President H.E. Dr Mohamed Muizzu called for SIDS to take the lead and stand as beacons of resilience and innovation. He made these remarks while delivering the National Statement at the Plenary of the Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4).
In his Statement, the President remarked that it is time for SIDS to start believing in their ability to navigate the perils of development, adding that "our vulnerabilities should not be our downfall; they should be our armour. Our rallying call." He outlined three ways in which SIDS can look to the international community for support. As such, he emphasised that the international community must lower borrowing costs and provide SIDS access to credit enhancement measures. The President further stated that bilateral partners must employ more creative solutions, such as retractable financing.
President Dr Muizzu also noted that the United Nations (UN) system, international development organisations, and private sector financiers must take a coordinated and cooperative approach. He implored SIDS to take the lead, emphasising the need for SIDS to strengthen its institutions and work alongside the private sector.
In opening the Statement, the President expressed solidarity with Papua New Guinea following the landslide that has caused the loss of hundreds of lives and destruction. President Dr Muizzu also used the opportunity to call attention to the concerning developments in the Middle East, stating, "Israel is defying the ICJ's order to immediately halt its attack on the Palestinian people in Rafah. We, the world leaders at this Conference, must unite in calling on Israel to stop the war" and called for collective solidarity with the people of Palestine.
The International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS) is a UN Conference held once every four years. President Dr Muizzu is in Antigua and Barbuda for the Summit, in which he will deliver key remarks at several events and meet with other leaders of Small Island Developing States.
