Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States - SIDS

Ocean Conference Side Event: Ocean partnerships and science-based solutions for strengthening sustainable ocean economies in SIDS, LDCs and LLDCs

Anonymous — Thu, 16 Jun 2022 19:22:00 +0000

Tuesday, 28 June 2022 - 5:30pm

Venue: Committee Room, Altice Arena

Background

Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs) depend heavily on ocean-based industries and are subsequently highly exposed to the consequences of ocean degradation.

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed and amplified the vulnerability of SIDS and LDCs, resulting in a new array of challenges. Both groups could develop their resilience through economic diversification and the development of their ocean resources.

Given they play a key role in the sustainable management of ocean and coastal resources, SIDS and LDCs are also priority partners in the UN Ocean Decade. And although Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) do not have direct access to the sea, they can also derive benefits from use of the ocean space and resources under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982.

Ocean Conference

The 2022 UN Ocean Conference, co-hosted by Kenya and Portugal, comes as the world is strengthening its efforts to mobilize, create and drive solutions to realise the 17 Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

The Conference will propel science-based, innovative solutions to start a new chapter of global ocean action.

Objective

This side event will explore challenges, opportunities and best practices in ocean science (and) the role of partnerships to build resilience in the ocean economy in SIDS, LDCs and LLDCs in line with the SIDS Partnerships Agenda, the SAMOA Pathway, the Doha Programme of Action for the LDCs, and the Vienna Programme of Action for the LLDCs.

Programme

Moderator: H.E. Ms. Ana Paula Zacarias, Permanent Representative of Portugal to the UN

Keynote Address: Hon. Fekitamoeloa Katoa 'Utoikamanu, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Kingdom of Tonga

Fire-side chat

H.E. Mr. Fatumanava-o-Upolu III Pa'olelei Luteru, Permanent Representative of Samoa to the UN   
H.E. Walton A Webson, Permanent Representative of Antigua and Barbuda to the UN and Chair of AOSIS
H.E. Mr Kennedy Gastorn, Permanent Representative of the United Republic of Tanzania to the UN
H.E. Mr. Garen Nazaryan, Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia to the Portuguese Republic
Mr. Michael W. Lodge, Secretary General, International Seabed Authority (ISA)  
Mr. Ignasi Ferrer, President, CEO of Seastainability Ventures and Senior Executive at World Ocean Council

Interactive Segment

Closing: Mr. Sandagdorj Erdenebileg, Chief, Policy Coordination, Development, Monitoring and Reporting Service, UN Office for Most Vulnerable States (OHRLLS)

tags:

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LDCs

Oceans

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Events

Business Network Explores Ocean Energy Partnerships for Small Island Developing States

HSASS — Wed, 31 Mar 2021 19:31:00 +0000

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NEW YORK/ABU DHABI- 30 & 31 March 2021 - The SIDS Global Business Network (GBN) Forum, an initiative of the United Nations Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS), took place virtually from 30-31 March 2021.

Organised jointly with the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the forum focused on private sector collaboration on sustainable energy and oceans in the implementation of the SAMOA Pathway and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

In opening remarks by the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States, Ms. Fekitamoeloa Katoa ‘Utoikamanu, she stressed that SIDS continue to incur high electricity costs given their heavy reliance on fossil fuels and that ocean energy presents a major opportunity towards fostering a sustainable blue economy for island nations.

Ocean energy presents key opportunities for SIDS including the decarbonisation of the power sector, water desalination, aquaculture, shipping and cooling. According to IRENA’s recently published report Innovation Outlook: Ocean Energy Technologies, ocean energy in the form of tidal stream and wave energy are picking up at an increasingly rapid pace. IRENA estimates that around 10 GW of ocean energy capacity could be commercially deployed by 2030.

Several SIDS are already in the process of exploring and/or implementing initiatives on ocean energy ranging from offshore wind to solar, tidal and ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC). While some of these initiatives are at nascent stages, discussions at the Forum focused on amplifying innovation, capacity building, knowledge and technology transfer that will support SIDS in overcoming the challenges associated with the development of sustainable ocean energy.

Despite the growing potential of ocean energy, major challenges remain for SIDS. In particular, funding is needed to move from proven concepts to commercial or public power generation. The investment and capacity building needs of SIDS will also need greater engagement and support from the private sector and international development banks.

To address financing gaps, the Forum discussed possible paths including innovative financing mechanisms to encourage private sector and public investment in ocean energy technologies with the assistance of development partners already keen to support such initiatives like the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).

In his closing remarks, the President and CEO of the World Ocean Council, Mr Paul Holthus, highlighted that sufficient data, appropriate policies and enabling frameworks, climate resilient ocean energy infrastructure and affordable technologies as well as enhanced financial viability of projects will remain crucial for the successful development and use of ocean energy for SIDS.

Ends/

Notes:

Mechanisms like the SIDS-GBN, SIDS Lighthouses Initiative the SIDS Partnership Framework and IRENA’s Collaborative Framework Ocean Energy & Offshore Renewables aim to share information on ocean energy and innovations to support SIDS in transitioning to a sustainable energy future in addition to fostering mutually beneficial partnerships. They help in contributing to key milestone processes like the Second UN Ocean Conference to be held in 2022 and the work of the UN Decade for Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.

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Fostering Innovative Ocean Science Partnerships for Small Island Developing States in the Ocean Decade

HSASS — Mon, 07 Dec 2020 22:14:00 +0000

Palau; aerial view of islands in the Palau archipelago

Pablo Marx, Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0) https://bit.ly/3qn2IQL

NEW YORK/PARIS- 07 December 2020 - A virtual dialogue on fostering innovative ocean science partnerships for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) was jointly organised by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC), UNESCO's Natural Sciences Department and the Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS).

The dialogue focused on innovative partnerships on ocean science for SIDS at the regional and global level. Discussants explored opportunities to accelerate ocean science including the mapping of continental shelves and coastlines, predicting sea-level rise and surveying coral reefs among which are essential to secure Loss and Damage compensation through the Paris Climate Framework.

In her opening remarks, the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States, Ms. Fekitamoeloa Katoa ‘Utoikamanu, stressed that ocean science and SIDS’ sustainable development are inseparable and that ocean science provides the bedrock for SIDS to demonstrate their need for climate and development funding particularly in international negotiations.

A panel discussion during the dialogue discussed a number of existing partnerships that could be leveraged and built upon including the SIDS Partnership Framework and the SIDS Global Business Network. Other notable examples include the Micronesia Challenge, the Caribbean Challenge Initiative and the Local2030 Islands Network launched by the Global Islands Partnerships.

There was a common agreement that SIDS need to be active participants and solution providers in the Ocean Decade and that formation of triangular partnerships for data and knowledge generation and sharing, among themselves and beyond should be encouraged. In addition, participants stressed how crucial the involvement of indigenous people and local communities is for the success of partnerships in the Ocean Decade.

For SIDS to achieve the Ocean Decade, multiple challenges will need to be addressed. In particular, SIDS consistently lack essential ocean data and research capabilities as they are often constrained by funding, the lack of technical capacity, inability to retain trained individuals as well as the high costs of research equipment and infrastructure.

The strategic role of UNESCO in coordinating and promoting the Ocean Decade, as well as other related SIDS issues in the field of science, was also emphasized, including IOC's coordination role for the Ocean Decade as presented by Dr. Vladimir Ryabinin, UNESCO Assistant Director-General and Executive Secretary of IOC.

In addition, Ms. Shamila Nair-Bedouelle, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences, elaborated on the launch of a new initiative called freshwater Island Resilience, put in place by the intergovernmental hydrological program, to tackle water shortages on islands. The possibility of the extension of the Man and the Biosphere Programme across all island states was also announced. It was stressed that necessary support should be provided in the areas of science, technology and innovation (STI) and Ocean literacy for the understanding of the livelihoods that oceans provide, thematic areas that are of importance to SIDS and to be considered in the Decade’s framework.

In his closing remarks, the Permanent Representative of Fiji to the United Nations, Dr Satyendra Prasad encouraged the inclusion of ocean science in the reporting of the Sustainable Development Goals through the Voluntary National Review Reports (VNRs) of SIDS and also during the review of the SAMOA Pathway. He also highlighted the importance of forming transformative partnerships to promote ocean science.
SIDS unique dependence on the ocean cuts across the three pillars of sustainable development, namely economy, society and environment. The combined surface area of SIDS amounts to 140 million square kilometres which represents around one quarter of the world’s economic exclusive zone thus, making them important stakeholders in ocean management. Furthermore, they are also more prone to natural hazards like hurricanes which result in heavy human casualty and economic losses.

The Ocean Decade will harness and stimulate innovative ocean research and strengthen the multi-stakeholder cooperation needed to develop the science we need for the ocean we want. Recognizing how central SIDS’ relationship with the ocean is at all levels and being custodians of large marine spaces, it gives them an important role both as active contributors and beneficiaries in the Ocean Decade.
SIDS are priority areas in the context of the Ocean Decade officially starting in January 2021. This was a first of many dialogues for the SIDS to foster active engagement in the Ocean Decade, both contributors and beneficiaries, and they are empowered in their role as custodians of large marine spaces.

The programme, the presentation and recording can be accessed through the Ocean Decade website.

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Climate Change and Security - The Challenge of Internal Displacement in Small Island Developing States

HSASS — Tue, 01 Dec 2020 22:14:00 +0000

kiribati._lorrie_graham_for_dfat._flickr_cc_by_2.0.jpg

Riibeta Abeta, from Kiribati's Ministry of Environment contemplates the future. He more than most knows the importance of educating people about the impacts of climate change.

Lorrie Graham for DFAT

NEW YORK 11 November/SUVA 12 November 2020 – Climate-induced displacement of island communities creates major socio-economic and human security implications for the world’s small island developing States (SIDS).

In a virtual briefing hosted by the Pacific Islands Forum, UN Department of Political and ̽��ѡbuilding Affairs (DPPA) and UN Office of the High Representative for Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing countries and Small Island Developing States (OHRLLS), stakeholders agreed that unless properly managed and adequately funded, internal displacement can exacerbate poverty, cause social tensions and hinder sustainable development in SIDS.

In opening remarks by the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States, Ms. Fekitamoeloa Katoa Utoikamanu, stressed that mitigation, especially by major greenhouse gas emitters, remains the primary response to the climate crisis. She also emphasized that internal displacement, whether forceful or voluntary, can pose economic, social and cultural challenges which will further compound existing challenges including debt crises and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Presenters from the University of the South Pacific, IOM, Fiji and Sao Tome and Principe highlighted the need to work with communities at risk of displacement from either slow onset or rapid onset climate events. They also highlighted the importance of building on the long history of migration among Pacific island countries to understand how populations were able to thrive and create new opportunities despite the loss of their traditional homelands.

While participants acknowledged the major challenges SIDS are facing, they also noted that internal displacement could bring about benefits such as employment , cultural exchange, human capital development, technological progress and provide the local stimulus for economic growth.

Representatives from SIDS governments shared the unique challenges their countries are facing and the solutions they are exploring to address climate induced internal displacement resulting from climate hazards like coastal degradation, flash floods, sea level rise and tropical storms.

They noted that effective action will require increased academic research as well as dialogue with all affected parties on climate change impacts on internal displacement in local, national, regional and global fora. An integrated whole of government and whole of society approach is needed, whereby all stakeholders including the communities directly affected by climate change and internal displacement, are involved in the policy-making process.

For SIDS to effectively address climate induced displacement, it was recognised that there is a need for additional support, including financing, from the international community. Several projects and initiatives already being undertaken by governments and development partners to tackle climate change and internal displacement were also elaborated. These included: (i) Pacific Climate Change Migration and Human Security programme implemented by IOM, in partnership with ESCAP, OHCHR, and ILO; (ii) the Climate Security Project in the Pacific covering Kiribati, Tuvalu and the Marshall Islands supported by the UN Secretary-General’s ̽��ѡbuilding Fund; (iii) the West Africa Coastal Areas Resilience Investment Project by the World Bank; (iv) Fiji’s Planned Relocation Guidelines developed by the Fijian Government with the support of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ); (v) and Fiji’s Climate Relocation and Displaced People Trust Fund.

Welcoming the efforts underway in this area, in his closing remarks, Assistant Secretary-General Khaled Khiari (DPPA) mentioned that Member State interest in the linkages between climate change, prevention and sustaining peace continues to rise, including in the Security Council and that DPPA has steadily increased its efforts in this area in partnership with Small Island Developing States, OHRLLS, in partnership with DPPA and the Pacific Islands Forum will continue this discusssion series with further sessions on aspects of the climate change and security challenges in Small Islands Developing States in 2021.

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Opening Statement at the Virtual Island Summit 2020

Anonymous — Tue, 08 Sep 2020 15:30:00 +0000

Opening Statement by Ms. Fekitamoeloa Katoa‘Utoikamanu, High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States

8 September 2020
New York, USA

Excellencies,
Colleagues,
Ladies and gentlemen,

It is my privilege to address this Virtual Island Summit.

An impressive range of stakeholders has come together to share expertise and knowledge on island communities at a time where uncertainties, new challenges, and structural transformations call for innovation.

As High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States, a key role is advocacy.

Beyond that, I myself, come from an island nation.

For all, but especially also the island communities, 2020 has been and continues to be a challenging year like few others have been in our lifetime.

Last year, we held high-level mid-term review of the SAMOA Pathway, which, together with the Barbados Programme of Action and the Mauritius Strategy for Implementation, are blueprints for achieving a sustainable development of SIDS.

What became evident is that while some tangible progress has been made over the past five years, major gaps and challenges remain. I call it us having a glass half full.

The gaps and challenges in themselves pointed once more to the unique vulnerabilities of SIDS, caused by both endogenous and exogenous factors.

The SIDS continue to grapple with their lasting structural constraints in their efforts to mobilize domestic resources for sustainable development.

The resources needed to address poverty and social inclusion; to remedy persistent challenges around food security and nutrition, health and non-communicable diseases, violence against women, youth unemployment, and inequality just are not there or not sufficient.

SIDS continue to face increasing and more frequent exogenous challenges from ranging from the adverse impacts of climate change, to exogenous economic and financial shocks.

To make the situation even more complex, many SIDS are considered middle or high-income countries, and this limits their access to development financing.

Of course, none of us could foresee the unfolding of this year.

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a new and additional set of challenges to SIDS while aggravating existing ones.

What is now threatened is the hard-won progress in meeting sustainable development goals.

Countries now face the challenge to manage an unprecedented state of economic and social affairs.

In the immediate, COVID-19 has laid bare the weaknesses of the health sector in SIDS.

It has negatively affected the education sector, especially for the most vulnerable with unequal access to digital technology infrastructure.

The pandemic has put tremendous pressure on already very limited social protection systems.

It has triggered large-scale unemployment, which like everywhere else disproportionately affects the poor and vulnerable.

Over the past few months, SIDS have experienced an exceptional decline in economic activity.

A key employer and income earner is tourism.

With the rapidly plummeting tourism and remittance flows, and with none of us knowing when once again travel can resume safely, I am sure I do not need to paint the picture to you !

Add to this the disruption of global supply chains, shrinking ODA, major loss of foreign investment, and challenges related to debt servicing, we have a near perfect storm.

The bottom line is a severely constrained fiscal space to both respond to COVID-19 and to build back better, including in the face of increasingly frequent and devastating extreme weather events.

Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The time is now to extend targeted and effective support to the SIDS.

Innovative and bold changes are needed.

Changes that can boost resilience to exogenous shocks, including COVID-19, and help build more diversified economies.

To achieve that, true partnerships, genuine international support, notably from multilateral organizations and bilateral partners, must step in now.

Significant technical and financial resources, including new and innovative financial instruments, are needed.

SIDS need immediate and effective commitments for long-term debt relief and restructuring.

A key driver has to be the building of resilience including resilience to respond to climate change and extreme natural events.

In its response to the pandemic, the United Nations has prioritized the most vulnerable countries and they include the SIDS.

What we can see so far is that the socio-economic responses at national and regional levels have aided in boosting health systems.

Social protection measures have ensured to a degree that people’s needs for basic services are met, especially the most vulnerable groups in society such as women, children, the elderly, and those with disabilities.

Economic interventions have supported the informal sector, workers, small and medium-sized businesses.

Everything must be done so that hard won gains are preserved and that people can see a future to look forward to post-crisis.

Many of the responses have been based on multilateral collaboration to ensure macroeconomic stability and support for financing decisions.

Efforts are made to improve resilience and capacity building so that societies may emerge greener, digital, and more resilient to future shocks.

At the global level, OHRLLS supports these efforts.

Beyond our advocacy role we focus on strengthening coherence in the UN response to the crisis.

We established a SIDS National Focal Point mechanism, which has become a critical force in steering the focus and efforts of the UN system to deliver targeted support and policy advice in the implementation of the SAMOA Pathway and the SDGs.

We recently held virtual meetings for three SIDS regional groups: the Caribbean, Pacific and the Atlantic and Indian Ocean and South China Sea (AIS) regions.

These meetings have allowed our national focal points to remain engaged at a time when the sharing of information, lessons learned, and best practices are perhaps more important than ever.

They have also reminded us that country nuances matter and that we must respond to these unique needs. There is no one size fits all.

A common theme across the focal point meetings was the need to leverage the health crisis to build back better.

SIDS know that the crisis beyond its threats, is the opportunity to diversify narrow or single sector economies and move away from the reliance on fossil fuels.

SIDS know they must advance new sectors such as renewable energy, digital infrastructure, and they must give greater prioritization to investment in green and blue economies.

But SIDS need the fiscal space to make these things happen.

They need fiscal liquidity and they need concrete solutions to address their immediate and longer-term debt challenges.

They need tailored partnerships in a number of areas, including the development of statistical systems, to better plan, monitor and evaluate the implementation of their sustainable development goals.

OHRLLS continues to advocate for and promote partnerships in SIDS on these issues.

On access to concessional financing, we are engaged in a number of work streams.

We work with the International Financial Institutions and the G20.

We are engaged with the World Bank Group to review access to IDA and IBRD resources on an exceptional basis.

We know how vitally important it is to expand access to concessional financing and existing emergency financing instruments to meet the considerable needs of SIDS during this crisis and beyond.

OHRLLS in close partnership with other UN agencies, also works on the development of a multi-dimensional vulnerability index.

We see this as crucial to redefine eligibility to concessional financing.

We are committed to bring this important policy tool as fast as we can to Member States for their consideration.

Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Let me turn to the debt issue.

The United Nations Secretary General has initiated a broad financing for development process, together with Jamaica and Canada.

The objective is to present an ambitious menu of policy options to Heads of State and Government.

The policy options are to help countries recover from the current crisis in the short term; mobilize the financial resources to achieve the SDGs; as well as build the resilience and the sustainability of countries, and the global financial architecture over the medium to long term.

In this context, OHRLLS, together with AOSIS, organized a special discussion on the debt risks in SIDS.

The outcome of the discussions fed into the menu of options to be presented to Ministers of Finance, and then Heads of State and Government, later this month.

We will follow up with a special high-level meeting on SIDS’ debt sustainability early next month to bring much needed attention to the needs of the SIDS.

This will particularly be the case in the lead up to the Fall Meetings of the IMF and the World Bank Group.

With respect to partnerships, we continue to promote outreach with the private sector, including through our SIDS Global Business Network (GBN).

The biennial Forum of the GBN will take place later this year in Palau in the margins of the Our Oceans Conference.

You all know the saying how island states are big ocean nations.

We really must drive home the importance of the ocean as a cross-cutting sector for sustainable development in SIDS.

The recovery from COVID-19, the 2020 SIDS GBN will focus on ocean partnerships to enhance resilience across a range of areas, including ocean energy and the use of marine resources, as well as sustainable and diversified tourism.

Further information on the Forum will be available on our new website www.un.org/ohrlls in due course.

Incidentally, we hope that you will find the website to be an important resource for information on events, reports and activities carried out by the Office.

Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

As I conclude, I thank the organizers for holding such an important and exciting Summit, and I look forward to listening to you and learning for your insights.

Thank you.

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Statement at the Webinar on The Role of the Oceans as a Sustainable Resource

Anonymous — Wed, 08 Jul 2020 20:01:00 +0000

Statement by Ms. Fekitamoeloa Katoa‘Utoikamanu, High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States

8 July 2020
New York, USA

Excellencies,
Colleagues,
Ladies and gentlemen,

First, I wish to thank the Permanent Mission of Barbados for your invitation to participate in this important event.

It is so important that we TOGETHER reflect on the role of oceans as a sustainable resource that can contribute to the global energy transition. This also is a key concern for our work in OHRLLS.

SIDS and oceans are one. Islanders live in symbiosis with their oceans and lands.

The SAMOA Pathway prioritizes oceans and marine resources as one of the keys to their sustainable development.

The SIDS right now remain in the throes of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is not you I have to tell about the severe socio-economic impacts and many other ramifications this crisis has triggered and will continue to trigger.

More than ever we must now look at the role of oceans in recovery and sustainable development. The responses and recovery plans must fully provide for opportunities for innovation and transformation in the energy sector in SIDS and that must include developing ocean energy.

Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

As the saying goes, SIDS may be small but are vast ocean countries.

Oceans are the DNA of SIDS, they are the fundamental base upon which the economies and culture of many SIDS and coastal communities are built.

So, it is self-evident that they are central to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Harvesting ocean energy is per se not new. I recall how in my own country, way back in the 80’s we tried to explore tidal energy.

Too much time has gone by since. It is urgent that we advance in exploring how ocean energy can turn into a viable renewable source.

The potential is tremendous and it could accelerate not just the deployment of renewable energy but help create jobs and build more resilient communities.

Their very geography, their extremely limited land resources have forced many SIDS to emerge as frontrunners in the pursuit of energy transitions.

The costs of renewable energy have come down.

This is the opportunity for SIDS to revamp their energy strategies. This is the opportunity to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels and investing in climate-resilient infrastructure.

Being vast ocean nations, ocean energy is an attractive option for many SIDS and especially those with the smallest landmasses where other options such as land-based solar and wind are limited.

Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

After an initial let me say “enthusiasm” way back, sadly ocean energy is significantly behind other renewable sources in regard to technical maturity and economic viability.

An IRENA report on fostering a blue economy tellingly shows that ocean energy technologies remain in their developmental stages.

Most technologies are prototype and only some just reaching commercialization.

Some SIDS ever since the 80’s explore tidal, wave and ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) technologies.

Some SIDS have tested innovative approaches such as floating solar systems.

These promising approaches will also trigger socio-economic benefits in SIDS.

To make this reality, we must invest in technology transfer and capacity-building.

In this regard, the support of the international community based on genuine partnerships will be essential.

UN-OHRLLS stands ready to do our part.

Through the SIDS Global Business Network (SIDS-GBN) and the SIDS Partnership Framework, I can see how we can help to strengthen the international and private sector partnerships in supporting the energy transition in SIDS.

OHRLLS launched the SIDS-GBN to strengthen private sector engagement in the implementation of the SAMOA Pathway and the SDGs.

Both, ocean and renewable energy are included in its seven thematic priority areas.

The upcoming 2020 SIDS-GBN Forum that OHRLLS is organizing together with Palau provides a platform to take these discussions forward.

The Forum, which is set to take place later this year in Palau, also provides the opportunity to consider the strong business case for energy transition in SIDS to stimulate post pandemic recovery.

The GBN Forum will offer a space for governments, investors, and knowledge institutions to explore new opportunities and forge new partnerships for the development of mutually beneficial bilateral business relationships.

Participants will be able to share best practices and support the application of innovative solutions for accelerating up-take of clean and cost-effective renewable energy technologies, including ocean energy.

I thank you and I look forward to including the key takeaways of our discussions here today into our GBN process and beyond.

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2019 SIDS National Focal Point Meeting

Anonymous — Thu, 25 Jul 2019 18:42:00 +0000

Thursday, 25 July 2019 - 8:00am to Friday, 26 July 2019 - 5:00pm

INTRODUCTION

The United Nations Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS) and the Government of Cabo Verde are convening the second Small Island Developing States National Focal Points meeting from 25 to 26 July 2019 in Praia, Cabo Verde.

The meeting theme is: Implementation of the SAMOA Pathway in coherence with the 2030 agenda for sustainable development and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The meeting will provide a platform to exchange information and share experiences on enhancing coherence in the implementation of the SAMOA Pathway, the dedicated programme of action for small island developing States (SIDS) as well as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the national levels.

OBJECTIVES

Discuss and share experiences and relevant strategies on pertinent SIDS related issues
Discuss the preparation of a toolkit for the harmonized approach for monitoring and reporting on the SAMOA Pathway
Formalize SIDS National Focal Point networks and activities by highlighting their main functions

EXPECTED OUTCOME

Preparing of a Toolkit for the harmonization of the SAMOA Pathway
Reporting on the discussions and conclusions
Adopting the Terms of Reference for the Network of SIDS National Focal Points

CO-ORGANISERS

The event is organized by UN-OHRLLS together with the Government of Cabo Verde.

PARTICIPANTS

The event will bring together Government designated National Focal Points of SIDS, members of the AOSIS Bureau, UN agencies including UNDP and DESA, and regional commissions including ESCAP and ECLAC.

DOCUMENTS

Background Materials

Presentations

Session 1

Session 2

Session 3

Session 4

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SIDS

National Focal Points

SAMOA Pathway

2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

AOSIS

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SIDS

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Video Message by High Representative to 10th General Meeting of CARICOM and UN system

Anonymous — Tue, 23 Jul 2019 16:36:00 +0000

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OHRLLS High Representative

UNOHRLLS

The Tenth General Meeting between the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and its associated institutions and the United Nations (UN) system was convened at the Headquarters of the CARICOM Secretariat in Georgetown, Guyana, on 23 and 24 July 2019. High Representative Fekitamoeloa Katoa 'Utoikamanu spoke via video message.

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Island Voices

Anonymous — Fri, 12 Jul 2019 14:53:00 +0000

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Island Voices Podcast

UN-OHRLLS has turned to audio to tell the stories of the lived experience of people living in small island developing States (SIDS).

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Statement at the Global Multi-Stakeholder SIDS Partnerships Dialogue

Anonymous — Wed, 10 Jul 2019 16:29:00 +0000

Statement by Ms. Fekitamoeloa Katoa ‘Utoikamanu, High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States

10 July 2019
New York, USA

Excellencies,
Distinguished delegates,
Ladies and gentlemen,

I warmly welcome all of you! It is good to be with you this afternoon. I congratulate Ambassador Geraldine Byrne Nason of the Republic of Ireland and Ambassador Lois Young of Belize for being at the helm of the Steering Committee on Partnerships for SIDS. Thank you for the progress made on the work of this Committee and your able co-chairmanship. Excellencies, We stand at the five-year juncture of a key agreement - The SAMOA Pathway. This key agreement foresaw how critical partnerships would be to make sustainable development a reality for the citizens of small island development states. Five years later the reality is that major and by times growing gaps persist in building the resilience of SIDS.

We all are aware of the complex, quite specific challenges the SIDS face in all three dimensions of sustainable development. Yes, there is progress in access to and affordability of clean sources of energy. But, SIDS continue to remain highly dependent on fossil fuel imports and this places significant strain on the economies. Yes, the rapid expansion of information communication technologies (ICTs) have allowed millions of people to join the information society. But, several SIDS lag behind in being part of the digital economy. This cannot continue - connectivity and access to ICT as we know are critical to all economies and societies to further economic and social well-being for present and future generations.

Yes, climate change affects everyone. But the frontline, and this already for too long, concerns the SIDS. It is not just time for action any longer - it now is time for urgent action! SIDS contribute very little to global warming but they suffer disproportionately from the devastating and by now often life- threatening climate change impacts on livelihoods. Climate -induced migration is their devastating new reality. We have known this ever since the first Barbados Conference, we now have to act. SIDS cannot do this alone - this will require stronger and faster multi-stakeholder partnerships. It requires partnerships capable of mobilizing knowledge, expertise, technology and financial resources. The SIDS Partnership Framework, which includes the annual Global multi-stakeholder dialogue on SIDS Partnership, is a key action instrument through which we can and must all work together. It is our responsibility to turn words into practical steps and tangible results on the ground.

Excellencies, Within the UN system, a key objective of the Secretary General's UN Reform process is RESULT. This demands that we coordinate better, act with greater coherence and deliver in more effective and accountable ways. This also is the goal of the review of the Multi country Offices. How can we improve the way we deliver? How can we ensure that the United Nations is a valuable, knowledgeable and trusted partner for all stakeholders to work with in promoting the shared vision of an inclusive sustainable development? As I said at the outset, all partners are needed! OHRLSS has invested in action to increase the engagement of the private sector in the implementation of the SAMOA Pathway.

We launched the SIDS Global Business Network in 2015 to raise awareness and connect businesses to SIDS communities. The network focuses on action areas where the engagement of the private sector is critical to make progress. We now must strengthen the links between the SIDS-GBN and the overall SIDS partnership framework. This is all about leveraging synergies and advancing business engagement in the implementation of the SAMOA Pathway. 2019 is a milestone year for small island developing states. We engage in our first stock-taking meeting since the adoption of the SAMOA Pathway. At the high-level Meeting in September, we aim for a strong action-oriented document on the way forward.

Too much time has already elapsed and no time remains to be wasted. We, the peoples of the SIDS simply cannot wait another five years for the commitments pledged to SIDS to become reality. It is high time to step up action. Thank you.

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Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States - SIDS

Ocean Conference Side Event: Ocean partnerships and science-based solutions for strengthening sustainable ocean economies in SIDS, LDCs and LLDCs

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Statement by Ms. Fekitamoeloa Katoa‘Utoikamanu, High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States

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2019 SIDS National Focal Point Meeting

INTRODUCTION

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EXPECTED OUTCOME

CO-ORGANISERS

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10 July 2019 New York, USA

8 September 2020
New York, USA

8 July 2020
New York, USA

10 July 2019
New York, USA