PM Mia Mottley Advocates Biennial SIDS Summit for Antigua and Barbuda Agenda Implementation

ST JOHN’S – Prime Minister Mia Mottley has suggested a biennial summit of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) leaders and a governance structure to oversee the implementation of the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for Small Island Developing States.

Speaking on Tuesday at the 4th International Conference on SIDS (SIDS4) here, Mottley described as inadequate the current practice of international reviews of the state of SIDS every five to ten years.

She emphasised the need for more frequent and structured engagement among leaders to effectively address the unique challenges faced by their nations.

The PM proposed the staging of a meeting every two years to ensure continuous and focused dialogue. “I call for a biennial assembly of SIDS heads at this stage, along with the establishment of a governance structure to oversee the implementation of the ABAS and all following outcomes.”

Mottley added that it must also command the highest attention of the other countries of the world: “If the representation of the larger countries who have capacity is at too low a level then we shall remain unequally yoked in our ability to see progress on the policy agenda.”

Addressing the urgency of the situation, she said: “The frequency and scale of natural disasters causing human suffering, loss or compromised livelihoods, irreparable physical damage, and high economic costs are now regrettably a horrifying global reality.”

Mottley criticised the gap between United Nations member states’ commitments and their actual financial contributions, which undermines the progress of SIDS.

“The chasm between United Nations member states’ spoken commitment and finance implementation condemns us and contradicts our profession of seriousness and sincerity,” she asserted, urging the international community to take tangible actions to bridge this gap and support SIDS more effectively.

Mottley stressed the importance of international solidarity and cooperation in the fight against climate change, noting that geopolitical and national politics should not hinder progress.

“It is geopolitics and national politics that is blocking progress in this world. And until we recognise that to fight the climate crisis we need all countries, irrespective of their geopolitics, irrespective of their national politics, we will be at risk of losing, regrettably, too many people whose lives should not be lost at the foot of this climate crisis,” she warned.

The PM also addressed the need for a more inclusive and fair global financial system. She highlighted the initiatives that provide a roadmap for supporting SIDS but emphasised that the speed and scope of these efforts must be increased.

“We must build a more responsive, fairer, and more inclusive global financial system and we must do so with pace and with scope,” she said.

She concluded by expressing hope and calling for accelerated action.

“Let us now press gas,” she urged, emphasising the need for swift and comprehensive measures to ensure resilient prosperity for SIDS.

(SM)