The COVID-19 pandemic has accentuated the vulnerability of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) already weakened by the consequences of climate change and, above all, the debt crisis. The pandemic has had a considerable impact on island nations that depend on tourism, driving up deficits in island public revenues. This situation is hampering efforts to invest in the sustainable development goals, but efforts are being made to mobilise them to exceed the 10% mark in aid for financing climate action and disaster risk reduction between 2021 and 2023.
Their small size and, above all, their geographical isolation are factors that accentuate the vulnerabilities of small island developing states (SIDS). Among the many challenges facing these islands are dependence on complex import and supply chains, global shocks caused by extreme weather conditions, destructive tourism, the COVID-19 pandemic and regional wars. According to the United Nations, more than 60% of the countries suffering the greatest losses from natural disasters are SIDS, but they receive only 10% of aid for financing climate action and disaster risk reduction. Experts believe that this situation makes it difficult to meet the challenge of sustainable development, as SIDS redirect funds intended for development projects towards post-disaster reconstruction.
There are increased threats of climate change and environmental degradation on the lives of the youth, and their lack of educational employment opportunities. The speakers called for multifaceted and holistic approaches to greater investments in strengthening human capital and put forward tangible solutions across health, education and employment.
Pedro Fernandes Lopes, Secretary of State for the Digital Economy – Cabo Verde
Another challenge facing SIDS is the infrastructure deficit. Their geographical remoteness generates high costs in areas such as communications, energy, sanitation and transport. Madagascar is a case in point, with only 54.4% of the population having access to water and only 12.3% to sanitation by 2022, according to World Bank figures. At the Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4) held in May 2024 in Antigua and Barbuda under the overall theme ‘Charting the course to resilient prosperity’, the international community committed to increasing the capacity of SIDS to achieve sustainable development, including the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals.
“Much more must be done to ensure the global financial system delivers for SIDS. The outcome of the high level meeting, the call to action on mobilising resources for states jointly issued by the UN Secretary-General and Prime Minister Brown of Antigua and Barbuda underscores that concerted and urgent action is needed to enable states to finance the implementation of the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS”.
Tumasie Blair, Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN – Antigua and Barbuda
The United Nations Population Fund estimates that 50% of the population of SIDS is 25 years old or younger. A population for whom food is a crucial issue. In Africa’s Small Island Developing States (SIDS), which have a population of just over 4 million, up to 90% of food is imported.
“This is a global injustice as you heard the Secretary-General say and the onus is really on the top 20 emitters to keep the promise of the Paris Agreement. Evidence over the last four years show that sustainable development prospects for SIDS have worsened as a result of the COVID 19 pandemic conflicts and continued economic turmoil, already adding to the challenging landscape.”
Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations – Nigeria
Since 1992, Chapter 17 of Agenda 21 for the protection of oceans, seas and coastal areas has recognised the ecological fragility and vulnerability of SIDS due to their small size, limited resources, geographical dispersion and isolation from markets.