The Hummingbird - Special SIDS4 Issue 2024 [vol.11, n.4]
Issued on a monthly basis, The Hummingbird offers insights into the latest projects, publications, technical assistance missions and research carried out by ECLAC Caribbean. In addition to these, sneak previews are provided of the most salient upcoming events, alongside enriching followups to previously covered issues. With a view to featuring a variety of facets of Caribbean life and lifestyle, The Hummingbird also zooms in on cultural activities and landmark occurrences through an eye-opening regional round-up.
EDITORIAL TEAM
Editor / Writer: Jabari Fraser
Proof Reader: Veera Deokiesingh-Fraser Design and Layout: Liseanne Martin-Subero
Please see our contact details on the back cover of this magazine.
JUNE
What are SIDS?
Small Island Developing States are countries and islands that face unique economic, environmental and social vulnerabilities.
Imagine a world without Islands
In the context of the 4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4), our campaign challenges the world to grapple with the ominous threat of climate inaction, biodiversity loss, debt and development challenges faced by small, water encircled countries… Can you Imagine a world without Islands?
Depending on the size, geographic, economic, developmental, political definition of small island states, the number of SIDS globally can range from 18 – 58. UN DESA lists 39 SIDS, 37 of which are UN Member States. There are an additional 18 Associate Members of the UN’s regional commissions. For decades, the debate on a definition for small states has meandered without consensus.
There are innumerable islands all around the world. In the Caribbean basin alone, there are more than 7,000 islands, islets and keys – 13 are sovereign states, as classified by their own jurisprudence and recognized by the United Nations.
Even though most of the islands are not inhabited, most Caribbean nation states are a collection of multiple islands, there are even countries that share one main island – Haiti and Dominican Republic share the island of Hispaniola.
There are 19 non-sovereign nations in the Caribbean. Some examples of these with different political classifications are – Anguilla, Guadeloupe, San Andres and Providencia, British Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. Two overseas territories – Sint Maarten and Saint Martin – also share an island.
While these islands are not classified as states, they have resident populations, vast history, cultures, economic and political systems. They all face the existential crisis that comes with islandness.
ON SIDS SIDS OF SIDS debate Caribbean characteristics
Environmental
Many SIDS are remote and acutely vulnerable to weather, seismic and oceanographic events, including the effects of climate change –extreme weather events (tropical storms, hurricanes), sea level rise, habitat degradation. Most SIDS have difficulties dealing with the effects of extreme weather events such as storm surges, landslides, destruction of habitats, biodiversity loss.
While SIDS are scattered around the world, and are not heterogeneous in culture, politics or economy, they have similar characteristics – small size, environmental vulnerability, small population, geographic remoteness, narrow economic base, dependence on imports and aid, and limitations in participating in international relations.
Economic
Because of their small size, the Economies of SIDS are highly vulnerable to external factors beyond their control, affecting economic stability and viability. Remoteness, small size, insularity, proneness to extreme weather events, low resilience to international shocks and economies with low diversification make SIDS economically vulnerable. In recent years, higher GDP (Gross Domestic Product) often hides SIDS’ economic vulnerability.
Other
Many SIDS also face a combination of several other challenges, including the effects of colonialism, extraction of natural resources, low technical capacity, food insecurity and brain drain.
Scientists forecast that a 2°C increase in temperature will trigger sea level rise that will consume 13,000km² of Caribbean land area (Global Americans 2019).
The Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC) estimates that continued climate inaction in the region will start eating away at GDP. By 2025 it could total US $10.7 billion, $22 billion by 2050 and $46 billion by 2100, at 5%, 10% and 22% of Caribbean GDP, respectively (Global Americans 2019).
There are around 900,000 official islands in the world! This number is made up of all the official islands and islets listed by each country.
• Fragile land + marine ecosystems & biodiversity loss
• Limited natural resources
• Extensive marine area around SIDS –susceptible to catastrophic natural disasters
• Extensive marine area around SIDS
• SIDS contribute less than one per cent global greenhouse gas emissions
• Biodiversity in SIDS is wide
• Together, SIDS form a large group of countries
• Large ocean
ARE PEOPLE too! island people
Did you know?
Globally, while the number of people in SIDS amounts to less than one per cent of the global population, there are 65 million people in Small Island Developing States!
In two out of three SIDS, tourism represents 20% of their GDP. While we may live where you vacation, our beaches, nature, cultures and islands are real places and are important for our lives, livelihoods, civilizations and survival.
*Trinidad and Tobago Carnival attracts more than 30,000 foreign visitors each year.
While Caribbean carnivals are popular tourist attractions, they are significant cultural events, and generate millions of dollars in economic activity.
There are 1,500 languages in SIDS around the world. There are 106 dominant languages, spoken by 96 per cent of the SIDS population.
Glow UP!
A GLOBAL CAMPAIGN ON ISLANDS BY ISLANDS FOR ISLANDS
T&T star soca singer Mical Teja singing the praises of cultural and natural island treasures… Picture Machel Montano reflecting on the beauty of Caribbean islands… Internationally acclaimed Caribbean designer Anya Ayoung Chee celebrating the impact of island flare on fashion globally… Caribbean and Pacific Youth talking about the social, cultural and environmental treasures of their islands… yep! They all featured in the ECLAC and UNIC Caribbean campaign launched in March, called: Imagine a World Without Islands.
This was the first internallyproduced campaign from the Caribbean to be featured in United Nations’ global communication materials. Social Media Assistant at UNIC Caribbean Zico Cozier says,
“Our campaign emphasized the urgency of addressing these challenges —before it's too late — by highlighting what everyone, everywhere, stands to lose in a world without islands. We leaned on the voices of island people across SIDS regions to tell their own stories and we provided them a global platform to do so, distributing the campaign material for use across the entire UN System through the United Nations Department of Global Communications (DGC) in New York.”
A WEBINAR FOR SIDS JOURNALISTS
In the lead-up to SIDS4, regional journalists gathered to discuss issues affecting small island nations, share their experiences covering SIDS, multilateral meetings and climate issues.
Antigua and Barbuda’s lead negotiator for Small Island Developing States issues
Tumasie Blair has said that the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS) is not as ambitious as what islands around the world wanted, but island nations were able to clearly establish their boundaries and demand that they were not crossed. Representative Blair was speaking at the event Eye on Island Issues, a webinar put on by ECLAC and United Nations
Information Centre Caribbean in the lead up to SIDS4. Attended by over 50 journalists and media professionals from the Caribbean, the workshop prepared reporters, writers and bloggers to cover the conference.
Commenting on how the ABAS was agreed upon, Representative Blair said, “The negotiation I would say was extremely tough, a lot of battles, I would say, having very
frank, closed door conversations, indicating very clearly that we have red lines as SIDS and… we will not give up until you at least understand where we are, and indicate to us clearly how you intend to assist us getting to where we need to go within the next ten years. The end result was of course, the document wasn’t where we started at, but I think we are leaving the negotiation not 100% happy but satisfied that we were able to accomplish most of our asks. I’d say for example, there’s very strong language on climate finance, access to finance for SIDS.”
The Antigua and Barbuda representative highlighted the fact the SIDS’ small diplomatic teams and limited resources mean that negotiating as individual states is
very difficult compared to larger and more developed countries. He also noted that the large countries also have greater influence on media, and that helps push the narrative of the industrial world. “It is important for the media to recognise this… as islanders, we continuously indicate that we are the conscience of humanity. We are the ones who are able to advocate vigorously, our stories are believable… “The media is extremely important in how we try to amplify the voice and how we negotiate as small states.” He also gave reporters tips on how they should stake out at international conferences; to get promises from developed-country-politicians and multilateral partners.
“I want the media, when people are leaving that meeting to approach them and ask them frankly, what are you doing for SIDS? And you get them on record, and this is how we start to hold them accountable. Quoting them, hear them indicating clearly, that we are going to support SIDS and you follow up continuously, six months later, a year later. Minister, you’ve said this, indicated you’re going to do this.”
In lecture style, ECLAC Caribbean Director Diane Quarless gave an overarching brief on the challenges that small island nations face. She also spoke about the opportunities SIDS have in their resilience, status as biodiversity defenders, solidarity and as leaders in climate ambition.
“I am thrilled that we have this wide cross section of journalists – the deans and veteran commentators, hungry reporters, broadcasters, bloggers and tiktokers!”
She said the role of journalism is to report on what is happening on the ground, but also to lead public discussion and thought. She noted that Caribbean newsrooms have human resource challenges and many times, may not have the opportunity to focus on issues of sustainable development. “How do we solve these issues? The discussions must be centred on how to combat the smallness. Organize yourselves into partnerships… Newsrooms and media owners must forge partnerships among other media owners in the region. Share the development stories that make the news in Antigua on the Jamaican airwaves. The Lucian marine Instagrammer must do a joint post or a “collab” with the Vincy independent media. I cannot stress enough how important collaboration is.”
Director of UNIC Caribbean Liliana Garavito said the collaboration with ECLAC was important and fruitful, and gave regional reporters insight
into SIDS challenges and useful journalistic tips. “We aimed to delve into practical strategies for covering the conference, spotlighting its critical importance and the multifaceted challenges it addresses.
Moreover, we gave participants valuable tools to communicate these messages powerfully through media channels. Central to our discussions was the forward-looking agenda for SIDS, envisioning resilient economies, fostering robust and healthy societies, ensuring sustainability, and catalyzing climate action with requisite financing… SIDS confront unique vulnerabilities, persisting despite sustained efforts and numerous action programs, as they struggle with the impacts of climate change, natural disasters, and economic instability.”
Presenting on practical tips for reporters at climate conferences, Trinidad and Tobago climate and development journalist Ryan Bachoo shared his experience. “We come from Small Island developing states, our islands are fractions of what their cities are, so you have to maintain blinkers as to what you are there for… be laser visioned as to what you are there for, and the stories that
matter to our people… Let’s find a way to connect our stories with what is impacting our lives around the Caribbean.”
Deandre Williamson, a journalist from the Bahamas said “When you cover the daily press briefings, I encourage journalists to ask questions, come prepared to ask questions about what is going on, know the events that took place during the day, know the key negotiations and discussions so that you can be able to ask informed questions. Also, be familiar with the current issues facing SIDS in the Caribbean and around the world.”
Cuba’s Vice Minister of the economy and planning Johana Odriozola was also part of the discussion and said that even though Cuba is a large island, they too face all the other challenges that other SIDS face, including complicated to access to financing. Also presenting was former science and environmental editor of El Espectador (Colombia) Pablo Correa, who spoke about the evolution of environmental and climate coverage.
What is SIDS4?
SIDS4 IS THE FOURTH INTERNATIONAL MEETING OF ALL THE SMALL ISLAND DEVELOPING STATES OF THE WORLD
What does it seek to achieve?
At the meeting, SIDS leaders and representatives will discuss how these globally disadvantaged countries and territories can course-correct, mitigate and adapt to climate change, get closer to sustainable development, improve human and environmental wellbeing and improve working relationships among themselves, bigger countries and the UN System.
Theme:
Charting the course toward resilient prosperity
Through discussion and resolutions, the conference will assess the ability of SIDS to achieve sustainable development,
including the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals. SIDS are also expected to launch several initiatives that will improve collaboration among themselves, data and resource sharing and partnerships with other states to work towards sustainable development.
Why is SIDS4 important?
SIDS4 takes place after the challenges of the COVID-19, with small island states still suffering economically and socially from the ravages of the pandemic. The conference is the opportunity for SIDS to regather, reinvigorate and plan their future, development and place in the world when their existence and survival are under threat.
PREVIOUS INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES ON SIDS
Barbados 1994 mauritius 2005
Barbados Program of Action was focused on:
• Climate change and sea-level rise
• Waste management
• Coastal and marine resources
• Fresh water resources
• Environment and disaster preparedness
Mauritius Strategy was focused on:
• Climate change and sea-level rise
• Biodiversity resources
• Trade and economic development
• Coastal and marine resources
• Energy resources
samoa 2014
Samoa Pathway was focused on:
• Promoting economic growth
• Mitigating + adapting to climate change
• Protecting biodiversity fo SIDS
• Improving human health + social development
• Fostering partnership among SIDS & others
KEY SIDS4 DISCUSSIONS
• Revitalizing SIDS Economies for Accelerated and Sustainable Growth
• Making Climate Finance Work for SIDS: Building on the Outcomes of UNFCCC COP 28
• Enhancing Critical Forms of Financing and Aid Effectiveness through Collaborative Partnerships: A Conversation –discussion led by ECLAC Caribbean
• Investing in Human Capital: Addressing Health Crisis in SIDS and Building the Potential of Youth in SIDS
Like most other international conferences, there will be several side events taking place in and around SIDS4, these will be announced closer to the conference. It is the opportunity for SIDS to regather, reinvigorate and plan their future, development and place in the world when their existence and survival are under threat.
Without SIDS, 20 per cent of the world’s biodiversity in plant, bird and reptile species will disappear. SIDS only make up 3 per cent of the Earth’s land surface.
30 per cent of the world’s ocean natural and cultural resources are under the custodianship of SIDS.
Caribbean SIDS are among the five most globally important “biodiversity hotspots” with four different forest types and a variety of coastal and marine ecosystems.
All Pacific islands’ population (except Fiji) are made up of about 80 per cent indigenous people, their culture connecting them to pre-historic migration.
Over 60 per cent of countries with the highest losses from disaster events are SIDS.
Securing greater and sustained access...
TO LONG-TERM, LOW-COST FINANCE FOR SMALL ISLAND DEVELOPING STATES (SIDS)
Opinion from the desk of the Executive Secretary of UN ECLAC
José Manuel Salazar-Xirinachs
The leadership of the United Nations and the wider international community, including over fifty Heads of Government and Heads of State, are focusing on the smallest and most vulnerable member countries this week with the Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4) in Antigua and Barbuda. This meeting reviews the sustainable development progress of SIDS over the past decade and adopts a new action platform for the next ten years.
Of the 57 countries identified as SIDS by the UN, 29 are in the Caribbean, comprising 16 member States and 13 territories. The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) is committed to providing essential, targeted support to this subregion in its pursuit of sustainable development. The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, beginning on June 1st, just two days after the conference ends, is predicted to be the hottest and most active season on record, underscoring the extreme vulnerability of these countries to climate-related impacts.
Beyond their vulnerability to climate change, the subregion faces high levels of debt, a consequence of low growth and high financing costs in capital markets, compounded by the increasing frequency and severity of hurricanes and tropical storms. In 2017, category 5 hurricanes Irma and Maria caused extensive damage in the Caribbean amounting to approximately US$97 billion, and Hurricane Dorian in 2019 resulted in US$3.4 billion in losses and damage in The Bahamas alone.
The subregion also faces fiscal stress due to other external shocks. The COVID-19 pandemic crippled the tourism-dependent economies of the Caribbean, pushing many governments to the brink of insolvency. Amid high debt and servicing costs, public investment in social infrastructure and services has stagnated or even declined in some cases.
The Caribbean's debt constraint and its impact on growth are well recognized. ECLAC’s econometric analysis reveals a negative relationship between debt and growth in the Caribbean. Since the global crisis of 2008-2009, the Caribbean has not experienced robust growth, and its trade and foreign direct investment (FDI) performance have also declined. Six SIDS have debt-to-GDP ratios exceeding 100%. Genuine development and planned resilience are unattainable when scarce resources are diverted to debt repayment.
High indebtedness negatively impacts sovereign credit ratings, subjecting the Caribbean to higher borrowing costs. However, the subregion has limited access to concessional finance for investment in resilience and growth due to their upper-middle and high-income status, a metric that ignores their high vulnerability and capacity constraints.
The principal message of the SIDS4 Conference is the urgency of securing greater and more sustained access to long-term, low-cost finance for these small countries. This is reinforced by their call for “a seat at the table” where decisions regarding the reform of the global financial architecture will be made.
ECLAC has been integrally involved in supporting this effort. During the preparatory stage, ECLAC assessed development progress in Caribbean SIDS over the past decade. The Commission also led the preparation for a key interactive dialogue at SIDS4 on “Enhancing critical forms of financing and aid effectiveness through collaborative partnerships: A conversation.” Along with the dialogue on climate finance, this is a crucial discussion, as the most formidable obstacle that SIDS face is how to secure access to finance for investment in their sustainable development.
ECLAC is also launching the OPCC Parliamentary Observatory on Climate Change and Just Transition, providing parliamentarians in the Caribbean and Latin America with a common data platform to support
their leadership and legal precedent in environmental legislation. Recognizing the importance of data for informed decision-making, ECLAC will co-lead five side events, including three addressing geospatial information management.
Prime Minister Gaston Browne, the government, and the people of Antigua and Barbuda deserve commendation for organizing and hosting this significant conference. Their tireless efforts have ensured its success. The conference’s outcome document, The Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS), focuses on partnerships, more effective support from the United Nations, and the basic development rights of island people, all framed around the Sustainable Development Goals. It also calls for more robust international support to accelerate the implementation of the Paris Agreement on climate change, and for the early capitalization and operationalization of the proposed Loss and Damage Fund.
The SIDS4 Conference anticipates tangible outcomes, including the launch of a SIDS Centre of Excellence, which will encompass a SIDS Data Hub, a technology and innovation mechanism, and an Island Investment Forum. This initiative aims to provide the necessary social and economic support that SIDS need to plan their strategy for survival and resilient prosperity.
Attention is also being given to the development of a Multidimensional Vulnerability Index, acknowledging the impact of a country’s vulnerabilities on its development trajectory. Additionally, a Debt Sustainability Support Initiative is set to launch, promising multifaceted and innovative support for debt-strapped SIDS. ECLAC and other regional commissions eagerly await the design document’s presentation and the service’s operationalization to offer support to the world's islands.
To promote public awareness of this significant meeting for the Caribbean, the commission has created an impactful campaign, encouraging the world to "Imagine a World without islands." This thought-provoking campaign highlights the cultural, environmental, and economic contributions of islands, emphasizing the necessity of their preservation and support.
High-level political commitments have been made, but they come with compromises from all sides. This time, they come with the duty for all involved, especially the donor community and the UN system, to do more to support development in SIDS. ECLAC is firmly committed to this effort.
SIDS4: CHARTING
THE COURSE TOWARD RESILIENT PROSPERITY FOR ISLANDS... AND THE WORLD
The Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4) has produced a wide-ranging and ambitious outcome document: the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS), which establishes a clear action path for the survival, resilience and sustainable development of small islands around the world.
ABAS is the fourth international agreement on road mapping a sustainable development path for small islands. It follows the Barbados Plan of Action (1994), the Mauritius Strategy (2005) and the Samoa Pathway (2014). It is a long-negotiated document that seeks to address how the small islands of the world can survive while facing the multiple vulnerabilities of anthropogenic climate change, isolation, debt and financing sustainable development.
SIDS Have the Right to Insist on Help
At the opening ceremony in St. Johns in May, Prime Minister of host country, Antigua and Barbuda, Gaston Browne said: “This is a crucial gathering at a time of unprecedented global challenges in which SIDS find themselves on the frontline of a battle against a confluence of crises, none of which they have caused or created. Our inherent vulnerabilities characterized by small size, limited financial resources and constrained human capital place us at a marked disadvantage on the global stage, with the scales of equity and justice unevenly balanced against us.”
PM Browne stressed that SIDS are battling multiple crises “none of which they have caused or created”, and progress has been interrupted by the global financial crisis of 2008 and the COVID-19 pandemic. Antigua and Barbuda has been a key advocate for SIDS in recent years, having held the chair of the Alliance of Small Island States between 2021 and 2022. He stressed that for small
islands to achieve the progress on sustainable development required for their survival,
“The global north in particular, must honour its commitments, including the pivotal pledge of 100B dollars in climate financing to assist with adaptation and mitigation, as well as effective capitalization and operationalization of the loss and damage fund. These are important investments in humanity, justice and the equitable future of humanity.”
Prime Minister Browne advocated for a global carbon tax to “be levied on these oil companies that are consistently enjoying profits to provide much needed climate financing”.
He said now is a crucial point at which our actions as a global community “and failure to act will dictate the fate of SIDS, as well as the legacy we leave for future generations... The major contributors to climate change have failed to meet the obligations to mitigate its effects.”
He highlighted the SIDS4 launch of the Debt Service Support Initiative for small islands, which calls for the reform of the international financial architecture and will include debt for climate swaps, insurance instruments, SDRs (Special Drawing Rights), green and blue bonds and leveraging of private partnerships to maximize sustainable development.
Secretary General António Guterres said, “Small Island Developing States have every right and reason to insist that developed economies fulfil their pledge to double adaptation financing by 2025. And we must hold them to this commitment as a bare minimum… In the longer term, we are working for deep reforms to the outdated, dysfunctional and unjust global financial architecture.
We need a financial system that puts the interests of developing countries first and is able to work as a global safety net. And for SIDS, that means simplifying processes to access finance. It also means revisiting the rules for access to concessional financing, to include the swift endorsement of the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index.”
SG Guterres continued, “The foundation of the ABAS is the recognition that the next ten years are critical for SIDS, and that “the economic, social and environmental as well as geopolitical threats to SIDS development are so great that they can only be ameliorated by a reinvigorated enabling environment that gives meaningful effect to their sustainable development. Without the full support of the international community, SIDS will endure potentially far-reaching consequences.”
Prime Minister of Samoa and Chair of the Alliance of Small Island States Fiame Naomi Mata’afa stressed that SIDS should not have to choose between “the recovery of today or the development of tomorrow”. She called on the international community to create an enabling environment that can help small island developing countries tackle the economic, environmental and geopolitical threats to their development. She stressed that “unity is strength and resilience”.
In the ensuing general debate, over 30 high-level speakers — among them Heads of State and Government, most from small island developing States themselves — took the floor to alternately spotlight the unique characteristics of such States, the specific problems they face and the urgent, tailored solutions required to address them. Many cited the example of recent, devastating landslides in Papua New Guinea in this context, expressing sympathy for those affected and urging international solutions fit for purpose.
ABAS
THE ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA AGENDA FOR SIDS (ABAS) – A RENEWED DECLARATION FOR RESILIENT PROSPERITY
These are some of the main recognitions and agreements in the ABAS
Coming out of SIDS4, ABAS is the main political action plan unanimously agreed upon by the leaders and governments gathered. Like the agreements that emerged from the previous international conferences on SIDS, it is wide ranging and very ambitious. It sets out the sustainable development needs of SIDS and the support required from the international community to achieve them.
The ABAS agrees that SIDS need assistance to build resilient economies through improved connectivity and better ecosystems. It notes that SIDS need to foster safe, healthy and prosperous societies through promoting safe communities, inclusive institutions and healthier societies. ABAS recognizes that small islands need urgent support to enhance sustainable energy transition and access to affordable and reliable energy; to develop integrated water resources management; enhanced food security; and improved resilient
infrastructure.
ABAS acknowledges that SIDS are gravely endangered by anthropogenic climate change and need the global community to accelerate implementation of the climate measures in the Paris Agreement. The ABAS also agrees that there must be increased and improved conservation of the ocean and biodiversity. Islands stressed the importance of the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index, which measures a country’s vulnerability to create a comprehensive and holistic snapshot of its development. The
ABAS encourages international financial institutions to integrate it into their practices and policies.
Importantly, the ABAS agrees to reform of the international financial architecture, addressing gaps and shortfalls to facilitate easier access to affordable concessional finance for SIDS, through the recognition of the multiple risks and vulnerabilities that islands face.
some Headline Initiatives and Commitments from the ABAS
- Antigua and Barbuda launched Center of Excellence for SIDS and Debt Sustainability Support Service
- USA announces commitment to quadruple international climate finance to over US $11 billion annually by 2024
- The European Union pledges to mobilize EUR 300 billion in public and private sustainable development investments by 2027
- Malta, Organization of African, Caribbean and Pacific States and the University of Malta’s Islands and Small States Institute developing a Climate Vulnerability and Resilience Index to work alongside the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index. read more
SIDS INSIST...
GREENS FOR GREENBACKS CAN WORK
Small Island Developing States can fund climate mitigation and sustainable development through debt swaps with industrialized countries. This was the example provided by Belize’s Minister of Sustainable Development, Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management Orlando Habet at the Interactive Dialogue II on enhancing critical forms of financing and aid effectiveness through collaborative partnerships, as he shared Belize’s experience generating $550 million for sustainable development and debt servicing.
The interactive dialogue featured discussion between developed and developing countries, the input of experts, resource people and contributions from UN Member States, entities and other stakeholders. Minister Habet explained that in 2021, Belize swapped $550 million of its clean green and blue footprints for sovereign bonds with the
US International Development Finance Corporation.
Minister Habet said it “created savings to fund long term protection of over 30% of Belize’s ocean footprint. What it also afforded was for us to have a conservation trust that goes by four million dollars per year, to up to 80 million dollars in the next 20 years. In addition to that, taking down our sovereign debt, afforded the debt to GDP ratio to fall by 10% immediately. Our experience should not be an exception, the nature bonds could be a potential for other SIDS that are facing debt overhang, and increasing financing needs for sustainable development and the climate goals. One immediate thing that happened there is that it improved our credit ratings. So that was significant for us because now we are looked upon differently by international financial institutions, especially those for which we had these large debts.”
Minister Habet also noted that while extreme weather events are the obvious signs of the impact of climate change, SIDS have to deal with the less dramatic impact of slow onset changes to their countries. Changing coastlines, habitats, impact on mental well-being, traditional roles, and protection of the vulnerable in society. There was consensus that the international community must scale-up innovative and traditional financing and quality aid, complemented by domestic financing to advance sustainable development in SIDS.
The Interactive Dialogue also featured interventions from countries, UN entities and nongovernmental organizations. There was agreement that SIDS must mainstream climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction in development planning; but that it must be accompanied by partnerships viable development financing options.
Director of development cooperation at the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) María del Pilar Garrido Gonzalo noted that the debt for climate swaps have been good and effective, pointing out the cases of Barbados, Cabo Verde, Seychelles and Belize. She also noted that there are other climate and development financing instruments that SIDS can use, which would require further conversation with multilateral development banks.
“The other issue that I wanted to mention is thinking about the wealth of the ocean. That takes you to the marine ecosystem and how to valorize financially some of that wealth and what does it take, thinking about a sort of a global public good bond and what does it mean, because the resilience of SIDS is the resilience of us all.” She also commented on the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI) its use, and how it can be most effective.
“What we have observed is that data wise, there is still a lot of work that needs to be done. So, it is also a message of continuing to mature the tool and develop more information so that we can make the most out of it and the most informed decisions to make the desired actions climate wise or sustainable development more broadly.”
European Investment Bank
to Triple Development Financing… SIDS to Benefit
Vice President of the European Investment Bank, Ambroise Fayolle made bold commitment that the bank is seeking to transform itself and increase development financing, especially for SIDS.
“We have increased the financing of projects in SIDS over the last ten years, we certainly intend to continue on this path… multilateral development banks can help and will help financing more projects for SIDS. What you see is a commitment of all these banks, starting with the World Bank, but all the different multilateral development banks to work more together to commit to the additional 324 billion additional financing or lending for climate in helping the countries to reach the climate target… We at
EIB, want to triple our financing to adaptation by 2025. SIDS are obvious candidates to receive more financing.”
THE RECOGNITION GAP...
Associate Member islands falling through the cracks.
In his contribution, Premier of the British Virgin Islands (BVI) Natalio Wheatley pleaded for special
recognition of his islands, which are politically, a British Overseas Territory. Among SIDS4 side events was a meeting of associate Members of ECLAC - nonindependent Caribbean islands. There are 18 non-independent Caribbean islands and territories in the Caribbean.
Premier Wheatley said the relationship with the United Nations is critical in recognition for overseas territories and to unlock the development assistance they need.
“As an associate Member of ECLAC, the BVI is a member of the SIDS family, however we find ourselves locked out of climate finance and development finance more generally. Our needs are great and we do not receive any form of external budget support. This is a serious problem because for many associate Members like us, a resource gap exists, but we do not have the needed resources to build up our climate resilience and sustainable development… Our political status and per capita income are cited as the reasons
for not being eligible for support, but our vulnerability has not been properly factored into decisions by donors and even our administering powers… We are just as vulnerable as other islands, just like other SIDS, we need concessional financing and grants to close these gasps as well as the technical assistance we lack in our small government administrations.”
Regional Parliamentary Observatory
ON CLIMATE CHANGE PROVIDING FORUM FOR CLIMATE AMBITION & COLLABORATION ACROSS
ISLANDS OF DIFFERENT SIZES & LANGUAGES
“Legislation is one of the most powerful tools that we have in our arsenal to combat climate change and socially engineer the future we envisage for ourselves.”
A reminder of the power that regional parliamentarians have, to make a difference on the national level, coming from Premier of the British Virgin Islands Natalio Wheatley at the launch of the Parliamentary Observatory on Climate Change and Just Transition (OPCC), an ECLAC side event at SIDS4.
The OPCC is a network of parliamentarians from Latin America and the Caribbean that cooperates to share best practices in environmental legislation, and build a regional agenda on climate ambition and just transition. Premier Wheatley was one of the headline speakers at the launch. He says for a long time, Caribbean countries such as the BVI have been siloed in their efforts to craft legislative solutions to effectively respond to their evolving and complex challenges, including in the areas of environment and climate change.
“The OPCC is doing great work to break down these silos and bridge the gap by allowing us to easily access, share and learn from each other’s legislative efforts. As an early and active member of the OPCC, the British Virgin Islands is both greatly benefitting from and contributing to this exchange and I trust that our experience will inspire other Caribbean parliamentarians to join and become active participants… in my current capacity of chair of the OECS ministers of environment, I extend a special invitation to OECS parliamentarians and government to participate in the OPCC, and ask the OECS commissions support in continuing to sensitize member states to the benefits.”
Premier Wheatley explained that the BVI is in the process of finalizing landmark, comprehensive environmental legislation. While the Premier stressed that access to climate and development financing is the most pressing issue that his multiple-island nation is facing, laws that deal with climate change and environment are also a top priority. The BVI is using the OPCC’s legislative tracker (an interactive database that lists all environmental legislation and bills in Latin America and the Caribbean) to compare and refine some of the core environmental management and enforcement mechanisms used by other countries in the region.
“While the legislative tracker is a great tool, the value of the OPCC is much more than this. For the British Virgin Islands, the OPCC has provided a valuable high-level forum including at the recent COP28 climate change
talks, through which we can raise awareness of some of the peculiar challenges that we face, including a lack of access to climate finance and more broadly, development finance.”
The Dominican Republic reports a similarly positive experience that the OPCC is having on their efforts to produce optimal climate and environmental laws. Contributing to the discussion virtually, Vice Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability Milagros De Camps said her country has been working on its legislation for about a year and a half. “This new legal framework is crucial for attracting and ensuring sustainable financing in the country. This is particularly significant in the context of the international financial system which has been very challenging especially for small island developing States and particularly for the Caribbean region which faces more challenges because of our vulnerability.”
Vice Minister De Camps says the legislative framework can help unlock investments in the environment and is creating a conducive environment to attract funding from various sources, including international organizations and climate funds, private investors, local funds and commercial banks. She said it provides clarity and confidence to investors by establishing clear guidelines.
“In the process of exchanges, it has significantly strengthened the proposal of the legal framework which we are proposing now to congress… It has been fostering
collaboration and mutual learning and it’s leveraging expertise and insight gained through interactions with the observatory. The Dominican Republic with this experience, has been able to enhance the comprehensiveness, effectiveness and relevance of its legal framework to address climate challenges. The exchange of information, ideas,
from the policy makers of the different countries in the Latin America and Caribbean region has enabled us to identify the different gaps, address concerns and incorporate innovative approaches into the framework.”
Making a presentation on the work of the OPCC, Member of the Curacao Parliament Gwendell Mercelina said he was grateful to
have been part and a co-founder of the OPCC. “As servants of the people… you’re a designer of the future, you have to talk about climate change. You have to talk about just transition. We’re not only talking about energy, climate change, just transition has to be equal
SG Guterres Gets Passionate
ABOUT ISLANDS
Speaking at the OPCC event, ECLAC Caribbean Director re-enacted Secretary General Antonio Guterres’ passionate and real appeal for SIDS.
“I was in a meeting yesterday with the secretary general. When he finished with his prepared statement, he grabbed his Secretary General card and said, ‘now I stop talking as Secretary General, this is me talking from the heart.’
This was the Secretary General! And then he started to push his punches, it was just awesome. I was absolutely exhilarated by the passion and by the defence of the secretary general of SIDS, they have in these kinds of discussions that we’ve had during the course of the week.”
CARICOM Parliamentarians...
GET ON BOARD WITH OPCC!
Director Quarless says the OPCC has grown in its membership. More countries are represented, and the significance and diversity of its portfolio of activities has grown. With a gentle nudge, she encouraged more CARICOM (Caribbean Community) parliamentarians to get on board and take advantage of the high-level coordination and dialogue opportunities that the OPCC provides.
“I’m truly pleased to see that the OPCC is a part of this significant gathering of SIDS and the global community. Since its missions and ideals are absolutely essential to the future survival of our islands and the well-being of our peoples. For this initiative seeks to promote and support national efforts to achieve net zero carbon emissions sustainably by 2050 by encouraging legislative and policy imperatives.”
what sids4 means
FOR THE CARIBBEAN, ISLANDS AND THE WORLD
From the Desk of the Director
It may sound like sacrilege to climate scientists, or diehard COP believers, or even in the United Nations system… but the essential message of International Conference on Small Island Developing States is arguably now more important; more crucial to world survival than the Conference of the Parties on Climate Change. Small island Developing States set the tone and the bar for the world’s climate ambition, they are most realistic about the limits of what every living thing can tolerate when it comes to withstanding extreme temperatures. And they say that the carrying capacity of the world’s ecosystems are already in breach. How the rest of the world treats and cooperates with SIDS is also a true measure of global inclination towards multilateralism and shared solutions for sustainable existence.
It may not seem this way because there is far more global media attention on the COPs. International media, for the large part, ignored SIDS4, even Caribbean media did not cover the Conference in the way it deserved, or even in the way that “think pieces” emerge from the COPs. We hear a lot about the latest climate protest actions from Gretta Thunberg in our media. But, if you think about it, I am sure you did not hear or cannot recall the names of any island youth activist who made their opinion and concerns evident at SIDS4.
There is a lot of duality that comes along with being from a small island. Small Island nations are at once the first and worst symptom-bearers of the climate crisis. The canaries in the coalmine, we say. And we are similarly the most helpless and most resourceful in efforts at adaptation and mitigation. We lack the resources for robust infrastructure, and yet, we are the ones that can lead resilience thinking, science and practice.
Conference on Small Island Developing States took place on the island that boasts one beach for each of the 365 days in the year. There could not have been a more perfect venue, even though there was no beach time. The government and people of Antigua and Barbuda put on a splendid show; they hosted their visitors from across the world with consummate island hospitality. Let’s analyze some of the outcomes of Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States. Since the Barbados Programme of Action in 1994, each new declaration of a vision for SIDS has gained in clarity and specificity, even as the cooperation gap has become wider and weaker. Small island nations need a robust solidarity from the rest of the world; and more urgent input is needed if we are to achieve what was agreed upon. If we take history as our guide, then the global north’s commitments made at the Conference would likely be taken by most SIDS with little more than a few grains of island sea salt. This is not a pessimistic view on the outcomes; it is rather a reality check. The three main initiatives that emerged were:
1. ABAS – The Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS – A declaration and framework for action adopted by participating countries that is focused on addressing the range of challenges that SIDS face. It includes strategies for climate change and environmental protection, financial and technical assistance, measures for health and education, interregional SIDS cooperation, among other main areas. ABAS also challenges the United Nations system to be more effective in its support for SIDS and in its regular assessment of progress.
3. The SIDS Debt Sustainability Support Service, which will have four main approaches: a. A multi-layered approach to tackling existing debt which will free up fiscal space for social and economic investment and climate resilience. This could relieve debt burdens by up to 40%, in turn boosting growth. b. Economic shock and threat protection, especially from extreme weather events, combining insurance with other funding mechanisms. c. Encouraging a climate-resilient infrastructural investment through bonds. d. Expert advisory and legal support for SIDS to navigate international debt and finance negotiations.
One of the key approaches in the debt support service is that SIDS will retain leadership and ownership of the initiatives that will influence their future. It is hoped that there will be dynamic and adaptable governance structures that can effectively respond to SIDS challenges.
The Centre of Excellence for SIDS is another potentially great headline initiative. It features a SIDS Global Data Hub, intended to redress the perennial challenge that Caribbean faces as data poor. It will help SIDS improve national data centres for improved decision-making, build capacity, monitor implementation and progress and encourage public, private and international development finance. We embrace these as exciting times for SIDS’ future; a potential point rich with possibility on which we U-turn the bleak existential outlook.
While the ABAS has become a clearer document than that produced at other SIDS conferences as challenges have become increasingly stark, it may not be viewed by many as being as strong as some of the previous SIDS outcome documents. However, the strength of ABAS lies in the faith invested in partnership, and in the tangible monuments to expressed support embodied in the Centre of Excellence and the Debt Sustainability Support Service. Of
course, the proof of the pudding is always in the tasting; certainly we at ECLAC stand ready to give every support towards ensuring that these initiatives emerge fully baked and very well done. These multilateral conferences come with long lists of side events that take place in support of the main discussions. If the truth is to be told, much of the real wealth of discussion and groundbreaking ideas emerged from the 100+ side events at SIDS4. They must share the success of the Conference; they give hope though the strength of participation and interest expressed at this level.
The Global North’s commitments:
1. The USA announced a commitment to scale-up international public climate finance to over 11 billion annually by the end of this year. Four times the previous amount.
2. The European Union pledged to mobilize 300 billion Euro in public and private investments into sustainable development in SIDS by 2027.
3. The Netherlands, Japan, Qatar, Australia, Germany, France, Portugal and other industrialized countries pledged to increase their funding of sustainable development projects in SIDS or contribute to development financing.
It is important to highlight these commitments because they are the fuel that will make ABAS either a reality or another dream drowning in rising waters. Consider a few historical facts. For years, SIDS have clamoured for recognition and special consideration for sustainable development. This appeal was given short shrift for many years; undermined by middle income status. Then, SIDS have been deservedly advocating for Loss and Damage provisions since 1991; yet the agreement for loss and damage fund was only reached at COP27 in
2022; 31 years later! SIDS cannot afford the wait another thirty years to get climate action escalated for survival. They cannot wait for decades for developed countries to come good on their promises for climate financing and just transition. And unfortunately for emerging economies, their development as industrialized powers cannot create a new fossil fuelled industrial revolution, as the Annex I countries did before them. How, then, does the world get to net zero emissions, while emerging economy countries explore their right to robust development with their natural resources. We fear that SIDS will face the brunt of that oh-so-difficult reconciliation.
More and more, the Caribbean and global SIDS need to sing in chorus. Disparate and or occasional voices and efforts do not work. And this clarion call needs must be made at the very highest levels of government. The voices of technical negotiators no longer carry far enough to make SIDS voices sufficiently influential at such gatherings. The same must apply to COP29. SIDS will need to work the power of their solidarity while negotiating with the Global North. The mechanisms already exist. CARICOM, the Pacific Islands Forum and other SIDS blocs must empower AOSIS to wrangle the action that they need. Twenty-eight successive COPs have passed, and yet the SIDS are no closer to climate safety; instead, they are sliding ever closer to the point of catastrophe.
There is always a lot of buzz and optimism after these conferences. Everyone feels energized by the long lists of commitments and agreements. That cloud nine effect is inspiring and intoxicating. Our small island nations must now wave the list of commitments in the air like they do flags in Caribbean parties and demand that the headline performers come good.
THE KITCHEN
Dukana
If you know Caribbean food, you may know one of Antigua and Barbuda’s most popular dishes… Dukana. If not, you may know of conkie from Barbados, dukoonoo or "blue drawers" from Jamaica or pone from Trinidad and Tobago. Dukana is where conkie meets pone. Dukana is a sweet potato and coconut dumpling, mildly sweet and spicy, cooked in banana leaves. Its sweet and spicy flavours are usually paired with salted fish or stews, or enjoyed as a traditional snack.
Prep Time: 30mins | Cook Time: 30mins
What you will need:
• 1 cup finely grated sweet potato
• 3/4 cup fresh grated coconut
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter room
• temperature
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamo
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• 1/4 cup raisins optional
• 1- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup water
• Banana leaves and kitchen twine/foil for wrapping
How to Make it:
Step 1: Bring a big saucepan of water to a boil, unsalted.
Step 2: Combine the grated sweet potato and coconut in a large mixing dish. Combine the sugar, butter, cinnamon, vanilla, nutmeg, and raisins in a large mixing bowl.
Step 3: Add just enough flour to make a dough that holds together. Add around 1/4 cup water if it's too dry.
Step 4: Cut the banana leaves into 6-10 inch squares, depending on the size of your Ducana. Rinse the banana leaves in boiling water or gently heat them over an open flame until malleable.
Step 5: Form a rectangle/cylinder out of some of the dough in the center of a banana square. Fold the banana over the dough to cover it on all sides, then tie it with string or foil. Rep with the rest of the dough.
Step 6: Reduce the heat to medium-high and allow the water to gently boil. Cook the dough packets till done to your liking, about 30 minutes for somewhat soft and 45 minutes for more firm.
Step 7: Allow it cool for 10 minutes before unwrapping after removing from the saucepan.
