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SOURCE: UNDRR- Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in the Caribbean represent some of the most vulnerable nations globally, grappling with profound challenges posed by climate change, environmental degradation, and economic instability.
Despite their resilience, these countries face mounting threats from intensified hurricanes, rising sea levels, prolonged droughts, and other extreme weather events.
The Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS) offers a transformative vision for addressing these challenges, emphasizing resilience-building, sustainable development, and social equity as cornerstones for a secure and prosperous future.
SIDS face a disproportionate share of global climate injustice, bearing the brunt of environmental and economic pressures while contributing minimally to global emissions.
Between 2000 and 2022, Caribbean SIDS suffered 91% of economic losses from tropical storms among all SIDS globally, amounting to nearly $32 billion in damages.
These disasters disrupt livelihoods, exacerbate inequalities, and hinder progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
With limited fiscal space, high debt burdens, and small, undiversified economies, SIDS often struggle to allocate resources effectively for resilience-building and climate adaptation.
The United Nations System, through the Regional Collaborative Platform (RCP-LAC) Issue-Based Coalition on Climate Change and Resilience (IBC), has aligned its efforts with the ABAS priorities to support Caribbean SIDS in overcoming these challenges. This comprehensive agenda is structured around four key pillars: building resilient economies, fostering safe and prosperous societies, ensuring a secure future, and promoting environmental protection and planetary sustainability. Together, these pillars provide a roadmap for addressing systemic vulnerabilities and advancing sustainable development in the region.
In response to the ABAS framework, the UNDRR, in its role as co-chair of the IBC alongside UNEP, has undertaken a meticulous mapping exercise, identifying 132 initiatives and actions led by 11 UN agencies. These initiatives span national, regional, and local levels, addressing critical areas such as disaster risk reduction, climate adaptation, environmental sustainability, and inclusive governance. The geographic distribution highlights the breadth of UN engagement, with notable projects in Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda, and other Caribbean nations. Regional and multi-country initiatives further reinforce the importance of cross-border collaboration and shared solutions.
The infographics presented in this document illustrate the depth and diversity of these contributions, offering a visual representation of how UN system actions align with the development priorities of Caribbean SIDS. From strengthening economic resilience and securing water and food systems to promoting sustainable infrastructure and advancing disaster risk governance, these initiatives exemplify a coordinated, multi-stakeholder approach. They also highlight the critical role of gender-responsive and disability-inclusive strategies in ensuring equitable resilience-building and development outcomes.
Despite significant progress, challenges remain. Critical gaps in risk-based investments, infrastructure protection, and cybersecurity require urgent attention. Additionally, aligning high-level policy discussions with field-level actions is essential to translating commitments into tangible outcomes. Addressing these gaps will require sustained international support, innovative financing mechanisms, and robust partnerships with governments, the private sector, and civil society.
As the world enters a decisive decade for climate action and sustainable development, the ABAS agenda serves as a vital framework for ensuring that Caribbean SIDS are not left behind. By prioritizing resilience, inclusivity, and sustainability, the region can not only mitigate immediate risks but also build a foundation for long-term prosperity.
This document celebrates the collective efforts of the United Nations and its partners while reaffirming the commitment to advancing the ABAS priorities in the face of an increasingly uncertain future.
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I hope local voices are at the center of decision-making rather than outside agencies dictating the agenda.
Hopefully, these initiatives lead to real, lasting change and not just discussions.
Waw, this partnership sounds promising.