Stronger together, the Cook Islands amplifies the voice of our Small Islands Developing States

Stronger together, the Cook Islands amplifies the voice of our Small Islands Developing States

The Cook Islands is standing firm with its family of over 35 Small Islands Developing States in Antigua and Barbuda at the Fourth International Conference on SIDS, charting a course towards resilient prosperity.

 Held every ten years, the International SIDS Conference develops a blueprint to be implemented with partners to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.  In 2014, it was hosted by Samoa, ten years later in 2024 over 3,000 delegates are hosted by Antigua and Barbuda.

 The Cook Islands is one of the smallest and most remote countries in the world challenged by the constraints of a small population, narrow economic base and high vulnerability to the impacts of climate change.

 The special circumstances of Small Islands Developing States for sustainable development grows in priority as the threats from climate change continue to grow and loom.  The special recognition of SIDS is a long standing one based on the challenges we face with our small size and economies, remote locations far from international markets, and vulnerability to external shocks.

 As current Chair of the Pacific Islands Leaders Forum, Hon Prime Minister Mark Brown has joined other SIDS leaders in Antigua and Barbuda to amplify our Cook Islands concerns, a key one being the need for urgent access to climate finance.  Prime Minister Brown is presenting at a number of special events, participating in bilateral meetings with global partners, as well as presenting a high-level statement on behalf of the Cook Islands.

 The Fourth International Conference on Small Islands Developing States is hosted in Antigua and Barbuda from 27 – 30 May, 2024.  It was preceded by the SIDS Global Child and Youth Action Summit from 24 – 26 May 2024 for which Mr Tamarua Marsters was the Cook Islands delegate.

 For more information on the #SIDS4 Conference and the “Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS) a Renewed Declaration for Resilient Prosperity” Outcome please visit: https://sdgs.un.org/conferences/sids2024

 #CookIslands #SIDS4