Hundreds of delegates are already converging on the island for the Fourth Conference of Small Island Developing States (SIDS4) which is set to officially begin here on Monday

But before the official start, a series of associated events scheduled to take place over the next three days leading up to the official opening ceremonies.

The American University of Antigua has generously provided its newly constructed conference facility to the government of Antigua and Barbuda for hosting the conference.

The event is expected to draw nearly four thousand participants, making it the largest of the four SIDS conferences held thus far.

The inaugural event related to SIDS4 is the opening ceremony for the Global Children and Youth Action Summit, which is scheduled for this evening at Government House. Governor General Sir Rodney and Lady Williams will be hosting a welcome reception for delegates at this ceremony.

The SIDS Global Children and Youth Action Summit (GCYAS) is slated to take place from May 24th to May 26th, 2024, at the University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus, preceding the Fourth UN SIDS Conference (SIDS4) scheduled to be held in Antigua and Barbuda from May 27th to May 30th, 2024.

The Commonwealth Secretariat, in collaboration with UNICEF, the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, and the Ashley Lashley Foundation, is supporting this Summit.

The GCYAS aims to bring together over 100 participants, including children and youth delegates aged 14-16 years old from SIDS countries.

The Summit will provide a platform for SIDS children and youth to voice their perspectives on the intersection of social and environmental issues and their impacts. It will also serve as an opportunity for them to present new ideas, solutions, and recommendations for action.

The Summit will feature a variety of activities, including practical and engaging master classes addressing key themes outlined in the SIDS 4 Outcome document, as well as discussions, project-formulation, and fundraising.

The event will incorporate capacity-building elements in collaboration with partners such as the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) and several development agencies, with the goal of identifying tangible actions that SIDS children and youth can take to advocate for causes important to them.

Simultaneously, a gender equality forum is scheduled to take place at Nelson’s Dockyard, addressing the unique vulnerabilities faced by Small Island Developing States (SIDS) that hinder the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

As the conference approaches, preparations are in full swing. Members of the Cabinet are expected to conduct a final walk-through of the venue, ensuring all arrangements are in place.

Organizers have reported a surge in last-minute registrations and have launched an appeal for additional accommodations to accommodate an anticipated 300-500 individuals expected to register over the weekend.

Security, venue readiness, transportation, and other logistical aspects are all reportedly in a state of preparedness for the upcoming conference.