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Small island developing states (SIDS) are some of the world’s most disaster-prone countries. SIDS have high levels of exposure and vulnerability to hazards, such as cyclones, sea-level rise, earthquakes, tsunamis, and marine hazardous material spills. Due to their small size, remoteness, spatial isolation, and dependence on trade, SIDS are particularly vulnerable to shocks and stressors. The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, provides the global blueprint for disaster risk reduction (DRR), and is critical to enable the attainment of the 2030 Agenda. In order to support SIDS’ sustainable development, it is necessary to address the constraints they face in implementing the Sendai Framework and strengthening DRR. DRR has been acknowledged by the Small Island Developing States Accelerated Modalities of Action (SAMOA) Pathway, which serves as the internationally agreed to programme of action for small island developing states for the decade 2014 – 2024, as a key theme. To strengthen DRR policies and programs in SIDS, it is necessary to identify the achievements, challenges, constraints, and gaps that SIDS face in the means of implementing the Sendai Framework. This gap assessment will seek to document, synthesize, and consolidate SIDS’ experiences and constraints to form a repository where shared concerns and specific national examples illustrating barriers are captured. The ongoing Midterm Review of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (MTR SF), launched in October 2021 and culminating in a high-level meeting of the General Assembly in May 2023, is an optimal time to review what challenges prevent or enhance SIDS’ abilities to implement the Sendai Framework. This gap assessment is also timely for the 4th International Conference on SIDS in 2024, which will serve as the platform to launch the next international agenda for SIDS. It is anticipated that this document will support the preparatory discussions on how to strengthen the means of implementation in DRR, in order to reduce disaster risk and build resilience.