Past events

World Oceans Day, celebrated annually on June 8th, is dedicated to recognising the critical role that the ocean plays in our world.  Oceans regulate our climate, provide food and resources, and fosters the biodiversity on which we all depend.

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'.

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).

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'.

The fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States dubbed ‘SIDS4’ was held on 27 – 30 May 2024 in St John’s, Antigua and Barbuda. The Commonwealth Secretariat held a side event at the conference on 29 May on the theme of 'Building Resilient Economies for a Common Future', in Room 3 at the American University of Antigua.