International Day of the Tropics

The Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries offers a chance to explore solutions and forge partnerships, addressing challenges and unlocking their full potential for a more equitable and prosperous future.  It will take place in Gaborne, Botswana from 9 to 12 December 2024.

Watch the Preparatory Committee for the third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (General Assembly, 78th session, Second session, 2nd meeting)

The Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries offers a chance to explore solutions and forge partnerships, addressing challenges and unlocking their full potential for a more equitable and prosperous future.  (Gaborne, Botswana from 9 to 12 December 2024).

Opening of the session - Item 1

Opening statements

Adoption of the agenda and other organizational matters - Item 3

General statements - Item 5

Agenda item 6 – Consideration of the draft outcome document

Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) are locked out: with no direct territorial access to the sea, they struggle with international trade, connectivity, and economic development.

Cut off from the global marketplace and without the means to develop adequate transport and logistics infrastructure, landlocked developing countries facing unique and significant challenges in achieving the sustainable development goals. Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), lacking direct sea access, face hurdles in trade, connectivity, and development. Without coastal ports, they rely on transit nations, causing higher trade costs and delays. Despite challenges, LLDCs host vibrant communities with untapped potential. 

Innovative solutions, strategic partnerships, and increased investment can help to address these challenges and unlock the full potential of these nations.

Related Sites and Documents

Website

Proposed organization of work.

Watch the Preparatory Committee for the third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (General Assembly, 78th session, Second session, 1st meeting)

Pursuant to the modalities decided in General Assembly resolution 77/328 and the decision by the Preparatory Committee of 1 April 2024, Member States and the European Union may speak in the general debate. Following their statements, representatives of the following may, time permitting, make a statement in the general debate, in the order that they are listed below: (a) intergovernmental organizations and other entities that have received a standing invitation from the General Assembly to participate in the capacity of observer in the sessions and work of the General Assembly and other relevant intergovernmental organizations and international bodies that were accredited pursuant to paragraph 9 (b) above; (b) associate members of regional commissions; (c) specialized agencies and related organizations; (d) interested United Nations organs; and (e) non-governmental organizations, major groups and other relevant stakeholders.

Agenda

Report of the interactive dialogues - Item 9

Credentials of representatives to the Conference - Item 7

Report of the Credentials Committee - Item 7 (b)

Outcome of the Conference - Item 10 

A/CONF.223/2024/L.1 - The Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for Small Island Developing States: A Renewed Declaration for Resilient Prosperity, 

A/CONF.223/2024/4* - A/CONF.223/2024/4* - Draft outcome document of the fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States)

Adoption of the report of the Conference - Item 11

A/CONF.223/2024/L.3 - Draft report of the fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States, 

A/CONF.223/2024/L.2 - Expression of thanks to the people and Government of Antigua and Barbuda: draft resolution)

Closure of the Conference - Item 12

Statement by the Deputy Secretary-General Statement by the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda

Official Programme

Organization of work, including the establishment of subsidiary bodies, and other organizational matters

The fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4) is held from 27 to 30 May 2024 in St John's, Antigua and Barbuda. Under the overarching theme of "Charting the course toward resilient prosperity", the Conference aims at assessing the ability of SIDS to achieve sustainable development, including the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals.

Watch the Final Closing Plenary - SIDS4 (27-30 May 2024 - Antigua and Barbuda)!

Join UN DESA live from the SIDS4 Conference in Antigua and Barbuda and online for a stock-taking and discussion of the current demographic outlook for small island developing States (SIDS), using the latest data from the Population Prospects of Countries in Special Situations report. With issues such as ageing populations, youth migration, and changing family structures, SIDS face complex demographic challenges that necessitate tailored policy responses. By examining the latest UN DESA research and insights on demographic trends in SIDS, In-person experts from UN DESA and other stakeholders from the region will consider the unique demographic dynamics shaping SIDS communities as they will explore ways to ensure that demographic changes become drivers of sustainable development and prosperity in SIDS.

Watch The Demographic Prospects of Small Island Developing States - UN DESA Policy Dialogue, SIDS4 (27-30 May 2024 - Antigua and Barbuda)!

The fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4) is held from 27 to 30 May 2024 in St John's, Antigua and Barbuda. Under the overarching theme of "Charting the course toward resilient prosperity", the Conference aims at assessing the ability of SIDS to achieve sustainable development, including the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals.

The fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4) is held from 27 to 30 May 2024 in St John's, Antigua and Barbuda. Under the overarching theme of "Charting the course toward resilient prosperity", the Conference aims at assessing the ability of SIDS to achieve sustainable development, including the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals.

Mr. Gaston Browne, Honorable Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Amina J. Mohammed, UN Deputy Secretary-General together with Li Junhua, Secretary-General of the Conference and UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs and Rabab Fatima, Special Adviser on the Conference and UN High Representative for Small Island Developing States will brief journalists on key outcomes of the Conference. 

Speakers:

- Gaston Browne, Honorable Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda 

- Amina J. Mohammed, UN Deputy Secretary-General 

- Li Junhua, Secretary-General of the Conference and UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs 

- Rabab Fatima, Special Adviser on the Conference and UN High Representative for Small Island Developing States 

Moderated by Sharon Birch, Spokesperson, SIDS4 Conference

Watch the Closing Press Conference - SIDS4 (27-30 May 2024 - Antigua and Barbuda)!

Launch of the SIDS Center of Excellence.

Speakers:  

Hon. Prime Minister Gaston Browne, Antigua and Barbuda 

Mr. Sergio Fernandez de Cordova, Executive Chairman, PVBLIC Foundation 

Dr. Gene Leon, International SIDS Advocate 

Moderator: 

Auli'i Cravalho, Chief Impact Officer, SDG News 

Watch the A Moment of Declaration - Reporting back from Special Events - SIDS4 (27-30 May 2024 - Antigua and Barbuda)!

Launch of the SIDS Center of Excellence.

Speakers:  

Hon. Prime Minister Gaston Browne, Antigua and Barbuda 

Mr. Sergio Fernandez de Cordova, Executive Chairman, PVBLIC Foundation 

Dr. Gene Leon, International SIDS Advocate 

Moderator: 

Auli'i Cravalho, Chief Impact Officer, SDG News 

The fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4) is held from 27 to 30 May 2024 in St John's, Antigua and Barbuda. Under the overarching theme of "Charting the course toward resilient prosperity", the Conference aims at assessing the ability of SIDS to achieve sustainable development, including the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals.

Watch the Launch of the SIDS Center of Excellence - SDG Media Zone, SIDS4 (27-30 May 2024 - Antigua and Barbuda)!

Briefing by Pacific and Caribbean Civil Societies on Climate Change Priorities and Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation.

Related Sites and Documents

Official Programme

Media Programme

The fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4) is held from 27 to 30 May 2024 in St John's, Antigua and Barbuda. Under the overarching theme of "Charting the course toward resilient prosperity", the Conference aims at assessing the ability of SIDS to achieve sustainable development, including the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals.

Watch the Briefing by Pacific and Caribbean Civil Societies on Climate Change Priorities and Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation - SIDS4 (27-30 May 2024 - Antigua and Barbuda)

The fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4) is held from 27 to 30 May 2024 in St John's, Antigua and Barbuda. Under the overarching theme of "Charting the course toward resilient prosperity", the Conference aims at assessing the ability of SIDS to achieve sustainable development, including the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals.

Watch the Towards a youth driven future for Small Island Developing States - SDG Media Zone, SIDS4 (27-30 May 2024 - Antigua and Barbuda)

In accordance with the General Assembly resolution 77/328, the interactive dialogue will be presided over by two Co-Chairs, one from a developing country and one from a developed country, to be appointed by the President of the Conference.  The interactive dialogue will start with a moderated fireside chat, followed by responses from two experts or resource persons. Subsequently, the floor will be opened for interventions from Member States, UN entities, and other stakeholders.

There will be a pre-established list of speakers for each interactive dialogue which will be collaborative and multi-stakeholder in nature, with due regard for gender and geographical balance. Each list will include approximately 15 representatives from States and the European Union; two (2) representatives of intergovernmental organizations, entities and bodies and associate members of regional commissions; three (3) representatives of the United Nations system entities, including specialized agencies and related organizations and United Nations organs; and three (3) representatives from non-governmental organizations, major groups and other relevant stakeholders.

Co-Chairs:

- H.E. Dr. Jose Ulisses Correia e Silva, Prime Minister of the Republic of Cabo Verde

- H.E Mr. Patrice Gumbs, Minister Plenipotentiary, Sint Maarten (Kingdom of the Netherlands)

Moderator:

- Ms. Cindy McCain, Executive Director of WFP

Panellists (Experts/Resource Persons):

- The Rt. Hon. Patricia Scotland KC, Commonwealth Secretary-General

- Ms. Karuna Rana, Co-Founder of SIDS Youth AIMS Hub (SYAH)

Fireside Chat Participants:

- Ms. Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, Executive Secretary for Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP)

- Hon. Vickram Outar Bharrat, Minister of Natural Resources, Guyana

Related Sites and Documents

Official Programme

Organization of work, including the establishment of subsidiary bodies, and other organizational matters

Watch the Interactive Dialogue on Investing in human capital: addressing health crises in small island developing States and building the potential of youth in small island developing States - SIDS4 (27-30 May 2024 - Antigua and Barbuda)!

The SIDS4 Civil Society Forum is an informal special event in connection with the SIDS4 Conference. 

It will be an opportunity to bring together diverse voices and perspectives to deliberate on strategies for achieving resilient prosperity in SIDS over the next 10 years, and to rally and mobilize civil society, including non-profit organizations, indigenous peoples, women's and youth organizations, persons with disabilities, academia and other stakeholder groups to highlight their contributions to the sustainable development of SIDS and to share reflections, priorities and announce commitments towards the implementation of the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS).

This forum will foster a collaborative and inclusive approach, recognizing the unique contributions of civil society in driving the sustainable development agenda in SIDS. The forum will also foster enhanced collaboration between civil society and SIDS governments, the UN system, and other development partners.

Related Sites and Documents

Civil Society Forum website

CN_CSOForumSIDS4Conference

Official Programme

The fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4) is held from 27 to 30 May 2024 in St John's, Antigua and Barbuda. Under the overarching theme of "Charting the course toward resilient prosperity", the Conference aims at assessing the ability of SIDS to achieve sustainable development, including the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals.

Watch the SIDS4 Civil Society Forum - SIDS4 (27-30 May 2024 - Antigua and Barbuda)!

In accordance with the General Assembly resolution 77/328, the interactive dialogue will be presided over by two Co-Chairs, one from a developing country and one from a developed country, to be appointed by the President of the Conference.  The interactive dialogue will start with a moderated fireside chat, followed by responses from two experts or resource persons. Subsequently, the floor will be opened for interventions from Member States, UN entities, and other stakeholders.

There will be a pre-established list of speakers for each interactive dialogue which will be collaborative and multi-stakeholder in nature, with due regard for gender and geographical balance. Each list will include approximately 15 representatives from States and the European Union; two (2) representatives of intergovernmental organizations, entities and bodies and associate members of regional commissions; three (3) representatives of the United Nations system entities, including specialized agencies and related organizations and United Nations organs; and three (3) representatives from non-governmental organizations, major groups and other relevant stakeholders.

Co-Chairs:

- H.E. Ms. Dace Melbārde, Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia

- The Honourable Pennelope Beckles-Robinson, Minister of Planning and Development for Trinidad and Tobago

Moderator:

- Ms. Pamela Coke-Hamilton, Executive Director of International Trade Centre (ITC)

Panellists (Experts/Resource Persons):

- H.E. Dr. Carla Natalie Barnett, Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM)

- Mr. Vidar Helgesen, Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC/UNESCO) and Assistant Director-General of UNESCO

Fireside Chat Participants:

- H.E Ms. Minna-Liina Lind, Vice-Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Estonia

- Hon. Carlos James, Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Sustainable Development and Culture, St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Related Sites and Documents

Official Programme

Organization of work, including the establishment of subsidiary bodies, and other organizational matters

Watch the Interactive Dialogue on Leveraging data and digital technologies and building effective institutions for a resilient future in small island developing States - SIDS4 (27-30 May 2024 - Antigua and Barbuda)!

Pursuant to the modalities decided in General Assembly resolution 77/328 and the decision by the Preparatory Committee of 1 April 2024, Member States and the European Union may speak in the general debate. Following their statements, representatives of the following may, time permitting, make a statement in the general debate, in the order that they are listed below: (a) intergovernmental organizations and other entities that have received a standing invitation from the General Assembly to participate in the capacity of observer in the sessions and work of the General Assembly and other relevant intergovernmental organizations and international bodies that were accredited pursuant to paragraph 9 (b) above; (b) associate members of regional commissions; (c) specialized agencies and related organizations; (d) interested United Nations organs; and (e) non-governmental organizations, major groups and other relevant stakeholders.

Related Sites and Documents

Official Programme

Organization of work, including the establishment of subsidiary bodies, and other organizational matters

The fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4) is held from 27 to 30 May 2024 in St John's, Antigua and Barbuda. Under the overarching theme of "Charting the course toward resilient prosperity", the Conference aims at assessing the ability of SIDS to achieve sustainable development, including the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals.

Watch the Sixth Plenary Meeting - SIDS4 (27-30 May 2024 - Antigua and Barbuda)!

The fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4) is held from 27 to 30 May 2024 in St John's, Antigua and Barbuda. Under the overarching theme of chart"Charting the course toward resilient prosperity", the Conference aims at assessing the ability of SIDS to achieve sustainable development, including the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals.

SIDS 2.0: The rise of digital connectivity for the future of SIDS - SDG Media Zone, SIDS4 (27-30 May 2024 - Antigua and Barbuda)

Launch of the Blue and Green Island Integrated Programme - A USD 135 million initiative.

Achim Steiner, UNDP Administrator and Carlos Manuel Rodríguez, CEO and Chairman, GEF will brief  journalists on a new US$135 million initiative – the Blue and Green Island Integrated Programme (BGI-IP) led by UNDP in partnership with UNEP, FAO, the World Bank, WWF-US, IUCN and other partners. Financed by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the initiative will help to improve food systems, support sustainable agriculture and fisheries, promote nature-friendly tourism, and develop sustainable urban and rural areas in 15 SIDS around the world.

Speakers: - Achim Steiner, Administrator, UNDP - Carlos Manuel Rodríguez, Chairman, GEF

Moderated by Sharon Birch, Spokesperson, SIDS4 Conference

Related Sites and Documents

Official Programme

Media Programme

Watch Launch of the Blue and Green Island Integrated Programme - A USD 135 million initiative - Press Conference, SIDS4 (27-30 May 2024 - Antigua and Barbuda)!

The fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4) is held from 27 to 30 May 2024 in St John's, Antigua and Barbuda. Under the overarching theme of "Charting the course toward resilient prosperity", the Conference aims at assessing the ability of SIDS to achieve sustainable development, including the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals.

The fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4) is held from 27 to 30 May 2024 in St John's, Antigua and Barbuda. Under the overarching theme of "Charting the course toward resilient prosperity", the Conference aims at assessing the ability of SIDS to achieve sustainable development, including the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals.

Description

In accordance with the General Assembly resolution 77/328, the interactive dialogue will be presided over by two Co-Chairs, one from a developing country and one from a developed country, to be appointed by the President of the Conference.  The interactive dialogue will start with a moderated fireside chat, followed by responses from two experts or resource persons. Subsequently, the floor will be opened for interventions from Member States, UN entities, and other stakeholders.

There will be a pre-established list of speakers for each interactive dialogue which will be collaborative and multi-stakeholder in nature, with due regard for gender and geographical balance. Each list will include approximately 15 representatives from States and the European Union; two (2) representatives of intergovernmental organizations, entities and bodies and associate members of regional commissions; three (3) representatives of the United Nations system entities, including specialized agencies and related organizations and United Nations organs; and three (3) representatives from non-governmental organizations, major groups and other relevant stakeholders.

Co-Chairs:

- H.E. Mr. Surangel Whipps Jr., President of Republic of Palau

- H.E. Ms. Jennifer Morgan, State Secretary and Special Envoy for International Climate Action at the Federal Foreign Office, Republic of Germany

Moderator:

- Ms. Simona Marinescu, Senior Advisor on SIDS, UNOPS

Panellists (Experts/Resource Persons):

- Ms. Mafalda Duarte, Executive Director of Green Climate Fund (GCF)

- Mr. Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)

Fireside Chat Participants:

- H.E. Mr. Tomas Anker Christensen, State Secretary and Special Envoy for Climate, Denmark

- H.E. Mr. Naadir Nigel Hamid Hassan, Minister for Finance, Economic Planning and Trade of Seychelles

Watch Interactive Dialogue on Making climate finance work for small island developing States - building on the outcomes of COP28 - SIDS4 (27-30 May 2024 - Antigua and Barbuda)!

The SIDS4 Private Sector Roundtable will gather leaders from the private sector, island governments and development partners for a focused discussion on partnerships for resilient island economies, and the means to ensure an active private sector engagement in the implementation of the next programme of action for SIDS. 

The Roundtable will also showcase outcomes from the SIDS Global Business Network Forum held on 25-26 May. 

The Private Sector Roundtable is being organised by the UN Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN OHRLLS).

The fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4) is held from 27 to 30 May 2024 in St John's, Antigua and Barbuda. Under the overarching theme of "Charting the course toward resilient prosperity", the Conference aims at assessing the ability of SIDS to achieve sustainable development, including the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals.

Watch the SIDS4 Private Sector Roundtable - SIDS4 (27-30 May 2024 - Antigua and Barbuda)