Background
The SIDS Partnership Framework was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015 as a direct outcome of the SAMOA Pathway. It is designed to monitor progress on existing partnerships and stimulate the launch of new, genuine, and durable partnerships for the sustainable development of SIDS.
The Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4), held from 27 to 30 May 2024 in Antigua and Barbuda, culminated in the adoption of The Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for Small Island Developing States: A Renewed Declaration for Resilient Prosperity (ABAS).
Paragraph 37 of ABAS requests the UN Secretary-General, in consultation with States and through the Steering Committee on SIDS Partnerships, to present recommendations for strengthening the SIDS Partnership Framework, the SIDS Global Business Network, and its Forum.
In response to Paragraph 37 of ABAS, the co-chairs of the Steering Committee on SIDS Partnerships, the Maldives and Latvia, are leading the consultative process with Member States in 2025 to develop recommendations for strengthening the SIDS Partnership Framework.
As outlined in ABAS, a whole-of-society and whole-of-government approach is essential for SIDS to address their unique challenges and foster innovative solutions that drive economic, social, and environmental transformation.
The SIDS Civil Society Action Plan and Roadmap (2024-2034), developed by civil society representatives from across the three SIDS regions—Atlantic, Indian Ocean, and South China Sea (AIS); Caribbean; and Pacific—complements ABAS by providing a strategic framework for civil society’s role in implementing the SIDS agenda. The Roadmap further emphasizes the need for tailored capacity-building and financing to effectively support civil society initiatives, recognizing the significant contributions of civil society to sustainable development.
A renewed and strengthened SIDS Partnership Framework can play a crucial role in facilitating this inclusive approach, fostering partnerships based on trust, accountability, transparency, and collaboration of stakeholders from all sectors.
Against this background, UN DESA, in collaboration with Ireland, the Maldives, and Latvia, will organize the SIDS Civil Society Engagement Forum: Realizing the Vision of ABAS in May 2025 at UN Headquarters in New York. This initiative seeks to ensure that diverse stakeholder perspectives and needs are fully integrated into the recommendations for strengthening the SIDS Partnership Framework.
Participation support to Civil Society
Thanks to generous support of the Government of Ireland, funding is available to support the participation of civil society representatives to attend the Forum. We invite nominations (self or otherwise) through the following form: https://forms.office.com/e/RcXVbUqMvs
The deadline for submissions is 24 March 2025. UN DESA will review all submissions, considering geographic, gender, and sectoral balance among SIDS, and will notify selected participants accordingly.
Structure and Format
The SIDS Civil Society Engagement Forum will be a two-day meeting designed to provide space for structured discussions, capacity development, and direct engagement with Member States:
Day 1: Civil Society Positioning and Capacity Development
- Refining Civil Society Positions: Participants will review and refine key priorities, challenges, and opportunities related to civil society engagement in the SIDS Partnership Framework.
- Discussion on Capacity Development Needs: Participants will discuss capacity gaps and areas where additional support is needed to enhance their contributions to ABAS implementation.
- Introduction to Capacity Development Activities: Various initiatives and resources aimed at strengthening civil society engagement, advocacy, and implementation efforts will be introduced to CSOs, including UN-led and partner-led training programs, funding opportunities, and knowledge-sharing platforms.
Day 2: Dialogue with Member States
- Facilitated Dialogue between CSOs and Member States: Civil society representatives will engage in discussions with Permanent Representatives in New York. This will allow CSOs to present their refined positions and recommendations, fostering direct exchange with Member States on strengthening partnerships.
- Exploring Collaborative Opportunities: The dialogue will provide a platform to explore new partnership models, align civil society actions with national priorities, and identify mechanisms to enhance multi-stakeholder engagement in the strengthened SIDS Partnership Framework.
More information coming soon.
