Philippines Reaffirms Solidarity and Support for Small Island Developing States
Mr. Jesus Enrique G. Garcia II, Minister of the Philippine Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York and Head of the Philippine Delegation, delivers Philippine Statement at SIDS4 (NYPM Photo Library)
ST. JOHN’S, ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA 31 May 2024 – The Philippines reaffirmed its solidarity and support for Small Island Developing States at the 4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4) in St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda on 28 May 2024.
Mr. Jesus Enrique G. Garcia II, Minister of the Philippine Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York and Head of the Philippine Delegation, highlighted in his statement that “the shared challenge of climate change creates opportunities for strengthened collaboration in ocean governance and disaster risk reduction for inclusive and equitable sustainable development and to leave no SIDS behind.”
In a spirit of friendship and South-South cooperation, Minister Garcia stated that the Philippines is committed to working closely with SIDS to enhance resilience, innovation, and sustainable development. This cooperation is anchored on the following:
- Promoting the primacy of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and calling for resolute climate action in accordance with common but differentiated responsibilities and climate justice;
- Supporting the requests of the Commission of Small Island States on Climate Change and International Law (COSIS) and the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) for Advisory Opinions from the International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) and the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the obligations of states in relation to climate change;
- Strengthening financing mechanisms and compensation for losses attributed to climate change with the Philippines as a member of the inaugural Board of the Loss and Damage Fund;
- Calling for reform of the international financial architecture, and concessional financing and debt relief for SIDS, including middle-income SIDS; and
- Sharing of experiences of the Philippines in sustainable tourism that preserves cultural heritage and empowers local communities, including the youth and indigenous peoples, for economic development and environmental protection.
The Philippines welcomed the adoption of the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS) – a comprehensive program of action for continued international support for SIDS for the fulfillment of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and beyond. Philippine support for the ABAS is based on the recognition that “SIDS are the primary authors of their story, and it is their voices and unique needs and aspirations that must be heeded in the implementation of the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda.”
The 4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4) is currently being held in Antigua and Barbuda from 27 to 30 May 2024. Under the overarching theme “Charting the course toward resilient prosperity,” the Conference aims to enhance support for SIDS to achieve sustainable development, including the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals.
SIDS4 delegates elected by acclamation H.E. Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, as President of the Conference and 14 countries as Vice-Presidents, including the Philippines representing the Asia-Pacific Group.
Citing common interests in addressing the far-reaching impacts of climate change, the Philippine Delegation highlighted the Philippines’ candidature for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the term 2027-2028 and its hosting of the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR) in October 2024. END
Mr. Jesus Enrique G. Garcia II with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres during the Welcome Reception for SIDS4 delegates hosted by the Governor General of Antigua and Barbuda (NYPM Photo Library)
For more information, visit https://www.newyorkpm.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.un.int/philippines or https://www.facebook.com/PHMissionNY/.