UNDP Shows Scope of Partnership at 4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4)

Special opportunity to demonstrate UNDP’s diverse capacity for collaboration.

June 10, 2024

A speaker stands at a podium during a conference with a blue backdrop and headtable visible. — UNDP Administrator, Achim Steiner, addressing the plenary of the 4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States.

UNDP

St. John's, ANTIGUA & BARBUDA – The hosting of the 4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4) in Antigua & Barbuda from May 27 - 30 provided an opportunity for UNDP to demonstrate its diverse capacity to collaborate and support member states in multiple ways – resource mobilization, implementation, innovative corporate solutions, and facilitating dialogue and knowledge exchange.

Convened by the United Nations and Member States under the theme ‘Charting the Course Toward Resilient Prosperity’, the SIDS4 Conference brought together national, regional and local governments, NGOs, community groups, research institutions and academia, the private sector, IFIs, foundations, the media, and UN organizations.

UNDP support to Host Government

The UNDP Office for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean played a critical supporting role to the Government of Antigua and Barbuda as it prepared for this major international conference, which attracted more than 3000 participants – including 22 Heads of State or Government – and over 200 side events. UNDP mobilized and administered resources from multiple donors for the provision of critical logistical and technical resources and equipment, with the Barbados and Eastern Caribbean Office serving as a focal point in coordination with the Regional Bureau of Latin America and the Caribbean.

UNDP launches flagship initiative

On May 28, UNDP hosted the Side Event, ‘Accelerating Sustainable Blue and Green Transition in SIDS’ to launch its flagship initiative – the Blue and Green Island Integrated Platform (BGI-IP). It outlined UNDP’s future programmatic footprint to provide integrated support that addresses the multi-dimensional nature of the challenges faced by SIDS and the need for accelerated action through digitalization and sustainable finance.

Op-Ed: Small Island Developing States can be Nature-Positive Leaders for the World

Three women seated in a conference room, engaged in discussion, with a banner in the background.

Two men engaged in conversation, one using a device, seated in a bright, modern environment.

Group discussion in a meeting room, focusing on environmental themes.

A large group of people engaged in a meeting in a bright, spacious room.

UNDP engagement at SIDS4

More than 200 side events complemented the SIDS4 formal proceedings, addressing a broad range of topics including ocean governance, investment, blue and green finance, and private sector innovation. These events were organized by various stakeholders, including governments, intergovernmental organizations, academic institutions, civil society organizations, business and private sector entities, and youth organizations.

UNDP was fully engaged in both the Plenary Sessions and Side Events throughout the SIDS4 Conference, using the opportunity to spotlight successful initiatives and solutions that brought transformative results during the Samoa Pathway implementation, such as the SIDS Data Platform, Digital Readiness Assessments, and preparation of ambitious Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

Other side events with UNDP support or participation included discussions on creating robust digital networks for resilient prosperity, leveraging risk data for disaster-resilient infrastructure, and the UNDP Ocean Innovation Challenge. The conference also explored digital transformation for resilience in the Eastern Caribbean, unlocking NDC finance through Integrated National Financing Networks, and leveraging digital governance for resilient prosperity in SIDS.

4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4)

The Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS)

The SIDS4 Conference culminated in the unanimous adoption of the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS) – A Renewed Declaration for Resilient Prosperity.

As the next 10-year Plan of Action for this grouping of 57 states and territories, ABAS focuses on economic resilience, environmental sustainability, social development, and the establishment of supportive frameworks to guide SIDS towards resilient prosperity by 2034.

Among the proposed mechanisms is the creation of a SIDS Centre of Excellence in Antigua and Barbuda. This center aims to serve as a hub for knowledge sharing, innovation, investment, and capacity building, featuring components such as a SIDS Data Hub, a Technology and Innovation Mechanism, an Island Investment Forum and a Debt Sustainability Support Service.

UN VIDEO: SIDS4 Conference Closing

UN Press Centre: SIDS4 Coverage Highlights