Key Impact Points:
- Ambitious Agenda: The Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS) outlines a bold 10-year plan for sustainable development and renewed prosperity.
- Unique Vulnerabilities: SIDS face significant challenges, including high disaster costs, economic dependence on tourism, and climate change impacts.
- Global Cooperation: Effective development cooperation is crucial, with 11 SIDS actively participating in the Global Partnership’s monitoring exercise to enhance aid effectiveness and achieve the 2030 Agenda.
The 4th International Conference on SIDS in Antigua and Barbuda saw the adoption of the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS), a 10-year action plan aimed at driving sustainable development and meaningful change for Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Recognized since 1992 for their unique vulnerabilities, SIDS continue to face significant social, economic, and environmental challenges, exacerbated by their remote geography, dependency on tourism, and susceptibility to natural disasters.
“Improving donors’ aid effectiveness, development cooperation and donor coordination in line with SIDS national and regional priorities and needs.” – ABAS outcome document
SIDS Development Challenges
- Economic Dependence: Tourism contributes approximately 30% of SIDS’ GDP, a sector heavily impacted by COVID-19.
- Disaster Vulnerability: Annual natural disaster damages can reach up to 8% of GDP.
- Fiscal Strain: High debt levels and costly servicing further hinder economic resilience.
- Climate Change: Around 75% of SIDS’ coral reefs are threatened, underscoring the urgent need for climate action.
Development Cooperation
ABAS emphasizes the need for effective development cooperation to help SIDS achieve sustainable development goals. The Global Partnership’s principles—country ownership, focus on results, inclusive partnerships, and transparency—guide this cooperation. Currently, 11 SIDS are part of the Partnership’s monitoring exercise, providing data on the progress of effective development cooperation.
Highlighted SIDS Initiatives
Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda participated in the 2018 Monitoring Exercise and has committed to the current 2023-2026 round. Their Medium-Term Development Strategy 2016-2020 identified seven flagship priorities: adequate infrastructure, a strong tourism industry, transforming Barbuda into a green, low-density, high-end tourism destination, better utilization of marine space, export of non-tourism services, reducing the cost of energy and improving energy security, and better access to adequate housing. As they enter the 4th SIDS Conference, Antigua and Barbuda reflect on the effectiveness of these strategies in recovering from the pandemic and confronting emerging crises.
Cape Verde
Cape Verde participated in the 2016 and 2018 Monitoring Exercise and has committed to the current 2023-2026 round. The Ambition 2030 initiative aims to mobilize society and build consensus on strategic guidelines for sustainable development, promoting alignment among key actors and prioritizing the SDGs. Cape Verde recently signed up for the Monitoring Exercise in January 2024 and is in the inception phase.
Comoros
Comoros participated in the 2016 and 2018 Monitoring Exercise and has committed to the current 2023-2026 round. Their Plan Comoros Emergent strategy for 2020-2030 provides guidance for stakeholders, including the state, private sector, civil society, and development partners. Comoros is currently in the inception phase of the Monitoring Exercise.
Cook Islands
The Cook Islands participated in the 2016 and 2018 Monitoring Exercise and have committed to the current 2023-2026 round. Their Economic Development Strategy 2030 aims to create a dynamic, prosperous, and inclusive economic future, focusing on equity, economic transformation, cultural development, infrastructure investment, and greening the economy. The Cook Islands are expected to start the Monitoring Exercise in 2025.
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Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic participated in the 2016 and 2018 Monitoring Exercise and has committed to the current 2023-2026 round. The Vision 2030 framework identifies ten pillars for long-term development, with an emphasis on results-oriented public administration. The Dominican Republic hosted an Action Dialogue in 2021 to address cooperation effectiveness and is expected to start the Monitoring Exercise in 2025.
Haiti
Haiti participated in the 2018 Monitoring Exercise and has committed to the current 2023-2026 round. The Strategic Development Plan Haiti 2030 aims to transform the nation post-2010 disaster, focusing on territorial, economic, social, and institutional rebuilding. Haiti is currently in the inception phase.
Kiribati
Kiribati participated in the 2014, 2016, and 2018 Monitoring Exercises and has committed to the current 2023-2026 round. The Kiribati 20 Years Vision 2016-2036 is built on pillars of wealth, peace and security, infrastructure, and governance. Kiribati is expected to start the Monitoring Exercise in 2025.
Samoa
Samoa participated in the 2014, 2016, and 2018 Monitoring Exercises and has committed to the current 2023-2026 round. The Samoa 2040 plan focuses on transforming the economy through tourism, agriculture, fishing, digital economy, and labor mobility. Samoa is currently in the inception phase.
Solomon Islands
The Solomon Islands participated in the 2016 and 2018 Monitoring Exercises and has committed to the current 2023-2026 round. Their National Development Strategy 2016-2035 focuses on inclusive economic growth and poverty alleviation. The Solomon Islands are in the inception phase of the Monitoring Exercise.
Tonga
Tonga participated in the 2016 and 2018 Monitoring Exercises and has committed to the current 2023-2026 round. The Second Tonga Strategic Development Framework 2015-2025 aims for progressive development to improve the quality of life, identifying seven national outcomes and five pillars. Tonga is in the data collection phase of the monitoring exercise.
Tuvalu
Tuvalu participated in the 2016 and 2018 Monitoring Exercises and has committed to the current 2023-2026 round. The National Strategy for Sustainable Development 2021-2030 envisions a peaceful, resilient, and prosperous Tuvalu with strategic priorities in fostering an enabling environment and economic, social, cultural, and infrastructure development. Tuvalu is expected to start the Monitoring Exercise in 2025.
The Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS is a testament to the commitment of these nations to overcome their unique challenges and achieve sustainable development. Through enhanced cooperation and strategic planning, SIDS are charting a new course towards resilience and prosperity.
