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Antigua, 27 May – At the opening of the Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4), United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres declared SIDS as pivotal in the global fight for climate and financial justice. Addressing an assembly of over 20 world leaders, 4,000 participants, and delegates from private sectors, civil society, and academia, Secretary-General Guterres emphasized the acute challenges SIDS face due to climate change.

"SIDS are a test case for climate justice and financial justice," said Guterres in his opening remarks. He warned of the dire consequences of surpassing the 1.5-degree Celsius limit set to avoid catastrophic global heating, highlighting the existential threat this poses to SIDS. “We cannot accept the disappearance of any country or culture under the rising waves,” he added.

Guterres praised the resilience and unity of SIDS, urging them to continue their collaborative efforts. "At times of crisis, it may be tempting to turn inward, to lower expectations, and to dim hopes. But that is not the SIDS way," he remarked. "When you speak together, SIDS can make an almighty noise. And I urge you to do so at this critical time for our planet and our future."

Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda and President of the SIDS4 Conference, Gaston Browne, and Afioga Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa, Prime Minister of Samoa and Chair of the Alliance of Small Island States, also addressed the urgency of the situation in their speeches. Browne criticized the negligence of continuing business as usual, while Mataʻafa described the increasing pressures of rising seas and burgeoning debts on SIDS.

The conference, taking place at the American University of Antigua through Thursday, aims to chart a course toward resilient prosperity for SIDS. Key discussions will revolve around the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS), which outlines the sustainable development goals for the next decade and the support needed to achieve them.

In a high-level meeting on 28 May with international financial institutions and major donors, Secretary-General Guterres underscored the financing challenges faced by SIDS, worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions. He highlighted the disparity between the speed of escalating challenges and the slower pace of actionable solutions.

European Commission Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jutta Urpilainen, and Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley, also spoke at the meeting, advocating for substantial financial reforms and increased investment in SIDS.

This critical international gathering underscores the urgency of comprehensive support for SIDS, aiming to address their unique vulnerabilities and ensure their sustainable future.