Accelerating the Achievement of SDGs through implementation of Sendai Framework, SAMOA Pathway and Paris Climate Change Agreement

High Level Political Forum SDGs Learning, Training and Practise

Statement by His Excellency Ahmed Sareer

Permanent Representative of the Republic of Maldives to the United Nations

New York, 12 July 2016

Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is an honour for me to be addressing this special training session on accelerating the achievement of the sustainable development goals, through the implementation of Sendai Framework, SAMOA Pathway, and Paris Climate Change Agreement. We have all recognized that there are clear synergies between these frameworks, and effectively implementing their collective goals and targets are critical to ensuring our sustainable and resilient development. And AOSIS is a continuous advocate for ensuring coherence in the implementation of these frameworks, for effective realisation of sustainable development of SIDS through the SAMOA Pathway.

As you all know, SIDS continue to face an onslaught of extreme weather.  Last year alone, we experienced deadly cyclones in the Pacific and hurricanes in the Caribbean and devastating flooding and droughts in the African and Indian Ocean regions. For SIDS, these disasters have unfortunately become a regular part of our lives.

Recovery from disasters is particularly difficult for SIDS. Disasters in SIDS reverberate across the entire country, amplifying effects and intensifying damage.  Our remoteness and geographic isolation also make the process of rebuilding difficult.   The lack of technological and human capacity hinders our efforts, as does lack of financial means.

Through the strong advocacy of AOSIS, the Sendai Framework recognized that disasters often disproportionately affect Small Island Developing States because of our unique and particular vulnerabilities. It also recognized that the impacts have been exacerbated by climate change, and are impeding our progress towards sustainable development. And additionally that given the special case of SIDS, there is a critical need to build resilience and to provide particular support through the implementation of the SAMOA Pathway in the area of disaster risk reduction.

SIDS have realized the importance of addressing disaster risk reduction, climate change, and sustainable development holistically. This is why SIDS have been addressing these issues in a coherent, holistic manner nationally. Examples across SIDS show this is the case. Small islands have many shared characteristics and vulnerabilities and we should harness our collective experiences and knowledge to identify and implement best practices for resiliency and disaster preparedness. Peer-to-peer learning in this regard is invaluable. And we hope to see more of these exchanges.

And in addition to SIDS-SIDS collaboration, support of the UN System, and all our partners is crucial for the realisation of our collective goals. And we need to ensure that all our efforts – SIDS, our partners, the UN system, civil society – work together, and collaborate in a coherent and efficient manner, to ensure a holistic approach to the realisation of the sustainable development agendas, for a resilient, prosperous and sustainable future for our islands and the world.

Thank you.