INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY RECOGNIZED SPECIAL CASE OF SIDS

Deputy Prime Minister Manasseh Maelanga has addressed the United Nations Small Island Developing States (SIDS) conference Monday this week.

In his address, Mr. Maelanga said the international community recognized the special case of SIDS in the context of sustainable development given SIDS unique and particular vulnerabilities.

He said the lack of implementation of the last two SIDS Conferences outcomes is a concern and must change here in Apia going forward.

Mr. Maelanga said in the SAMOA Pathway, SIDS and the international community have reaffirmed their shared political commitments to the 19 SIDS priorities.

He said these priorities and commitments can only be translated into action with focus, concrete and results oriented partnerships which transcend all levels of governance especially the engagement of local governance institutions.

The deputy prime minister adds, climate change alone continues to undermine sustainable development in SIDS, and remains a global issue that needs a global solution.

He said the slow pace of climate change negotiations and the lack of ambitious commitments in reducing greenhouse gas emissions has distorted the path of having an agreement in Paris.

He said Solomon Islands joins all SIDS in supporting the UN Secretary-General’s Climate Summit later this month and hope the Summit will mobilize and build a momentum into the climate change negotiations.