About the 4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States

Organized by the United Nations every decade, SIDS4 will bring together leaders from the 39 independent States and 18 Associate Members of United Nations regional commissions and other world leaders, officials, and experts from the private sector, academia and civil society, to address the unique challenges facing SIDS.

Antigua and Barbuda, as the host country for SIDS4, is well positioned to provide leadership on the issues facing SIDS, as the twin island nation is on the forefront of championing global issues facing our islands. The conference will also provide a platform for Antigua and Barbuda to showcase its own experiences, successes, and challenges, and to advocate for the needs of SIDS on the global stage.

SIDS4 will cover a range of important topics, including climate change, biodiversity loss, ocean conservation, disaster risk reduction, access to finance, debt sustainability and the overall sustainable development of SIDS. The outcome of the conference is expected to be a comprehensive plan of action that will offer solutions to the unique challenges of SIDS, as well as a new 10-year framework for international cooperation and support.

SIDS4 is an opportunity for leaders and all stakeholders to come together under the theme of “Charting the Course Towards Resilient Prosperity” and work towards a more sustainable, prosperous and resilient future for SIDS.

You can access more details about the conference by going here.

Key Highlights:Important Details:

• Date: May 27th to 30th, 2024
• Theme: "Charting the course toward resilient prosperity"
• SIDS4 will take place on the campus of the American University of Antigua Home - American University of Antigua (auamed.org), located on the north east side of the island, a mere five minutes away from the VC Bird International Airport.
• Antigua and Barbuda uses the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (ECD) commonly rereferred to as the EC dollar. US currency is also widely accepted on island. The EC dollar is pegged to the US dollar at an exchange rate of 1USD to 2.70ECD.
• International calling code for Antigua and Barbuda is +268
• For Antigua there are two associated plug types -Types A and B. Plug type A carries two flat parallel pins and plug type B is the plug which has two flat parallel pins and a grounding pin. These are the plug types mainly used in the United States and Canada. We do not use Type C, which is the European version. Antigua and Barbuda operates on a 230V supply voltage and 60Hz.
• Weather conditions in Antigua and Barbuda is sunny all year around but from March to May, top temperatures range from 86℉ (30℃) with lows averaging 74℉ to 78 ℉ (23 to 25℃). May is the wettest of those months, but usually with short, sharp showers in the late afternoon.
• In Antigua and Barbuda we drive on the left.

Objective:

The conference aims to facilitate discussions, share insights, and collaboratively chart a course toward resilient prosperity for Small Island Developing States. Participants will engage in meaningful dialogues, exploring innovative solutions and strategies to address the pressing issues affecting these island nations under the theme “Charting the course toward resilient prosperity”.

Why Attend:

• Global Collaboration: Join an international community of leaders and stakeholders committed to fostering sustainable development for Small Island Developing States.
• Expert Insights: Gain valuable insights from distinguished speakers and thought leaders who will share their expertise on building resilience and securing prosperity for our islands.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with like-minded individuals, forge partnerships, and contribute to the global dialogue on sustainable development.

Previous Editions:

1. First SIDs Conference (Barbados, 1994):
   • Outcome:The Barbados Programme of Action (BPOA) was adopted, outlining a global plan for sustainable development in small island developing states.
   • Key Focus Areas: Sustainable development, climate change, biodiversity conservation, disaster management, and strengthening the role of the United Nations in addressing the needs of SIDs.
2. Second SIDs Conference (Mauritius, 2005):
   • Outcome: The Mauritius Strategy for the Further Implementation of the BPOA was adopted. It aimed to accelerate the implementation of the BPOA and address new and emerging challenges.
   • Key Focus Areas: Climate change, natural disasters, sustainable tourism, sustainable energy, capacity building, and partnerships for sustainable development.
3. Third SIDs Conference (Samoa, 2014):
   • Outcome:The Samoa Pathway was adopted, providing a renewed political commitment to address the special needs and vulnerabilities of SIDs.
   • Key Focus Areas: Climate change, sustainable development goals (SDGs), oceans and seas, biodiversity, and partnerships for development.

Read more about the previous SIDS conferences here:

Agenda

Explore the detailed agenda for the conference, featuring insightful sessions, panel discussions, and workshops focused on building resilient prosperity for Small Island Developing States.