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Context:

• The Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS-4) will be convened from May 27-30, 2024.

The Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS-4):

• Venue: Antigua and Barbuda
• Theme: “Charting the course toward resilient prosperity,"
• Aim: assessing the ability of SIDS to achieve sustainable development, including the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals.
• Significance:
  • UN Member States will formally adopt the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS), a new 10-year action plan for Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
  • It will result in an inter-governmentally agreed, focused, forward-looking, and action-oriented political outcome document.

Global Environment Facility and SIDS:

• For more than 30 years to the present, the Global Environment Facility and key partners continue to support the development of green and blue economy approaches in SIDS; respond to demands for sustainable use of biodiversity, resilience to climate change and other shocks; increase energy access through renewable energy and energy efficiency; halt and reverse land degradation; enhance cooperation on international waters; and support a pollution-free environment.
• These investments have helped to build resilient societies, preserve and enhance landscapes and the living environment, and contribute to supporting a livable future.
• To date, the GEF has provided $1.9 billion in grant finance to SIDS through national, global, and regional projects.
• GEF finance has also leveraged several times that amount in additional resources for sustainable development.
• The current GEF-8 funding cycle (2022 – 2026) continues to provide strong support and an emphasis on the needs of SIDS and Least Developed Countries (LDCs).

Issues Faced by Small Island Developing States (SIDS)

Sea-Level Rise:

• The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) projects that global sea levels could rise by 0.26 to 0.77 meters by 2100 under moderate greenhouse gas emission scenarios.
• The Maldives, which sits just 1.5 meters above sea level on average, faces significant threats from rising sea levels that could submerge its land.

Increased Frequency and Intensity of Natural Disasters:

• According to the World Bank, SIDS face natural disaster-related annual losses exceeding 1% of GDP, compared to 0.3% for larger countries.
• In 2017, Hurricane Maria caused damages in Dominica estimated at 226% of the country's GDP.

Water Scarcity:

• The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat reports that many islands in the Pacific are experiencing reduced rainfall and prolonged droughts, leading to water shortages.
• In 2011, Tuvalu declared a state of emergency due to a severe drought that left its inhabitants with only a few days' supply of fresh water.

Biodiversity Loss:

• SIDS host a significant portion of the world’s biodiversity, but 63% of their species are at risk of extinction due to habitat loss, climate change, and invasive species (UNEP).
• The Seychelles has seen a drastic decline in its coral reefs due to bleaching events exacerbated by rising sea temperatures.

Economic Vulnerability:

• The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) states that SIDS' economies are heavily reliant on tourism, which accounts for more than 25% of GDP in many islands.
• The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a drastic drop in tourism, significantly impacting the economies of Caribbean islands like Barbados and Saint Lucia.

Way Ahead for SIDS:

• International Support and Climate Finance:
  • Advocate for increased international funding and technical assistance through mechanisms like the Green Climate Fund to support adaptation and mitigation projects.
• Regional Cooperation:
  • Strengthen regional cooperation among SIDS to share best practices, pool resources, and enhance collective bargaining power in international forums.
• Capacity Building and Education:
  • Invest in capacity building and education to empower local communities with the knowledge and skills needed to address climate change challenges effectively.
• Sustainable Development Practices:
  • Promote sustainable development practices that balance economic growth with environmental protection, ensuring long-term resilience and sustainability.
• Technology Transfer:
  • Facilitate the transfer of climate-resilient technologies from developed countries to SIDS to help them adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Source:

https://www.thegef.org/events/gef-fourth-international-conference-small-island-developing-states-sids-4

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Consider the following statements about the Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS-4): The conference was held in Barbados. The theme of the conference was “Charting the course toward resilient prosperity." The conference resulted in the adoption of the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS), a new 10-year action plan. One of the aims of the conference was to assess the ability of SIDS to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda. Which of the statements given above are correct? a) 1 and 2 only b) 2, 3, and 4 only c) 1, 3, and 4 only d) 2 and 4 only Answer: b) 2, 3, and 4 only Explanations: ●Statement 1: Incorrect. ○The conference was not held in Barbados; it took place in Antigua and Barbuda. This is a significant detail because the venue reflects the host nation's role in highlighting the challenges and opportunities for Small Island Developing States (SIDS). ●Statement 2: Correct. ○The theme of the Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS-4) was “Charting the course toward resilient prosperity.” This theme emphasizes the goal of guiding SIDS towards resilience and sustainable economic growth, acknowledging their unique vulnerabilities and the need for tailored strategies. ●Statement 3: Correct. ○One of the key outcomes of the conference was the adoption of the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS). This agenda is a new 10-year action plan specifically designed to address the development needs of SIDS. The formal adoption of ABAS by UN Member States underscores a commitment to a focused, forward-looking, and action-oriented approach to supporting these nations. ●Statement 4: Correct. ○The conference aimed to assess the ability of SIDS to achieve sustainable development, including the targets set out in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This assessment is crucial as it helps identify gaps, challenges, and opportunities for SIDS to progress towards these international development goals, considering their unique circumstances.