LocationsSIDS are largely classified as middle or high-income countries with limited access to concessional financing and Overseas Development Assistance (ODA). Photo: Michael Atwood / UNDP
As a new hurricane season approaches in the Caribbean, I attended last week’s dialogue focused on “Financing Resilience in SIDS” held in Antigua and Barbuda and sponsored by the host government and Belgium. The gathering sought to identify the main risks facing Small Island Developing States (SIDS), especially in terms of financing and innovative solutions to the countries’ challenges.
These vastly different Small Island Developing States have much in common. There was a clear recognition that the splendor of their beauty, wealth of their culture and vibrancy of their people mask a deep vulnerability to both natural disasters and economic shocks, which are further exacerbated by climate change. This is true for Caribbean countries and beyond. In addition to the Caribbean, participants at the event last week also included representatives from Africa, , Indian Ocean and the Pacific, from their Permanent Missions to the UN.