Antigua and Barbuda – Her Excellency President Hilda C. Heine and delegation participated in the 4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS) from May 24-29, 2024 in Antigua and Barbuda. In addition to delivering a national statement on behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of the Marshall Islands during the opening of the SIDS, President Heine also participated in highly relevant and important side events (e.g. topics such as gender equality and women empowerment, climate finance, and transitioning away from fossil fuels) as a key speaker/panelist.
President Heine also held a series of bilateral meetings (11 in total) to seek support for Marshall Islands priorities, explore opportunities for collaboration, and strengthen diplomatic ties. These meetings were with Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell of Grenada, President Wavel Ramkalawan of Seychelles, Prime Minister Edouard Ngirente of Rwanda, Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Prime Minister Feleti Teo of Tuvalu, and First Vice President Salvador Valdés Mesa of Cuba. President Heine also met with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, United States Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, UNCDF Executive Secretary Pradeep Kurukulasuriya, UN Women Deputy Executive Director Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda, and IUCN Regional Director for Oceania Leituala Kuiniselani Tago.
Key topics of discussion included garnering support for the Marshall Islands’ bid for a seat on the UN Human Rights Council and proposals before the International Maritime Organization on a global carbon levy. President Heine and her delegation further explored potential opportunities for collaboration in various areas, including the establishment and strengthening of diplomatic relations.
Under the overarching theme of “Charting the course toward resilient prosperity”, the 4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States was an important opportunity for island nations to advance sustainable development priorities, including the 2030 Agenda.
Her Excellency President Hilda C. Heine’s national statement during the opening of the SIDS4 is linked herein: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/XNw7pxvs76ge1Lgn/
