Close to 21 SIDS heads of States, plus about 3,500 personalities representing the private sector, the civil society and some governments, met in Apia at the Samoa on September 1-4, 2014 for the international conference under the theme: “For a Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States Based on True and Lasting Partnerships”.

Plenary sessions provided participants the opportunity to exchange on sensitive issues such as the radiation of some SIDS from the list of the least developed countries (LDCs), attractive terms funding, scientific follow up and evaluation, as well as the strengthening of resilience. Other topics such as sustainable economic development, climate change and disaster risk management (DRM), social development, health and non transmittable diseases (NTDs), youths and women, sustainable energy, oceans and seas, biological diversity, water and sanitation, food security and waste management, were also examined during the deliberations of this conference.

This conference was also an intercultural rendez-vous at which several countries showcased their traditions and cultures through dance shows and exhibitions at the “SIDS village”.

 At the end of the conference, many countries and organisations announced new commitments and partnerships, and the prepared document titled “SIDS Fast Action Modalities (Samoa, the way to follow)” was negotiated during the preparatory process held at the UN headquarters in New York and was adopted without further discussion during the closing plenary on Thursday, September 4; 2014.

To learn more on the conference, you may consult the report here - ENB news Release is available hereunder: