Launch of the Engagement Strategy 
Small Island Developing States National Focal Points Network 

28 May 2024, 8am – 9:30am American University of Antigua, Room 5 

The Side Event will link the theme on SIDS Economies and how the SIDS NFP Network plays an important role in being the interlocutor with the various stakeholders on the ground. The Engagement Strategy outlines a stakeholder analysis from the community, national, regional and global levels.  This will allow the Network to work closely with various sectors of the economy on how they can align and work together to achieve the goals in the new SIDS Programme of Action. The Network will leverage the UN system through the RCOs, MCOs as well as the OHRLLS to explore practical steps and partnerships that harness the potential of SIDS—focusing on sustainable ocean economy, tourism among others to chart the course toward resilient prosperity.  

Background 

Small Island Developing States (SIDS) face unique challenges, including geographical isolation, limited economic scale, exposure to external shocks, and the ongoing impacts of the climate crisis. In 2024, as SIDS renew their commitment to sustainable development through a new Programme of Action, the Engagement Strategy for the SIDS National Focal Points (NFP) Network is set to be unveiled. 

Building upon the legacy of the Barbados Programme of Action (BPoA), the Mauritius Strategy for Implementation (MSI), and the SAMOA Pathway, the Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries, and Small Island Developing States (OHRLLS) is mandated to enhance the coherence of SIDS issues in UN processes. This has led to the establishment of the SIDS National Focal Points Network in 2018, fostering collaboration and coordination on SIDS-related sustainable development issues at the national, regional and global levels. 

The NFP Network, convening annually, has played a crucial role in advancing the SAMOA Pathway, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Despite disruptions caused by COVID-19, the network adapted by holding virtual meetings in 2020 and 2021. During these gatherings, the importance of NFPs in guiding SIDS towards resilient prosperity was highlighted, along with the need for capacity building and dedicated resources to the network. 

As the SAMOA Pathway concludes and a new Programme of Action emerges, the NFP Network aligns its engagement strategy to support SIDS in navigating the path to resilient prosperity. This event marks the official launch of the Engagement Strategy, a collaborative effort between SIDS NFPs the UN system and stakeholders. It is designed to guide NFPs in fulfilling their crucial roles in the effective implementation of the new Programme of Action over the next decade. 

Programme

08:00-08:15 Opening statements

• Ms. Rabab Fatima, Under Secretary-General and High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States

• H.E. Mr. Odo Tevi, Permanent Representative of Vanuatu to the UN, New York

• H.E. Sonya Koppe, Australian High Commissioner to Trinidad and Tobago

• H.E. Maurizio Massari, Permanent Representative of Italy to the UN, New York

• Ms. Peseta Noumea Simi, Chief Executive Officer, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Samoa 

08:15-08:30 OHRLLS Presentation

• Mr. Damien Sass, Programme Management Officer, UN-OHRLLS
• Mr. Dominic Sofe, Programme Management Officer, UN-OHRLLS 

08:30-09:00 Moderated discussion

Moderator: Mr. Damien Sass, Programme Management Officer, UN-OHRLLS

• Ms. Elizabeth Agathine, Principal Secretary, National Planning , Department and National Focal point of Seychelles •

• Ms. Kennethia Douglas, Project Manager-SDGs and National Focal Point of Trinidad and Tobago

• Mr. Nassim Oulmane, Director, Economic Commission for Africa

• Ms. Amrikha Singh, Programme Manager – Sustainable Development, CARICOM Secretariat

• Mr. Didier Trebucq, UN Resident Coordinator for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean

• Mr. Henry Cocker, Engagement Adviser, Sustainable Development, Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat

• Mr. Dominic Sofe, Programme Management Officer, UN-OHRLLS

09:00-09:25 Interactive discussion

09:25-09:30 Closing

Moderator invites final reflections from panelist and closes meeting

Download the programme here. 

Objectives 

• Present the Engagement Strategy: Introduce and present the key components of the SIDS NFP Network's Engagement Strategy, emphasizing its role in supporting the new Programme of Action. 
• Highlight Achievements and Lessons: Showcase the accomplishments of the NFP Network in advancing sustainable development goals, drawing on lessons learned from previous convenings and virtual meetings. 
• Strengthen Partnerships: Facilitate networking and collaboration among SIDS NFPs, stakeholders, and international partners to enhance coordination and support for the NFP Network's objectives. 
• Discuss Capacity Building: Engage in discussions on the urgent need for capacity building for NFPs and explore potential avenues for securing dedicated resources to strengthen their roles. 
• Interactive Session: Foster an interactive session where participants can share insights, best practices, and innovative ideas to further enhance the effectiveness of the NFP Network in the context of the new Programme of Action. 

Summary of Side Event