New York, 18 September 2017; Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Maldives, Dr. Mohamed Asim, discussed the important role of partnerships and leadership and innovation by Small Island States (SIDS) in responding to Climate impacts and planning for sustainable futures at the meeting organized by AOSIS, in partnership with the European Union and UNDP, this morning. During Minister Asim's key note speech as the Chair of Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), he reflected on the importance of partnerships SIDS and stated that the support provided by the partners have facilitated the expansion of capacity of Small Islands to engage in international negotiations on climate change and sustainable development. He further highlighted broadening engagement by AOSIS to issues of critical importance to SIDS such as conservation and sustainable use of the oceans and seas. Minister Asim also highlighted on the success of the UN Climate Change fellowship programme which was established with the support from the EU and thanked Italy and Netherlands particularly for their assistance. Minister Asim also reflected on the leadership role of the Maldives in bringing climate change to the fore front of the global agenda and highlighted on the collective efforts of the SIDS in formation of the Paris Climate Agreement and its implementation. The purpose of today's meeting was to provide a platform before the COP23 to acknowledge and showcase the leadership and innovation coming out of Small Island Developing States. The event was moderated by Mr. Magdy Martinez-Soliman, Assistant Secretary-General, Director of Bureau for Policy and Programme Support of the UNDP. The key note speakers were Mr. Achim Steiner, UNDP Administrator, Mr. Miguel Arias Cañete, European Union Commissioner of Climate Change, Mr. Inia Seruiratu, High-Level Climate Champion and Fijian Minister for Agriculture, Ms. Fekitamoeloa Katoa 'Utoikamanuc, Under Secretary General of OHRLLS and Ms.Yvon Slingenberg, Director, International and Mainstreaming, Directorate General for Climate Action, European Union. The Governor General of Antigua and Barbuda, Sir Rodney Williams also spoke at the meting.