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Antigua and Barbuda, May 28, 2024: Yesterday, at the official opening of the International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4) held at the Conference Hall of the American University in Antigua, the President of the Republic of Seychelles, Wavel Ramkalawan, became the first Head of State to speak during the General Debate segment of Heads of State and Government in the Plenary Session of the General Assembly.
President Ramkalawan stressed at the Summit the importance and urgency of the meeting’s shared commitment to addressing the pressing challenges affecting small island states.
“Despite three decades of special care for Small Island Developing States, we continue to face a complex array of issues, from climate change and sea level rise to environmental degradation, devastating pandemics, geopolitical tensions, economic fragility and sustainable development. These issues have led to rising debt levels and insufficient capacity to invest in resilience and climate action, making the pursuit of lasting prosperity a daunting and seemingly never-ending task,” said President Ramkalawan.
In addition to highlighting the magnitude of the challenges facing SIDS, the President also elaborated on the five main points of the SIDS 4th Summit theme:Charting a Path Toward Resilient Prosperity” As an example of how small island nations can come together.
These are: 1. Small island developing States need to unite; 2. Accept and recognize the uniqueness of island states; 3. The severity and urgency of the climate crisis; 4. Adopt a multidimensional vulnerability index; 5. Small island developing States must unite to establish a loss and damage fund.
He called on all small island developing States to “exercise focus and determination, adopt innovative solutions, foster international partnerships and advocate for environmental protection as they plan for a more resilient, prosperous and sustainable future, remembering that addressing these challenges requires global collective action and a united front.”
“I stressed that small island developing States have been playing a constructive role in promoting harmony, peace and environmental protection. Success depends on the joint efforts of governments, the multilateral system, civil society, the private sector and youth, who deserve to be meaningfully involved in shaping their countries’ future. Cooperation, sharing of best practices and innovation are key to overcoming adversity and creating a brighter future and prosperity for all.
“Let us seize this moment to forge new partnerships, share best practices, and chart a path to a more sustainable and prosperous future for SIDS. Let us draw inspiration from the resilience and resourcefulness of our people. Despite the daunting challenges ahead, I am confident that through joint efforts and commitment to innovation, we can overcome adversity and build a better future for all,” the President concluded.
Read the full statement at the link below:
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