IHO to represent SIDS CSO Coalition at SIDS Civil Society Engagement Forum

PRESS RELEASE

At the upcoming SIDS Civil Society Engagement Forum, taking place from May 12–13, 2025, Britney McDonald, Director of Operations at Integrated Health Outreach (IHO), will represent IHO and the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Civil Society Organization (CSO) Coalition at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. Her participation continues the efforts initiated at the 4th International Conference of Small Island Developing States (SIDS4), held in Antigua and Barbuda in May 2024. The SIDS CSO Coalition conference brought together over 95 civil society organizations from SIDS regions and international allies for events such as the SIDS CSO Expo, the Global CSO Summit and public consultations. These events contributed directly to the development of the SIDS Civil Society Road Map and Action Plan and the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS).

The SIDS Civil Society Engagement Forum in New York provides an opportunity to further shape civil society’s role in implementing the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS), the official outcome document from SIDS4. The ABAS outlines a 10-year global framework that guides sustainable development across SIDS. It highlights themes such as climate resilience, sustainable financing, environmental protection, digital innovation, inclusive governance, youth and gender inclusion. Civil society participation helps ensure these priorities translate into action, particularly at the local and national levels. The ABAS reflects contributions from local island communities and regional stakeholders who understand the unique challenges and strengths of small island nations.

Britney McDonald has played an active role in strengthening civil society participation throughout the SIDS4 process. With a background in International Relations and Information Systems, she has coordinated with regional organizations, facilitating consultations, co-developing documents, and amplifying grassroots voices. At the SIDS Civil Society Engagement Forum, she will continue to represent the shared voice of CSOs working to advance sustainable futures for SIDS. On behalf of IHO and the SIDS CSO Coalition, the inputs shared will support stronger representation of civil society action in regional and global policy frameworks and programmes.

Speaking ahead of the forum, McDonald noted, “This SIDS Civil Society Engagement Forum is a follow-up from SIDS4 that provides an opportunity for civil society and communities to receive support toward building their capacity for ABAS implementation. We’re already a year post the SIDS4 Conference, and now is the time to link ideas with action.”

On May 11th, IHO will release a working document that gathers inputs from across the SIDS CSO network from post-conference consultations. This document remains open for public review and comment and invites all interested individuals and organizations to help shape the final content presented during and after  the forum.

To contribute feedback or connect with Integrated Health Outreach regarding the SIDS Civil Society Engagement Forum and the ongoing process, interested parties can visit www.ihoab.com or email [email protected].

Following the Engagement Forum, IHO will organize a post-forum activity to share the outcomes with civil society networks and partners. This follow-up meeting will outline key discussions, agreed actions, and opportunities for continued engagement and implementation of the roadmap in national contexts.

For more information on the SIDS Civil Society Engagement Forum, please visit the following link: https://sdgs.un.org/2025SIDSCSOForum