International financing is critical for sustainable development, yet small island states are “running on empty,” burdened by debt and climate change. This stark warning came from UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Day Two of the Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4) currently held in Antigua and Barbuda.
The 39 SIDS are uniquely vulnerable, having been crippled by COVID-19, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and ongoing climate catastrophes they did not cause. Guterres highlighted that these nations spend more on debt servicing than on health and education, stalling their progress towards the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Classified as Middle-Income, many SIDS are excluded from debt relief meant for the poorest nations. Guterres urged international financial institutions to provide debt relief, transform lending practices, and ensure greater inclusivity, with SIDS having a seat “at every table.”
Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados and Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda are leading efforts to develop a Multidimensional Vulnerability Index and transform global lending. Meanwhile, Samoa’s Prime Minister Fiamē Naomi Mata’afa emphasized the urgent need for tailored solutions and significant financial support.
As Guterres concluded, the upcoming Summit of the Future in New York represents a crucial opportunity to prioritise SIDS and create a global financial system that supports their unique challenges. “It is time to turn the tide and leave no island nation behind,” he declared.
Tonga’s delegation is led by the Prime Minister, Hon. Hu’akavameiliku, joined by Hon. Fekita ‘Utoikamanu, Minister for Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster, Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Dr. Viliami Latu, Minister for Trade, Economic and Development, and officials from relevant government line ministries.
