51吃瓜

Excellencies, 

Distinguished National Focal Points,

Wantoks, [“Friends” in Vanuatu Bislama]

I am sorry that I am unable to join you in person today in the beautiful city of Port Vila. 

However, I am pleased to share these remarks as you gather for this timely and important meeting of the SIDS National Focal Points. 

Let me begin by expressing my deepest appreciation to the Government of Vanuatu for its kind offer to host this critical meeting. 

I also thank the representatives of development partners, civil society, private sector, and colleagues from the UN system for your kind presence and steadfast commitment to supporting the NFPs.

This meeting marks a pivotal moment in our shared journey to advance the implementation of the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS - the ABAS.

The ABAS represents a bold and ambitious 10-year roadmap to achieve sustainable development across SIDS. 

The integration of ABAS into national development plans is not only essential for alignment with global frameworks such as the SDGs, but also crucial to addressing the unique vulnerabilities and development aspirations of island nations.

In this regard, the role of the National Focal Points is indispensable. 

Your expertise and deep understanding of national, regional, and global priorities, positions you as key actors in this process.

You serve as the critical link between global commitments and local realities.

The success of ABAS depends on how effectively it is tailored and adapted to the unique circumstances of each of our island nations. 

Achieving this requires a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, where all stakeholders are engaged in driving progress.

As you begin your discussions today, I would encourage you to reflect on the lessons learned from the SAMOA Pathway and explore ways to build on its successes. 

Aligning our efforts with the SDGs and other global frameworks will not only streamline our actions but will also ensure that SIDS remain central in global development discussions.

In the following sessions, you will delve into key aspects of the ABAS, including reporting mechanisms and your vital role in the new monitoring and evaluation framework being developed by the UN. 

The framework will be essential for tracking our progress and holding ourselves accountable for our commitments. 

Moreover, the focus on strengthening partnerships, particularly during Session 4, is of critical importance. 

The ABAS emphasizes the need for new and innovative partnerships.

Strong collaborations between government ministries, civil society, the private sector, and international development partners will be vital in translating the vision of ABAS into concrete, actionable initiatives.

My Office is committed to working with you all in advancing the ABAS.

First - We are developing a toolkit to assist NFPs in mainstreaming the ABAS into national development plans. 

The toolkit is a key element of the NFP engagement strategy launched at SIDS4 and will be aligned with the Monitoring and Evaluation Framework of the ABAS that will be in place by June 2025.

Second - We will work closely with the governing bodies of the different UN entities to ensure that the ABAS is aptly reflected in their strategic priorities and plans.  

Later this week, I will meet with SIDS-based UN Resident Coordinators here in New York to discuss ABAS implementation. 

And I will urge the active engagement of Resident Coordinator Offices and UN Country Teams in supporting NFPs on the ground.

I am pleased to see that representatives from some Resident Coordinator Offices are attending this meeting. 

Third – As interim joint secretariat with UN DESA for the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index, we are actively calling on international financial institutions to apply the MVI.

To lead by example, the UN system must also adopt the MVI.

Together with UN-DESA we are preparing a report with recommendations on how the UN system can leverage the MVI in programmatic support for developing countries, including SIDS.

Finally – We are committed to unlocking private sector partnerships and investment to drive ABAS forward.
 
The SIDS Global Business Network Forum in Antigua, demonstrated strong private sector commitment to SIDS.

As we prepare for the 2026 Forum, we will work closely with Antigua and Barbuda, as host of the SIDS Centre of Excellence, to complement the Centre’s Island Investment Forum in leveraging innovative business solutions tailored for SIDS.  

In closing, please rest assured that my Office remains fully committed to supporting you throughout this journey, and in keeping the SIDS high on the UN’s agenda at every level. 
We will continue to work closely with you to ensure that the NFP network has the tools, resources, and partnerships required to achieve our shared goals.

I thank you and wish you a very productive meeting.