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Small States

Blog: From Brain Drain to Brain Gain: Unlocking diaspora finance in small states

This blog is authored by three experts from the Commonwealth Secretariat: Dr. Thomas Munthali (Adviser and Head, Economic Policy and Small States Economic Development, Trade and Investment Directorate), Tamara Mughogho (Economic Adviser, Economic Policy and Small States, Trade and Investment Directorate), and Dr. Ruth Kattumuri (Senior Director, Economic, Development, Trade and Investment Directorate).
Read news - Blog: From Brain Drain to Brain Gain: Unlocking diaspora finance in small states

A Guiding Manual to Accessing International Climate Finance for the Republic of Nauru

The main aim of this guiding manual is to improve climate finance flows to Nauru. It can be used as a reference document by the government of Nauru and all the other relevant stakeholders to access international climate funds and different types of funding options available for climate adaptation and mitigation projects globally.
Read publication - A Guiding Manual to Accessing International Climate Finance for the Republic of Nauru

Commonwealth Ministerial Meeting on Small States: Paving the Way for Resilient Futures

The Commonwealth Ministerial Meeting on Small States (CMMSS) convened today in Apia, Samoa, at a critical juncture as the country this week becomes the first Pacific Small Island Developing State (SIDS) to host the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). This ministerial meeting highlights the urgent need to tackle economic vulnerability, climate change, access to sustainable finance and debt distress – key challenges faced by the world’s smallest and most vulnerable nations.
Read news - Commonwealth Ministerial Meeting on Small States: Paving the Way for Resilient Futures

Small States Economic Review and Basic Statistics Volume 22

Following the resumption of normal activity post-COVID, small states have been on a path to economic recovery, largely sustained by a rebound in tourism, which in many small states has reached pre-pandemic levels. However, ongoing shocks – ranging from geopolitical to climatic – have marred this recovery. As such, small states are projected to grow at 3.3 per cent in 2025, a contraction from the 3.7 per cent growth in 2024, as a result of persistent economic challenges.

The combination of socio-economic shocks over the past few years has also affected socio-economic progress in small states. Geopolitical tensions in Europe and supply chain disruptions have had impacts on food security, given the reliance of small states on food imports. This has worsened progress on poverty indicators.

Climate change shocks continue to affect socio-economic progress in the health and education sectors, by damaging social infrastructure, affecting school attendance and promoting the spread of communicable diseases.
Read publication - Small States Economic Review and Basic Statistics Volume 22

New report highlights innovative approach to finance for Commonwealth SIDS

Today, the Commonwealth Secretariat and Cambridge University’s Centre for Resilience and Sustainable Development (CRSD) unveiled the final report for "Their Future, Our Action and the COMPASS Model: A New Approach to Finance in Commonwealth Small Island Developing States," introducing the innovative Common Pool Asset Structuring Strategy (COMPASS).
Read news - New report highlights innovative approach to finance for Commonwealth SIDS

Their Future, Our Action and the COMPASS Model: A New Approach to Finance in Commonwealth Small Island Developing States

12 August 2024 to 12 August 2024
(BST)
Event
As part of the International Day of Youth Celebrations, we invite you to join the launch event for "Their Future, Our Action and the COMPASS Model: A New Approach to Finance in Commonwealth Small Island Developing States." 

Commonwealth at the Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4)

The fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS) will be hosted by Antigua & Barbuda in May 2024, bringing world leaders together to agree on a bold new programme of action for SIDS.

This new 10-year plan will focus on practical and impactful solutions to keep SIDS afloat and give their citizens a sustainable and safe future.
Read news - Commonwealth at the Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4)

“Small Island Developing States' challenges are serious, but together we are more than equal to them,” says Commonwealth Secretary-General at SIDS4

Commonwealth-Secretary-General the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, delivered a compelling plenary speech today at the 4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4) held in Antigua and Barbuda. Addressing the critical challenges faced by small states, she underscored the Commonwealth's unwavering commitment to championing their causes on the global stage.
Read news - “Small Island Developing States' challenges are serious, but together we are more than equal to them,” says Commonwealth Secretary-General at SIDS4

SIDS4 side event: Closing the Blue Funding Gap - Mobilising a Blue Innovation and Impact Fund for Big Ocean States

29 May 2024 to 29 May 2024
(AST)
Event
Big ocean states (BOS), or Small Island Developing States (SIDS), control 30% of global oceans, holding unique leverage to foster a sustainable blue economy, crucial for attracting necessary investments in Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG14).

Commonwealth Champions Youth-Led Solutions at SIDS4 Summit

The Global Children and Youth Action Summit (GCYAS) has concluded with a powerful call to action from young people from Small Island Developing States (SIDS), urging world leaders to address critical issues such as education, climate change, healthcare, and poverty. The Summit, held at The University of the West Indies (UWI) Five Islands Campus in Antigua from May 24-26, is followed by the Fourth UN Small Island Developing States (SIDS4) Conference from May 27-30.
Read news - Commonwealth Champions Youth-Led Solutions at SIDS4 Summit

Commonwealth Secretary-General to Advocate for Small States at UN SIDS4 Conference in Antigua and Barbuda

The Commonwealth Secretary-General, Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, will be in Antigua and Barbuda next week for the fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4). The conference, taking place from 27-30 May 2024, aims to establish a bold new programme of action to support the sustainability and resilience of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) over the next decade.
Read news - Commonwealth Secretary-General to Advocate for Small States at UN SIDS4 Conference in Antigua and Barbuda

Commonwealth ministers to join forces to strengthen health systems amid escalating threats

Commonwealth health ministers, senior government officials, global health leaders and civil society groups will meet in Geneva from 24 to 25 May 2024 to examine practical interventions that will enable countries, particularly small and vulnerable states, to strengthen their health systems and recover effectively from exogenous shocks.
Read news - Commonwealth ministers to join forces to strengthen health systems amid escalating threats

SIDS4 Side event: Accelerating Just and Equitable Energy Transitions in Small Island Developing States

29 May 2024 to 29 May 2024
(Antigua and Barbuda Time)
Event
The event organised by Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), the Commonwealth Secretariat, the Government of Barbados, Government of Vanuatu and UK FCDO will showcase the potential of transforming SIDS economies while also achieving sustainable energy access and transitioning to cleaner and more resilient energy systems. The theme of the event is 'Revitalising SIDS Economies for accelerated and sustainable growth'.

SIDS4 Side Event: Ocean Health, Human Wealth: The importance of coral reefs

29 May 2024 to 29 May 2024
(Antigua and Barbuda Time)
Event
The International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI) in partnership with the Commonwealth Secretariat, UNDP and UNEP Cartagena Convention Secretariat and the Government of Belize are hosting this event on the side lines of SIDS4 on the theme 'Revitalising SIDS Economies for accelerated and sustainable growth'.

Global Children and Youth Action Summit and SIDS4 Conference

24 May 2024 to 26 May 2024
(Antigua and Barbuda Time)
Conference
The SIDS Global Children and Youth Action Summit (GCYAS) will be held from 24 – 26 May 2024, ahead of the Fourth UN SIDS Conference (SIDS4), which is set to take place in Antigua and Barbuda from 27 – 30 May 2024. The Commonwealth Secretariat is partnering with UNICEF, the Government of Antigua and Barbuda and Ashley Lashley Foundation to support this Summit.