27 May 2024 - Good morning from the blue waters and lush green hills of the Caribbean where earlier we were reporting live from the opening of the Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States () on the beautiful twin island nation of Antigua and Barbuda.
Some of the key developments so far on day one of the conference where leaders from governments, the UN, civil society, business, academia and youth activists, have gathered to chart a course towards resilient prosperity for existentially threatened island nations.
Main points this Monday:
- UN chief António Guterres said it was time for both climate and financial justice across the vulnerable small island developing nations
- This means an end to a “two-speed financial world” and SIDS paying the highest price due to climate change they played no part in causing
- SIDS have born the brunt of global shocks due to COVID, extreme weather, and regional wars causing volatility in the global economy
- The new Antigua and Barbuda Agenda “will outline steps to achieve resilient prosperity in partnership with the international community”, said Mr. Guterres
- King Charles said in a video message that "your future is our future...ultimately all of us need bold and determined action"
- Ignoring SIDS’ predicament “is to gamble with our collective future” warned Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne – we must act with conviction and unyielding resolve
- President of the General Assembly Dennis Francis said without global financial reform, SIDS can’t unleash their full potential or reach the 2030 SDGs
- DESA chief LI Junhua said the conference will be “a catalyst for new and reinvigourated partnerships” and ambitious action to realise that huge potential
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