Antigua and Barbuda is eagerly anticipating the participation of Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries in the upcoming fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in May this year.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne has extended invitations to regional countries to participate in the conference, which will be held in St. John’s from May 27 to May 30 under the theme “Charting the Course Toward Resilient Prosperity”.

The SIDS conference was among the key items discussed on the first full day of the CARICOM summit that recently concluded.

Prime Minister Browne has emphasized the importance of the conference for SIDS globally, stating that it is literally an inflection point as they seek to accelerate the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all United Nations member states in 2015, provides a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future.

At its core are the 17 SDGs, which are an urgent call for action by all countries – developed and developing – to end poverty and other deprivations alongside strategies that improve health and education, reduce inequality, and spur economic growth while tackling climate change and working to preserve our oceans and forests.

Prime Minister Browne hopes that within this decade, Antigua and Barbuda will introduce strategies and programmes to achieve the SDGs, ensuring that they all achieve some level of resilient prosperity within the various SIDS states.

He has invited all of his CARICOM colleagues to attend the conference in Antigua, highlighting the importance of high-level attendance for the sake of SIDS solidarity.

The conference will focus on crucial issues such as climate change, debt, and areas in which they can adapt to mitigate against climate change and increase accessibility to funding. Additionally, the conference will address youth crime and violence, which are major issues among developing countries.

The United Nations has committed to supporting islands in their quest for a more resilient and sustainable future.

As the UN points out, SIDS are in the crossfires of multiple crises including climate change, the economic and social repercussions of COVID-19, and a crisis of debt.

Prime Minister Browne is optimistic that the conference will become a very impactful and exciting event for SIDS globally, and he hopes that all CARICOM heads will attend the conference in Antigua.