The Maldives’ President Dr Mohammed Muizzu is taking part in the The Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4). SIDS4 is scheduled to be held from 27 to 30 May 2024 in St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda. This year’s theme for the conference is “Charting the course toward resilient prosperity”, discussing the various development challenges faced by small island developing states.
Small Island Developing States (SIDS) were recognised as a distinct group of developing countries facing specific social, economic and environmental vulnerabilities at the United Nations (UN) Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), also known as the Earth Summit, held in June 1992 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. In essence, they were formally recognised as a special case both for their environment and development. This was when the SIDS programme was established within the UN. Today, SIDS comprise a distinct group of 37 UN Member States and 20 Associate Members of the UN Regional Commissions spread across three geographical regions.
His Excellency President Dr Mohammed Muizzu engages in the interactive dialogue under the theme “Revitalising SIDS Economies for Accelerated and Sustainable Growth” along with Anders Adlercreutz, Minister for European Affairs and Ownership Steering of Finland. Maldives’ Foreign Minister Zameer will deliver closing remarks at the Private Sector Roundtable on 28 May 2024 while Environment Minister Thoriq and Housing Minister Haidar will be delivering interventions at the interactive dialogues. Both the Environment and Housing Minister will also participate in a number of side events.
The majority of SIDS member states depend on the tourism industry as their main economic backbone, employment opportunities, and foreign exchange. At the SIDS4 conference, significant discussions will be held focussing on strategies to alleviate adverse impacts and adapt to changing climate and environmental conditions, ensuring the resiliency of the tourism industry. The conference will discuss promoting sustainable tourism practices and strategies on ensuring eco-friendly tourism, reducing the carbon footprint of tourism activities, and safeguarding the natural environment while continuing to attract tourists.