Developing states call for groundbreaking Saint John’s Accord to unlock visa-free travel

At the 2024 UN Small Island and Developing States (SIDS4) Summit, held in Antigua and Barbuda, the Global Citizen Forum has proposed the signing of a groundbreaking multilateral agreement that will see
each SIDS grant citizens of other states in the bloc visa-free travel.

– Between the 39 states, with a combined population of over 65 million people, establishing visa-free travel would require over 200 bilateral agreements. Underneath this multilateral umbrella, only one agreement is required.

The Passport Index will serve as the official benchmarking tool for this agreement.

– Visa-free travel incentivises bilateral trade, boosts tourism that drives investment in local economies and enhances employment opportunities for professional and skilled workers. When signed, the Saint John’s Accord will serve as a landmark commitment to promoting mutual understanding, shared prosperity, and enduring cultural exchange.

Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda said: “It is imperative that Small Island States act in solidarity to fight climate pollution, in protection of their terrestrial and marine environments.

“They should strengthen relations among themselves and their peoples to facilitate greater people to people exchanges among their citizens, increased trade and sharing of ideas, technology advances, and best practices to conserve their environment.

“The Arton proposal for visa-free access among themselves is an excellent idea that should be pursued immediately as a quick win in building relations, as they work in solidarity to achieve resilient prosperity.”

Armand Arton, Chairman and Founder of Global Citizen Forum remarked: “Breaking down the archaic borders of the old world will encourage a new, more equitable one to emerge.

Establishing this visa-free agreement will drive intra-SIDS tourism and catalyse economic growth, ensuring people, capital, and ideas can seamlessly move between states for the mutual benefit of all.

The agreement is also a resounding commitment to interconnectivity and open dialogue, understanding that we are stronger together than we are apart.

“I am delighted to see the Small Island and Developing States consider the Saint John’s Accord as a first step to achieving their own special economic area.

Together, they stand ready to open the door to a new world of
prosperity, liberating their citizens to travel, trade, study, and work as never before.”