The newsletter informs on upcoming events and conferences and highlights activities related to SIDS which are conducted by UN and non-UN entities in the three SIDS regions - Atlantic, Indian Ocean and South China Sea (AIMS); Caribbean; and the Pacific.
The SIDS are a distinct group of 37 UN Member States and 2 Associate Members of regional commissions. They face unique challenges in pursuing sustainable development due to their small size, remoteness, narrow resource and export base, and exposure to global environmental challenges and external economic shocks. At the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development held in Rio de Janeiro, in 1992, SIDS were recognized as a special case in sustainable development.
While they contribute less than 1 per cent to total greenhouse gas emissions, they are among the first to experience adverse impact of climate change. The Rio+20 Outcome “The Future We Want” noted that “Sea-level rise and other adverse impacts of climate change continue to pose a significant risk to SIDS and their efforts to achieve sustainable development and for many represent the gravest of threats to their survival and viability”. The SAMOA Pathway, adopted at the Third International Conference on SIDS in 2014, as well as the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development adopted by the world leaders in 2015 call for urgent actions to address challenges faced by SIDS, particularly in relation to climate change and oceans and seas.
The recently launched newsletter gives a snapshot of how these key issues are being addressed. The current edition includes articles focusing on a wide range of topics such as the first meeting of the Steering Committee on Partnerships for SIDS, drought and frost in Papua New Guinea, SIDS’ marine environment, COP21, SDG Indicators, food and nutrition, water, as well as sustainable energy.
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