practical solutions to address critical SIDS-
specific challenges driven by the climate emergency, spiralling debt and health crises.
