The Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS) from 27–30 May 2024, representatives from the international community convened in Antigua and Barbuda, in the Caribbean, to address the pressing challenges confronting SIDS. Participants reaffirmed that these nations require special attention in global sustainable development efforts due to their unique vulnerabilities, including limited land area, geographic isolation, narrow resource bases, and heightened exposure to external economic and environmental shocks. In response, the United Nations General Assembly endorsed a renewed framework for sustainable development known as the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS), aimed at promoting resilience, inclusive growth, and long-term prosperity for Small Island Developing States.
SIDS4 Conference Outcome
This is the new 10-year framework (2024–2034) that guides international support for Small Island Developing States (SIDS). It builds on the Barbados Programme of Action (1994), Mauritius Strategy (2005), and SAMOA Pathway (2014). The Draft outcome document of the fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States:
I. The SIDS Story – Why a New Agenda Was Needed
- In 1992, the international community first recognised SIDS as a special case for environment and development.
- Despite three previous programmes of action and significant efforts by SIDS themselves, they remain uniquely vulnerable.
- Key vulnerabilities include:
- Small size, remoteness, and dispersed populations
- Narrow and undiversified economies
- High dependence on external markets
- Extreme exposure to climate change, disasters, and external shocks
- Successive crises (2008 financial crisis, COVID-19, intensifying climate impacts) have further eroded their resilience.
- SIDS manage 19.1% of the world’s exclusive economic zones and have shown leadership in climate, finance, and plastics issues, yet continue to face existential threats from sea-level rise, extreme weather, and biodiversity loss.
The next 10 years are critical. Without stronger international support, hard-won development gains risk being reversed.
II. What Do SIDS Want? (Four Priority Pillars)
A. Build Resilient Economies
SIDS seek support to:
- Diversify productive capacities and reduce dependence on a few sectors
- Expand trade and investment (including better market access and investment promotion)
- Develop sustainable and resilient tourism
- Grow sustainable ocean-based (blue) economies — fisheries, aquaculture, marine renewable energy, sustainable shipping
- Strengthen data systems, science, technology, innovation, and digitalisation
- Establish and operationalise the SIDS Centre of Excellence in Antigua and Barbuda (data hub, technology & innovation mechanism, Island Investment Forum)
B. Foster Safe, Healthy and Prosperous Societies
Priorities include:
- Strengthening health systems and achieving universal health coverage
- Building effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions
- Achieving gender equality and empowering women and girls
- Supporting youth, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups
- Reducing poverty, unemployment, inequality, and social exclusion
- Expanding social protection systems
C. Secure a Sustainable Future (Food, Water, Energy & Infrastructure)
SIDS need support for:
- Just and inclusive energy transitions (especially renewable energy)
- Integrated water resources management and climate-resilient water supply
- Climate-resilient food systems and sustainable agriculture/fisheries
- Resilient infrastructure (transport, energy, water, health, education)
- Improved inter-island and regional connectivity
D. Environmental Protection and Planetary Sustainability
Key demands:
- Accelerated climate action to keep 1.5°C within reach
- Stronger support for adaptation, loss and damage, and climate finance
- Conservation and sustainable use of oceans and marine resources
- Protection and restoration of biodiversity
- Mainstreaming disaster risk reduction and multi-hazard early warning systems
III. How Do SIDS Get There? – Means of Implementation
The international community commits to:
1. Economic Resilience & Finance
- Reform the international financial architecture
- Incorporate multidimensional vulnerability into access to concessional finance and debt sustainability assessments
- Expand multilateral lending and improve representation of SIDS in global financial institutions
- Support sustainable debt management (including possible dedicated SIDS debt support mechanisms)
- Increase private investment and youth economic participation
2. Climate Action and Finance
- Full and effective implementation of the UNFCCC and Paris Agreement
- Scaled-up, accessible, and simplified climate finance (including for adaptation and loss & damage)
- Operationalisation and capitalisation of the Loss and Damage Fund with special consideration for SIDS
- Support for National Adaptation Plans and carbon markets
3. Biodiversity, Oceans & Disaster Risk Reduction
- Full implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework
- Support for the BBNJ Agreement and marine protected areas
- Strengthened multi-hazard early warning systems and disaster risk reduction financing
4. Health, Data, Science, Technology & Digitalisation
- Stronger health systems and non-communicable disease responses
- Investment in data capacity, national statistical systems, and digital infrastructure
- Support for science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation
5. Partnerships
- New, innovative partnerships based on mutual trust, ownership, and results
- Strengthened SIDS–SIDS cooperation
- North–South, South–South, and triangular cooperation
IV. A More Effective United Nations in Support of SIDS
- All UN entities should integrate the Agenda into their work plans
- Strengthen country and multi-country offices serving SIDS
- Explore a more coordinated UN system-wide approach (possibly a single dedicated SIDS entity)
- Strengthen the SIDS Partnership Framework and Global Business Network
V. Monitoring and Evaluation
- An inter-agency task force will develop a monitoring and evaluation framework by mid-2025
- Annual progress review at the High-Level Political Forum
- Biennial regional reviews starting in 2026
- Comprehensive mid-term review by the General Assembly
Core Message of the Agenda SIDS take ownership of their development pathway and seek genuine partnerships as equals. The international community is called upon to match this ownership with concrete, predictable, and accessible support so that small island developing States can achieve resilient prosperity over the next decade.
The Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4), held in Antigua and Barbuda from 27–30 May 2024, adopted the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS), a 10-year global framework (2024–2034) for addressing the economic, social, and environmental challenges facing Small Island Developing States. For 2026, the framework is no longer just a declaration—it is in the implementation phase, meaning governments, development partners, and international organizations are expected to translate the commitments into concrete actions.
What the SIDS4 Framework Means in 2026 – 2027
1. Greater Access to Climate and Development Finance
In 2026 -2027, SIDS are expected to benefit from increased efforts to mobilize international financing for climate adaptation, disaster resilience, renewable energy, and sustainable infrastructure. Development partners are encouraged to simplify access to funding and provide more concessional financing.
2. Stronger Climate Resilience Measures
Countries are implementing projects to strengthen coastal protection, improve disaster preparedness, expand early warning systems, and build infrastructure that can withstand hurricanes, rising sea levels, and other climate-related threats.
3. Sustainable Economic Growth
The framework encourages SIDS to diversify their economies beyond traditional sectors such as tourism by investing in the blue economy, digital innovation, sustainable fisheries, renewable energy, and entrepreneurship. In 2026, many countries are developing national strategies aligned with these goals.
4. Improved Food and Water Security
Governments are expected to invest in sustainable agriculture, fisheries, and water management systems to reduce dependence on imports and improve resilience to climate-related disruptions.
5. Expanded Education and Employment Opportunities
The agenda promotes investments in education, technical and vocational training, digital skills, and youth entrepreneurship. In 2026, international organizations and development agencies are expected to increase support for scholarships, skills development, and employment initiatives in SIDS.
6. Better Health Systems
The framework calls for stronger healthcare systems that can respond to both infectious diseases and non-communicable diseases while improving access to quality healthcare services, particularly in remote island communities.
7. Digital Transformation
Many SIDS are expanding broadband infrastructure, digital government services, and technology-driven economic opportunities to reduce geographic isolation and improve public service delivery.
8. Stronger International Partnerships
The United Nations, multilateral development banks, donor governments, and regional organizations are expected to continue supporting SIDS through technical assistance, investment, and capacity-building initiatives to achieve the ABAS objectives.
Why 2026 – 2027 Is Important for SIDS
The year 2026 represents an early but critical stage in implementing the 2024–2034 Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS. Governments are expected to move from planning to measurable action, while the international community monitors progress and provides support. Success during this period will influence whether the framework achieves its long-term goals by 2034.
Key Takeaway
For Small Island Developing States, 2026 is about implementation rather than new commitments. Countries are expected to:
- Accelerate climate action and resilience projects.
- Expand access to sustainable development financing.
- Diversify their economies.
- Strengthen healthcare, education, and digital infrastructure.
- Build partnerships that promote long-term economic resilience and sustainable development.
In essence, 2026 marks the transition from the adoption of the SIDS4 framework to delivering tangible outcomes that improve the lives and livelihoods of people living in Small Island Developing States.