SIDS4: President Ramkalawan delivers keynote speech at SIDS DOCK Dialogue and signs joint statement between SIDS DOCK, Austria and UNIDO – News – Seychelles National House

Antigua and Barbuda, 29^day May 2024: Earlier this week, the President of the Republic of Seychelles, Wavell Ramakarawan, delivered the keynote address at the SIDS DOCK High Level Meeting held during the Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4) at the American University in Antigua. President Ramakarawan spoke in his capacity as the Chairperson of the 7th SIDS DOCK Conference (AIS Region).

In his speech, Mr. Ramkalawan stressed the importance of climate finance support, which is critical to ensuring adequate infrastructure, achieving energy security, reducing emissions and promoting economic development.

In his pertinent statement, the President outlined the burdens facing small island states and called on the international financing community and stakeholders for support. “Without your support, our efforts to prevent an energy crisis and promote sustainable growth may fail, leaving our young generations at risk and prosperity out of reach,” the President said.

Mr. Ramkalawan urged stakeholders to recognize the critical role of innovative financing in ensuring a sustainable future for Small Island Developing States. “Let us embrace the potential of ocean energy and strengthen our international partnerships.”

President Ramkalawan also attended a SIDS DOCK IWON Committee Reception hosted by Dr. Vince Henderson, MP, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Commerce, Trade and Energy of the Dominican Government and IWON Patron, where a joint statement between SIDS DOCK, Austria and UNIDO was signed.

UNIDO and the SIDS DOCK Secretariat signed a “Joint Declaration” with Austria to establish a 10-year partnership to promote SIDS goals. The Declaration is intended to be aligned with the Barbados Programme of Action, the Mauritius Strategy for Implementation, the SIDS Accelerated Modalities of Action and the forthcoming Antigua and Barbuda SIDS Agenda.

Also attending the reception were Commonwealth Secretary General Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, Secretary General of the Austrian Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs (BMeiA) Mr Nikolaus Marschik, Director General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) Mr Gerd Müller and other distinguished guests.