President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has urged Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to become beacons of resilience and innovation. He made the statement in his national statement at the Plenary of the Fourth International Conference on SIDS.
President Dr. Muizzu emphasised the importance of SIDS believing in their ability to navigate developmental challenges, stating, the vulnerabilities should not be the downfall; they should be our armor and the rallying call. He proposed three key ways in which SIDS can seek support from the international community.
As such, the president stressed that the international community must lower borrowing costs and provide SIDS with access to credit enhancement measures. In addition, president called on bilateral partners to employ more creative financial solutions, such as retractable financing, to better support SIDS. The president highlighted the need for a coordinated and cooperative approach involving the United Nations (UN) system, international development organisations, and private sector financiers. He also urged SIDS to strengthen their institutions and collaborate with the private sector.
The International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS) is a UN conference held every four years. President Dr. Muizzu is currently in Antigua and Barbuda for the summit, where he will deliver key remarks at several events and engage with other leaders of SIDS.