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H.E. Mr. Gilmar Pisas, Prime Minister of Cura?ao,

H.E. Mr. Pavel Isa, Minister of Economy, Planning and Development of the Dominican Republic,

Mr. Li Junhua, Under-Secretary General and Secretary-General of SIDS4,

Excellencies,

Distinguished Colleagues,

 I am very pleased to join you today at this important event and share a few thoughts on the issue of building resilience of SIDS against growing water challenges.

The importance of water for the health and well-being of the people in SIDS, as well as for their sustainable and resilient prosperity cannot be emphasized enough.

Yet water is also a source of profound vulnerability for SIDS.

The availability of freshwater in SIDS is scarce due to their small land size, limited rainfall, and high exposure to natural hazards.  

According to UNESCO, 71% of SIDS face a risk of water shortage. A figure that goes up to 91% in SIDS that are low-lying atoll nations. 

Climate change exacerbates these challenges, leading to water scarcity and saltwater intrusion in freshwater sources.

Antigua and Barbuda itself is ranked as one of the most water-stressed countries in the Caribbean.

Excellencies,

Regardless of these water challenges, island nations have come up with innovative and collaborative solutions.

Since 2007, Cabo Verde has adapted to its dire water situation by capturing fog on the side of its mountains as a major source of fresh water for the rural communities.

The Bahamas has resorted to desalination of ocean waters to provide potable water for the communities.

Fiji, Vanuatu and Solomon Islands have adopted water safety planning based on the “Pacific WASH Resilience guidelines” in collaboration with UNICEF.

Still, there is much more that needs to be done.

Excellencies,

Our deliberations today must focus on innovative strategies and holistic approaches to enhance water resilience and promote responsible water management.

Community engagement, technological solutions, and policy frameworks must all play a role in meeting the specific needs and capacities of small island nations.

It is critical that today’s insights reinforce the Water Action Agenda and support the development of a blue economy strategy that ensures water and food security for all.

Excellencies,

In the ABAS, it is clearly stated that a secured future is part of “what SIDS want” for their sustainable development in the next decade.

Water management is central to this secure future.

As the High Representative for SIDS, I wish to highlight three critical areas where the continued support of the international community is essential to address the water challenges faced by these island nations.

First, significant investment is required in water infrastructure, including desalination plants, water storage facilities, and wastewater treatment plants. This can ensure a reliable supply of safe freshwater.

Second, SIDS need support to adopt a comprehensive approach to water management that acknowledges the interconnectedness of water, energy, and food systems. This includes promoting sustainable agricultural practices, reducing water waste, and implementing renewable energy technologies.

Third, it is crucial to enhance the capacity of SIDS to respond to water-related disasters and emergencies such as droughts, floods, and storms. This involves developing early warning systems and integrating climate risk assessments into national water management plans.

By addressing the critical intersection of water issues and the sustainable development of small island nations, we can ensure the broader goal of achieving the ABAS and the 2030 Agenda.

By working together, we can chart a course towards a more resilient and water-secure future.

I thank you.