Mr. President
Co-Chairs
Excellencies
Colleagues
I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Alliance of Small Island States
(AOSIS). We align our statement with the statement delivered by Pakistan on behalf of the Group
of 77 and China and wishes to recognize the co-chairing efforts of the Governments of Indonesia
and Germany for this interactive session.
Mr. President,
This moment is worth a reflection, for almost three years, small island developing states (SIDS)
were battered by the brutality of the COVID-19 pandemic and the multiple crises that followed, in
particular the ongoing economic crisis. Data produced by the UN system and the international
financial institutions all clearly state that these crises are impacting SIDS far greater than any other
group of countries and will undoubtedly prohibit us from achieving the full implementation of the
SAMOA Pathway and achieving the sustainable development goals.
Before this crisis ensued, SIDS were already facing a crisis unlike any other. The effects of climate
change and the impact on our environment, continues to be the most immediate threat to our lives
and livelihoods. As small and low-lying states, we have continually sounded the alarm on the need
for the international community to comprehensibly work together to address the negative impacts
of the environment.
AOSIS is of the firm belief that we can still turn the tide and reverse the road of destruction that
we are currently on. While the pandemic disrupted our lives and upended our perception of
normalcy, it also allowed for a pause. Even though for a brief moment, that pause provided a small
window of hope for a renewal of the environment. As the world stood still during the pandemic
and many activities came to a halt, nature was allowed for that brief moment to show signs of
replenishment and renewal.
Mr. President,
Achieving a sustainable and inclusive recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, requires unfettered
commitment by all in ensuring that SIDS are placed at the forefront of recovery and our particular
vulnerabilities are comprehensively addressed. A sustainable recovery from the pandemic must
ensure that we are resilient from all future global shocks.
Economically, the international community must guarantee that all SIDS, regardless of graduated
status are given access to concessional financing and grants. This can be achieved by through the
application of a Multidimensional Vulnerability Index that takes into account the special
circumstances of SIDS. AOSIS looks forward to the recommendations from the Expert Panel and
the conclusion and adoption of the findings later this year. An internationally agreed and accepted
MVI can provide lasting solutions to some of our needs.
SIDS cannot recover from this pandemic if our unsustainable debt to GDP ratio is not
comprehensively addressed. As a direct result of this pandemic, many of our countries had to
borrow at commercial rates in order to protect lives and fill the gap from the sharp decline of
resources. While commendable, the policies that were put in place by the G20, the IMF and the
World Bank to address the pandemic were not tailored to address the specific needs of our
countries. We need tailored solutions; debt forgiveness and debt relief must be considered as
options for a sustainable recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
A commitment to ensuring that official development assistance targets are met, and that
development finance is separated from climate finance can aid in the recovery.
Mr. President,
Our economies are dependent on a safe and secure environment. Tourism, agricultural and the
ocean are the drivers of much of our economic activities. It is therefore essential that a sustainable
recovery ensures that the Paris Agreement, the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction,
and the New Urban Agenda are guiding the implementation of a robust and resilient global
recovery.
The latest IPCC report paints a dark picture of the state of our environment, therefore
Stockholm+50 provides that opportunity to reflect on what a healthy planet could mean for us all,
how a prosperous planet is our responsibility and the many opportunities that lies ahead as an
international community.
I Thank You.