Small Island Developing States (SIDs) need to turbocharge their efforts to adapt their economies and societies to climate change and protect their people from shocks arising from the global system.
Speaking on behalf of the Prime Minister, Permanent Secretary of the Office of the Prime Minister, Yogesh Karan, said that now is not the time for the developed world to retreat; but a time for the exact opposite, time for far greater solidarity that people, communities and governments across small states can feel.
PS Karan said that these will be large and multi-year programs, whole industries and sectors may need to be repurposed.
He was speaking at the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) Leaders meeting held on the margins of the 77th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
PS Karan said (we) small states can lead the world as centres for development of ocean economy skills and expertise. We can lead the world in ocean energy; green shipping and in many other areas.
The event, chaired by the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda and brought together Prime Ministers and senior government representatives of Small Island Developing States to discuss key issues affecting us as SIDS find themselves at the harsh end of the stick of the climate crisis, COVID-19 pandemic and the impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
At the event, PS Karan shared perspectives on Fiji’s economic recovery efforts, adding the Government’s determined and strategic response enabled the country to progressively build back better post COVID-19.
“Fiji’s economy was severely impacted as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and we have taken considerable steps towards our recovery. One of which is promoting the vaccination of our people to enable the reopening of our borders which resulted with Fiji being one of the first countries to safely re-open its borders to international tourism and trade,” he added.
“What many considered a risky move was a necessity for many of our small island states whose livelihood depended on tourism and international trade.”
Commenting on the issue of Loss and Damage, PS Karan said that we have now become accustomed to high intensity cyclones and expect the worst of what is to come.
“However, we can never be as prepared as we would hope as the destruction and damages incurred year in and year out undermines the development ambitions that we have in our other sectors such as health, education, and climate resilience,” he stated
“As we approach COP 27, we must strategize and remain steadfast in our strength as SIDS with common issues and not let it separate us,” said PS Karan.
“I am hopeful that COP 27 in Sharm El Sheikh will breathe life, substance and resources that we can touch into a Loss and Damage Facility.”
Palau and Samoa have been elected as incoming chairs of the AOSIS.
