The Fourth Conference of Small Island Developing States (SIDS4) is an upcoming event scheduled to take place from May 27-30 in Antigua and Barbuda.

The conference aims to bring together the political leadership of island nations from across the globe, as well as major international figures, development partners, and senior officials and experts from the United Nations.

The theme for the conference is “Charting a Course Toward Resilient Prosperity.” Its goal is to devise practical and ambitious solutions to the major challenges, including climate change and the debt burden, that stand in the way of achieving sustainable development for all SIDS.

The minister of Foreign Affairs, E.P Chet Greene, who is the Lead Minister on the conference, recently met with the full team in charge of organizing the event.

During the meeting, committee leaders presented reports that detailed progress in their respective areas and identified shortfalls or gaps where they may need additional support.

The meeting was exhaustive and comprehensive, with the multi-sectoral team fully engaged in making all the necessary preparations for the conference.

Minister Greene expressed confidence in the Secretariat team and the various agencies and departments across the government service who are being tasked with various responsibilities in ensuring that Antigua and Barbuda delivers on a successful outcome for all SIDS.

The conference will require significant logistical preparations in areas such as accommodation for visiting delegates and participants, the main conference facility, traffic and security, health and safety provisions, among others.

Minister Greene was fully briefed on these key matters during the meeting and will be reporting back to Cabinet at its next meeting with specific details about preparations. The conference is a crucial event that will bring together leaders from across the globe to devise practical and ambitious solutions to the major challenges facing SIDS.

It is a much-needed forum for countries to share their experiences and ideas to chart a course towards a more sustainable future.

Antigua and Barbuda is fully committed to ensuring that the conference is a major success and has mobilized all necessary resources to make it happen. The government is working tirelessly to ensure that the conference runs smoothly and successfully, and that all participants are provided with the necessary infrastructure and support to make the event a memorable one.