(1st plenary meeting) Preparatory Committee for…

• Opening Statements: - Co-Chairs of the Preparatory Committee - Permanent Representative of the host country of the Conference (Antigua and Barbuda) - Secretary-General of the Conference (Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs) - Special Adviser for the Conference (High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States)
• Adoption of the agenda and other organizational matters
• Consideration of the outcome of the Conference based on the objectives and the theme of the Conference
• General discussion

Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are in the crossfires of multiple crises: climate change, the economic and social repercussions of COVID-19, and a crisis of debt. The pandemic hugely impacted all island nations, especially those dependent on tourism. Global lockdowns left large holes in islands' coffers and severely set back efforts to invest in the Sustainable Development Goals.

Meanwhile, climate action is becoming increasingly urgent, as weather-related disasters have doubled in two decades: with island nations both most vulnerable and least responsible.

At this time of great peril, opportunity must be seized. In Antigua and Barbuda in May 2024, the international community will gather to review SIDS' sustainable development progress and propose a new decade of partnerships and solutions to supercharge their path to resilient prosperity.