Antigua and Barbuda Launching New Framework for Resilient Prosperity at SIDS4 Conference

The Ocean Decade recognizes the essential role of ocean science in promoting equitable, inclusive, and sustainable development for SIDS.

From 27 to 30 May, Antigua and Barbuda hosted the 4th United Nations International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4). This significant event brought together Heads of State, United Nations entities, international thought leaders, policymakers, scientists, and civil society. The conference followed closely on the heels of the 2024 Ocean Decade Conference, which emphasized the need to increase support for SIDS to advance ocean-based solutions for sustainable and equitable economic development. UNESCO's Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (UNESCO-IOC), coordinating the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development 2021-2030 ('Ocean Decade'), held a series of side events at SIDS4.

Under the theme "Charting the Course Toward Resilient Prosperity," the SIDS4 Conference addressed critical and urgent issues facing SIDS, including climate change, biodiversity loss, ocean conservation, disaster risk reduction, access to finance, and sustainable development. A key outcome of the conference was the creation of a new 10-year framework for international cooperation and support, encapsulated in the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS), a renewed declaration aimed at achieving resilient prosperity for SIDS.

The Ocean Decade recognizes the essential role of ocean science in promoting equitable, inclusive, and sustainable development for SIDS. Currently, 15% of Decade Actions are focused on SIDS, with initiatives to enhance action in these regions, including capacity development, the establishment of regional coordination hubs, and the creation of a regional roadmap for Caribbean SIDS. At SIDS4, the Ocean Decade highlighted tangible initiatives such as accessible data and digital technologies, integrated ocean management, and solutions for mitigating coastal threats, all aimed at enhancing coastal resilience.

"Last month, at the 2024 Ocean Decade Conference, the ocean community stressed the critical need for increased investment in ocean science and its infrastructure, focusing particularly on the needs of SIDS and under-represented groups," said Vidar Helgesen, Executive Secretary of UNESCO-IOC. "As we move towards the implementation of the Ocean Decade up to 2030, these needs will be prioritized through resource mobilization, targeted capacity development, and innovative partnerships."

Island developing nations rely heavily on ocean-based industries for income, trade, and employment. Striking a balance between realizing the potential of the ocean economy and protecting marine resources is crucial. The side event "Ocean Knowledge for Resilient Prosperity" underscored the role of the Ocean Decade in supporting sustainable ocean economies in SIDS. Attended by the Heads of Government of Aruba and Grenada, the event explored how global priorities from the Barcelona Statement could translate into sustained actions for SIDS. It also launched a new regional ocean literacy program for the Caribbean, led by UNESCO-IOC's regional subsidiary body for the Caribbean (IOCARIBE), as part of efforts to create an inspiring and engaging ocean for all.

Given that SIDS oversee approximately 30% of the world's ocean territories, data and observations are vital for their resilience and sustainable development. The Ocean Decade partnered with Fugro to highlight the connection between coastal resilience and ocean data. The event "Nature-Based Coastal Resilience for Caribbean SIDS" showcased integrated management frameworks and tools that cater to the local need for coastal geo-data in developing nations. Experts demonstrated how high-quality, open-access data enable vulnerability assessments and inform adaptation, infrastructure development, natural resource management, and environmental monitoring.

During a High-Level Interactive Dialogue at the conference, focusing on "Leveraging Data and Digital Technologies and Building Effective Institutions for a Resilient Future in SIDS," Vidar Helgesen emphasized the importance of investment and partnerships to enhance SIDS' access to data and technology. He highlighted successful Decade Actions in SIDS led by UNESCO-IOC, which promote open access to ocean data and digital technologies. These efforts support early detection of marine invasive species, facilitate ocean data sharing among SIDS, and deploy new technologies for marine biodiversity data collection.

The Ocean Decade recently launched several global initiatives to support the sustainable development of SIDS, including a Statement of Collaboration with the SIDS Coalition for Nature, the Ocean Decade Capacity Development Facility focusing on SIDS, and Call for Decade Actions No. 06/2023, which aims to fill gaps in ocean knowledge and capacity development for Caribbean SIDS.