Programme
27-30 May 2024 | (SIDS)
27 May | Driving solutions towards resilient SIDS
15:00-15:20 EDT
This curtain raiser session will explore the key themes of the 4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States and look at how current and expected solutions will contribute to SDG progress in the region and at the global level.
Speakers:
- Mr. Dennis Francis, President of the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly
- Mr. Li Junhua, UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs
- Ms. Rabab Fatima, UN Special Adviser on the Conference and UN High Representative for Small Island Developing States
Moderator: Garfield Burford, Director of News, Sports and Current Affairs at ABS Television/Radio
28 May | Fostering climate and environmental solutions for resilient SIDS
12:00 - 12:20 EDT
Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are on the frontlines of climate change. Despite their minimal contribution to global carbon dioxide emissions, SIDS face some of the most severe impacts of climate change, causing significant loss and damage. This session will look at how SIDS can adapt to such impacts and build resilience through climate and environmental solutions to reduce further losses and damage.
Speakers:
- Mr. Selwin Hart, UN Special Adviser to the Secretary-General and Assistant Secretary-General of the Climate Action Team
- Ms. Valerie Hickey, Global Director, Environment, Natural Resources and Blue Economy, World Bank
- Mr. Kamal Kishore, Assistant Secretary-General and Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction, United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction
Moderator: Alison Kentish, SIDS Journalism Fellowship
28 May | Conversation on the Call to Action and Bridgetown 3.0
The Secretary-General’s conversation with H.E. Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados, and H.E. Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda
13:15 - 13:55 EDT
The last four years have been a tumultuous period for the global economy—and small island developing States, in particular—marked by the COVID-19 pandemic, supply chain disruptions, rising interest rates, and climate-related shocks. This session will discuss the latest developments in SIDS-led initiatives to address the debt crisis and unlock financing for SIDS, including the Bridgetown Initiative, Call to Action and the new Debt Sustainability Support Service to be launched at the Conference. Call to Action, and how these can help SIDS address unsustainable borrowing and debt sustainability.
Speakers:
- H.E. Mr. António Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General
- H.E. Ms. Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados
- H.E. Mr. Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda
Moderator: Rebeca Grynspan, Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development
29 May | SIDS 2.0: The rise of digital connectivity for the future of SIDS
14:30-14:50 EDT
Advancing infrastructure and access to digital technologies in Small Island Developing States is crucial to building resilience and sustainable development in the region. This session will explore strategies and actions needed to bridge digital gaps with a key focus on local and regional case studies.
Speaker:
- Ms. Anne Lemaistre, Director of the UNESCO Office in Havana, Cuba
Moderator: Alison Kentish, SIDS Journalism Fellowship
30 May | Towards a youth driven future for Small Island Developing States
11:30-11:50 EDT
This one-on-one session will explore how young people are driving solutions and actions to create a more sustainable and resilient future in SIDS. Speakers will showcase how youth are accelerating progress in areas key to SIDS, such as health and climate, and how these actions can also contribute to change at the global level.
Speaker:
- Ms. Ashley Lashley, UNICEF Youth Advocate and Founder of The Ashley Lashley Foundation
Moderator: Auli'i Cravalho, Chief Impact Officer, SDG News
30 May | Launch of the SIDS Center of Excellence
13:00-13:30 EDT
The launch of the SIDS Center of Excellence marks a pivotal moment in the development of economic resiliency of SIDS. It will serve as a beacon of innovation, research, and capacity-building, providing island nations with the tools, knowledge, geospatial data, and expertise needed to address the most pressing of development challenges. The SIDS Center of Excellence is upon four key pillars, which include an Island Investment Forum, a SIDS Global Data HUB, a SIDS Innovation and Technology Mechanism, and the SIDS Sustainability Support Service Initiative. It is a vehicle designed to facilitate the share of best practices, foster collaboration, and develop sustainable solutions tailored to the unique needs of communities on the frontlines of climate change.
Speaker:
- H.E. Mr. Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda
- H.E. Dr. Pa'olelei Luteru, Permanent Representative of the Independent State of Samoa, Chair of AOSIS
- Mr. Sergio Fernandez de Cordova, Executive Chairman, PVBLIC Foundation
- Dr. Gene Leon, International SIDS Advocate
- H.E. Aubrey Webson, Permanent Representative of Antigua and Barbuda to the United Nations, former Chair of AOSIS
- Dr. Simona Marinescu, Senior Advisor for SIDS - UNOPS
Moderator: Auli'i Cravalho, Chief Impact Officer, SDG News