As the United Nations Climate Change Conference, or COP29, approaches in Azerbaijan this November, the role of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) following the SIDS4 conference in Antigua and Barbuda comes into sharp focus.

Despite their small size and limited resources, these nations, with Antigua and Barbuda as a leading advocate, have a significant global presence. They often exert substantial influence in international diplomacy, including at the United Nations, where each country, regardless of size, has one vote. SIDS are making notable strides on the world stage, particularly in addressing global issues like climate change, that disproportionately affect them.

SIDS, comprising about 57 countries and territories across the world’s oceans, face unique challenges. UN Secretary-General António Guterres remarked at the SIDS4 conference in 2024: “Small Island Developing States are exceptional. Exceptionally beautiful. Exceptionally resilient. But exceptionally vulnerable.”

SIDS encounter the same issues as larger countries—health, employment, crime—but also face severe financial challenges, with low economic diversification leading to high debt. Their small landmasses make them extremely vulnerable to natural disasters, rising sea levels and environmental degradation. Yet their resilience and strategic diplomacy have allowed them to assert significant influence in international forums, including the UN. As Gaston Browne noted, SIDS are “on the front lines of a battlefield of a confluence of crises.”

A compelling example of SIDS’ impact on global policy is their role in climate negotiations. The 2015 Paris Agreement, aimed at curbing global warming, was significantly influenced by SIDS advocacy. Leaders from nations such as Antigua and Barbuda, Tuvalu, the Maldives, and Kiribati highlighted the existential threats posed by climate change. Prime Minister Gaston Browne has been a prominent advocate for climate action, using his platform to emphasize the urgency of global climate action and to push for stronger international commitments to support vulnerable nations. Antigua and Barbuda’s efforts amplify SIDS concerns on the global stage and contribute to the push for greater international support and action. As Browne stated, “There has been strong collaboration among the small States… within our collective interests to protect our civilization. We continue to fight unrelentingly to get large polluters to reduce emissions.”

Former Samoan Prime Minister Tuilaʻepa Saʻilele Malielegaoi described SIDS as “custodians of some of the world’s richest biodiversity and marine resources.” As such, their collective voice has been powerful, urging major economies to accelerate climate commitments. During the UN Climate Action Summit, this unified stance contributed to the adoption of more robust climate action frameworks.

SIDS have also made significant contributions to discussions on sustainable development. The UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have been influenced by SIDS’ experiences, shaping goals related to ocean conservation, sustainable tourism and disaster resilience. As a signatory to the 2030 Agenda, Antigua and Barbuda has committed to achieving the SDGs by 2030 through its National Sustainable Development Plan (NSDP). The country presented its first Voluntary National Review (VNR) at the UN High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development in 2019, detailing its progress and strategies while relying on financial support from other nations.

The influence of SIDS in global decision-making was evident during the UN General Assembly’s 2017 Ocean Conference, which focused on accelerating efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 14. The conference underscored the urgent need for global cooperation on ocean-related challenges and set new international standards for ocean protection, showcasing the significant influence of these small nations in global governance.

The SIDS4 Conference in Antigua and Barbuda concluded with a significant milestone: the unanimous adoption of the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS), a declaration set to guide sustainable development for these nations over the next decade. Many SIDS that have graduated to middle-income status have lost access to concessional finance from Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) due to per capita income requirements. SIDS, led by Antigua & Barbuda, have advocated for the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI) instead, which better reflects their needs. On August 14th, the UN Officially adopted the MVI.

Amina Mohammed, UN Deputy Secretary-General, highlighted the need for global commitment and thanked the EU, Germany, the Netherlands, and the US for their support. She called for amplifying marginalized voices in SIDS, including people with disabilities, older persons, and indigenous communities. The UN General Assembly endorsed the draft resolution “Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for Small Island Developing States: A Renewed Declaration for Resilient Prosperity” and expressed gratitude to Antigua and Barbuda for hosting the conference from May 27-30.

SIDS face challenges that are both common and unique to their size and isolation. While they grapple with issues like economic development and environmental sustainability, they also contend with extreme vulnerability to climate change, limited resources and geographic isolation. These factors exacerbate their difficulties and highlight the urgent need for international support and solidarity.

Though small in size, SIDS hold a significant place on the global stage. Their advocacy on climate change and sustainable development has amplified their voices and led to meaningful global policy shifts. As the world faces complex challenges, the resilience and diplomacy of SIDS will continue to play a crucial role in shaping our collective future.

Antigua and Barbuda’s growing influence highlights its crucial role in the global arena for SIDS. The successful hosting of the SIDS4 Conference and the adoption of the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS), the decision by the UN to officially adopt the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI) showcase the country’s leadership in addressing small island nations’ unique challenges.

This leadership enhances Antigua and Barbuda’s position as a key advocate in international climate and sustainable development discussions. As COP29 approaches, Antigua and Barbuda’s continued advocacy will be essential in advancing global resilience and equitable development.

It has been 30 years since the 1994 “Barbados Programme of Action” (BPOA) outlined a comprehensive plan recognizing the challenges of SIDS.  2024 has seen significant advances, and the world awaits COP29 in November in Azerbaijan to take the next step.