SIDS4: Charting the course toward resilient prosperity

27 May 2024 - 30 May 2024
09:00 - 05:00
Antigua and Barbuda

The Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS) will be held in Antigua and Barbuda. ‘SIDS4’ will build on outcomes from three previous conferences, and will set the SIDS development agenda for the next 10 years.

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The Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS) will be held in Antigua and Barbuda in 2024.

The international community will gather to review SIDS’ sustainable development progress and propose a new decade of partnerships and solutions to supercharge their path to resilient prosperity.

The new 10-year plan will focus on practical and impactful solutions to ensure SIDS maintain developmental gains and give their citizens a sustainable and safe future.

Note all times are in Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).

Where to find us

Transforming Caribbean sustainable development: a role for civil society?
Date: 24 May 2024
Time: 09:30-10:30
Location: TBC
Speakers: Rueanna Haynes is a panelist
Host: CANARI

This Civil Society Summit aims to provide opportunities for effective Caribbean civil society participation in the process of development of the 10-year SIDS agenda and at SIDS4 to ensure that civil society priorities are included, and that civil society is recognised as a key partner in subsequent implementation.

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Civil society organisations BBNJ 101
Date: 27 May 2024
Time: 14:30-16:00
Location: Jasmine Court, St. Johns
Speakers: Rueanna Haynes

This event aims inform CARICOM CSOs about the High Seas Treaty and to enhance their
understanding of its implications. The session will focus on raising awareness about the treaty's
significance and the vital role that CSOs can play in the ratification and implementation process.

The BBNJ is the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction.

Delivering finance and partnerships for just and inclusive Caribbean climate ambitions

Date: 27 May 2024
Time: 16:00-17:30
Location: Room 8, American University of Antigua and Barbuda
Speakers: Rueanna Haynes is giving closing remarks

The event explores how we scale up financing and partnerships to better deliver Caribbean climate ambitions for just, inclusive and resilient outcomes and contribute to sustainable development.

Host: Caribbean Natural Resources Institute (CANARI), Caribbean Climate Justice Alliance, Antigua and Barbuda Department of Environment, and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)

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From vulnerability to resilience: addressing Loss and Damage in Small Island Developing States
Date: 28 May 2024
Time: 14:00-15:30
Location: Side Event Room 3, American University of Antigua and Barbuda
Speakers: Sasha Jattansingh
Host: Climate Analytics, Alliance of Small Island States and the Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS).

This event will be a platform for SIDS to align priorities on addressing loss and damage including operationalisation of the Loss and Damage Fund and ensuring that the needs of SIDS are urgently met.

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Amplifying action in the call for climate justice: An inclusive approach for meaningful change
Date: 28 May 2024
Time: 16:00-17:30
Location: Side Event Room 6, American University of Antigua
Speakers: Carlon Mendoza
Host: Island Innovation, Peace Boat US, Climate Analytics, Blue Planet Alliance, Ecovybz, Sustainable Ocean Alliance Caribbean, Ashley Lashley Foundation

This event will explore the importance of transformative educational experiences to build capacity among young people, and the role of climate justice in building Caribbean regional resilience.

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Women’s leadership in climate action: investing in women as change agents and first responders to the climate crisis
Date: 29 May 2024
Time: 14:00-15:30
Location: Room 2, American University of Antigua
Speakers: Rueanna Haynes
Host: German Federal Foreign Office, Women's Peace and Humanitarian Fund

This event will highlight the work and good practices of women as change agents and first responders to the climate crisis.

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Investing in resilience – the business case for disaster risk reduction in SIDS
Date: 29 May 2024
Time: 14:00-15:30
Location: Room 5, American University of Antigua
Speakers: Fran Fuller is moderating
Host: UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction and Government of Antigua and Barbuda

This event will delve into the vital role of disaster risk reduction in implementing the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS, attracting both existing and new partners, and fostering a risk-informed and resilience-focused approach to investment in SIDS. In alignment with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and the principles of the Addis Ababa Action Agenda, the event will underline the importance of understanding and mitigating disaster risks as a cornerstone of mobilizing development and climate finance.

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SIDS4 Civil Society Forum
Date: 29 May 2024
Time: 18:30-20:00
Location: Interactive Dialogue Room
Speakers: Rueanna Haynes is a speaker
Host: UN DESA, OHRLLS and the Government of Antigua and Barbuda

The SIDS4 Civil Society Forum special event will be an opportunity to bring together diverse voices and perspectives to deliberate on strategies for achieving resilient prosperity in SIDS over the next 10 years, and to rally and mobilize civil society, including non-profit organizations, indigenous peoples, women’s and youth organizations, persons with disabilities, academia and other stakeholder groups to highlight their contributions to the sustainable development of SIDS and to share reflections, priorities and announce commitments towards the implementation of the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS). This forum will foster a collaborative and inclusive approach, recognizing the unique contributions of civil society in driving the sustainable development agenda in SIDS. The forum will also foster enhanced collaboration between civil society and SIDS governments, the UN system, and other development partners.

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