Small Island Developing States (SIDS), comprising 39 states and 18 Associate Members of UN regional commissions, are home to more than 65 million people and are highly vulnerable to unique environmental, social, and economic issues. Climate change impacts are evident daily on these islands, putting them further at risk, especially due to their high dependence on biodiversity, as the world succumbs to a climate crisis. This is not merely an issue for the existence of SIDS themselves but also for the global community, as they control 30% of the world’s oceans through their Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ), while being responsible for less than 1% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

This topic will explore proposed solutions from states across the globe, with regards to possible reductions of climate change effects, coastal restoration, encompassing both land and ocean conservation, and financial aid, with the COP27 Loss and Damage Fund, the Green Climate Fund and the UN Joint SDG Fund kept in mind. This Conference of the Parties has the duty to support these states with innovative technological and agricultural ideas to ensure SIDS reclaim their potential and secure a future free from existential concerns. In line with the conference theme, it is detrimental that these SIDS regain security for their futures and continue to feel empowered by their rich natural and cultural heritage.