Author: Emily Wilkinson

Publisher:

Published: 2021

Total Pages: 8

ISBN-13:

Small Island Developing States (SIDS), or Large Ocean States as some prefer to be known, are at a critical juncture: they are reliant on reforms in global institutions that need to happen quickly. SIDS have immense potential to innovate and adapt to global conditions, but they are highly vulnerable to climate change impacts and other external shocks and face significant structural challenges in managing these risks. Younger generations of SIDS citizens face the triple jeopardy of crippling debt, a degraded natural environment and frequent, devastating disasters. SIDS have a high need for climate finance – particularly for adaptation and resilience – but they often have the weakest capacity to access it and are far from obtaining the volumes they need. UN Member States have acknowledged that the SIDS are a special case for sustainable development, but this needs to translate into greater support and coordination of climate and development cooperation. Reforms are needed across development assistance, debt and climate finance, using common definitions and criteria for eligibility and towards the common goals of honouring commitments made under the Paris Agreement and SAMOA Pathway and to improving aid effectiveness.