• UAE BRIEFING WITH SIDS (July 17th)

Recognizing the pivotal role of SIDS’ voice, the Permanent Mission of the United Arab Emirates to the United Nations orchestrated a compelling roundtable dialogue on July 17th, leveraging its esteemed position as both the president and host of COP28 Presidency. This purposeful gathering sought to delve into the collective priorities and aspirations of SIDS in relation to COP28. The agenda was thoughtfully crafted to explore how the UAE Presidency could best champion and bolster the SIDS’ endeavors, encompassing essential facets such as information exchange, event coordination, and overarching objectives.

The discussions centered on critical imperatives for COP, including expediting the transition towards sustainable energy sources, facilitating constructive discussions on phase-out strategies, and fortifying the architecture of climate finance. Within this pivotal discourse, the UAE’s outreach extended to fostering the visibility and resonance of SIDS’ expectations and ambitions within the broader platforms of the United Nations General Assembly and the World Bank. As we chart a path forward, we anticipate that the outcomes of COP28 will serve as a transformative catalyst, empowering SIDS to navigate with clarity and resolve as they journey towards the promising horizon of 2024.


• VIRTUAL ROUNDTABLE DIALOGUE TO ADVANCE AOSIS STRATEGY ON FINANCING FOR LOSS AND DAMAGE (July 17)

Assessing SIDS’ access to Climate Finance, and amping up political leverage is integral as we prepare for COP28. AOSIS was pleased to be supported by the H.E. Rabab Fatima, High-Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States, for a Virtual Roundtable Dialogue to Advance AOSIS Strategy on Financing for Loss and Damage.


• UAE/ SIDS ROUNDTABLE (July 19)

At the UAE/ SIDS roundtable, AOSIS was buoyed to hear that keeping 1.5 alive is central to the UAE’s COP28 plan. Among our calls at the meeting:
– transformative GST outcome
– peak emissions by 2025
– operationalize the Loss And Damage Fund
– phase out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies
– GLaSS conclusion

• AOSIS PLENARY MEETING (July 20)

On July 20th, AOSIS convened to consider critical issues related to the way forward, including:
– Updates on preparations for the Fourth International SIDS Conference and its preparatory processes.
– The Summit of the Future.
– The BBNJ resolution.
– Updates on Plastic INC.
– The AOSIS leaders meeting in 2023.

As the holding of the fourth SIDS Conference approaches, this subject among others was on the agenda during the AOSIS Plenary which was held on July 20th. In addition, the discussions also focused on the holding of the interregional meeting which will take place in Cabo Verde from August 30 to September 2. During this meeting, Antigua and Barbuda proposed the creation of a center of excellence aimed at producing practical results and filling data gaps for SIDS. This idea was welcomed by several representatives present at the meeting.

With regard to sustainable development, the issues of peace, security and digital cooperation were mentioned, among others.

In addition, the next steps of SB58 regarding climate change and the preparation for COP 28 were discussed, including the third transitional workshop committee, the next dialogues on item 2.1 in Geneva in October 2023, as well as the pre-COP in October. A draft of the AOSIS coordination will be circulated.

Finally, the update on the AOSIS Leaders’ Meeting in 2023, which will be held on September 22, was discussed, touching on the important points that will be discussed during this meeting, including the MVI report, COP28, and SIDS4.



• COP28 DIRECTOR-GENERAL MEETING (July 22)
COP28 Director-General Majid Al Suwaidi met with AOSIS Chair, Ambassador Luteru, in New York. They discussed advancing cooperation to deliver ambitious outcomes to keep 1.5C within reach.


• AGREEMENT WITH AUSTRALIA UN PR (July 31)
Australian Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, H.E. James Larsen signed an agreement with AOSIS Chair, Ambassador Luteru, to support Pacific priorities in UN climate, oceans and sustainable development negotiations.


• REGIONAL PREPARATORY MEETINGS FOR THE FOURTH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON SIDS
The African, Indian, and South China Seas, Caribbean, and Pacific regions all held their regional meetings to elect their bureau, crystallize common goals, and solidify the work path ahead to ensure a progressive plan of action is established at the Fourth International Conference on SIDS (SIDS4).
– AIS: July 24th – 26th
– Caribbean: August 8th – 10th
– Pacific: August 16th – 18th