High-level event for Small Island Developing States on the occasion of the 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly

For the Fifth Summit of the United Nations 74th General Assembly on Small Island Developing States (SIDS), UNESCO is organizing the High-Level Meeting on "Island Freshwater Resilience – SIDS cooperation with UNESCO".

SIDS are at the forefront of climate change and they are often isolated during natural hazards. Strengthening their resilience has been a priority for UNESCO for more than 30 years.

On 27 September, UNESCO brings together four Heads of State of SIDS and water experts at UN Headquarters in New York to focus attention on SIDS’ specific needs and challenges regarding water quality, wetland conservation and water availability.

The resilience of SIDS depends on multi-stakeholder commitments to cooperative action among governments, scientists and local populations. UNESCO is strengthening the effective implementation of its SIDS Action Plan feeding into the SIDS Accelerated Modalities of Action (SAMOA) Pathway, promoting strategic partnerships and the development of actions in the field of freshwater.

Programme:

High-level keynote speakers:
H.E. Mr Jose Cardoso Cassandra, President of the Government of the Autonomous Region of Príncipe, Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe
Hon. Mr Ian « Patches » Liburd, Minister of Public Works and Water Services of Saint-Kitts-and-Nevis
Hon. Mr Barry Faure, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Seychelles

Discussants:
Prof. Akicca Bahri, Institut National Agronomique de Tunisie
Dr Simona Marinescu, UN Resident Coordinator & Designated Official for Security, United Nations: Samoa, Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau
Mr Joakim Giacomoni, Head for Public and International Relations SIAAP (Syndicat interdépartemental pour l’assainissement de l’agglomération parisienne)

Moderator:
Dr Kosi Latu, Director-General, Secretariat, Pacific Regional Environment Programme
The meeting will take place in the following languages: English, français, español, português