Leaders from small island developing states (SIDS) across the Pacific region convened in
Nuku’alofa, Tonga, on August 16 th – 18 th for the seminal Preparatory Meeting of the 4 th
International Conference on SIDS. Participants put forth solutions which can lead to a turning
point in addressing the challenges of these vulnerable countries which are dealing with multiple
crises, while striving to safeguard their people and economies.
This marked the final meeting of the SIDS regions which comprise the Alliance of Small Island
States (AOSIS), following regional meetings for the African, Indian and South China Seas, as well
as the Caribbean. These meetings are critical constituents for the milestone Fourth UN
International Conference on SIDS (SIDS 4), which is being convened by the United Nations
General Assembly and will bring world leaders together to agree on a cogent new plan to
achieve sustainable development for SIDS.
SIDS 4, which will take place in May 2024 in Antigua and Barbuda, will be the first UN meeting of
global leaders and development partners to chart an action plan for SIDS in a decade. The
Conference will assess the progress of the SIDS Accelerated Modalities of Action (S.A.M.O.A.)
Pathway, the landmark 10-year SIDS sustainable development plan which was agreed at the last
Conference.
In her address, the Chair of AOSIS, Peseta Noumea Simi, noted “Over the last thirty years, we
have watched our coastlines disappear, our debt amassed to unsustainable levels, and our
people struggle.  As in all SIDS’s regions, agriculture, fisheries and tourism have been severely
affected.  We face a situation of insufficient effort and lack of urgency. And action has not been
commensurate with need.”

Climate change exacts its toll across our region daily. Sea level rise threatens homes, ravishes
infrastructure and devastates livelihoods. Rising temperatures are making droughts more
pronounced and agriculture more difficult. The hurricane season will soon be upon us. And we
know that one of us, or a few of us, will be impacted. Others will wrestle with severe drought.
Across the board we will increasingly be affected by extreme weather events. Ocean acidification
and marine pollution threaten crops and fisheries. The economic viability of countries in our
region remains under constant threat. And if we are not vigilant and proactive, Pacific debt will
spiral out of control, leaving little room to maneuver.
Ms. Simi emphasized the toll climate change is exacting across the region as well as the
debilitating impact of debt, and called for “a SIDS-led process for SIDS and a bold vision for
resilient prosperity.”
An outcome document from the meeting has been established and will inform the priorities for
SIDS 4. AOSIS noted its continued commitment to amplifying these messages and priorities at
international fora to galvanize strong support from the global community for SIDS sustainable
development.