Ryan Bachoo
Lead Editor - Newsgathering
Chairman of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), Ambassador Fatumanava Dr. Pa'olelei Luteru, says Small Island Developing States (SIDs) have reached the end of the road "and will now embark on a brand-new course for sustainability and prosperity."
In May this year, SIDs from the Pacific, Caribbean, Atlantic, Indian and South China Seas will come together in Antigua and Barbuda at SIDS4 to determine our next pivotal program of action.
In a statement on Monday, Luteru said, "This has great significance to me, as the last International Conference on Small Island Development States was held a decade ago in my home of Samoa, where the world came together to chart a new development plan for SIDS, the SAMOA Pathway."
He went further in adding, "Our story, aspirations, and cooperation with partners constitute the major focus of our plan including the role of the UN in facilitating and ensuring delivery of our goals. Whilst SIDS will continue to do everything in our power to advance ourselves, we also recognize the pivotal role of our development partners in the achievement of our aspirations."
AOSIS is set to launch an ambitious and action-oriented blueprint with its partners, for the sustainable development of communities for the next decade.
Luteru added, "Whilst SIDS are at the forefront of the adverse impact of this emergency crisis, partners can help SIDS by honoring and acting on their commitments and responsibilities as a collective."