Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. has underscored the importance of bolstering global partnerships to transform the vulnerabilities of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) into resilience. In a recent address, Whipps highlighted the progress made with the establishment of the SIDS Centre of Excellence, which aims to guide these nations towards sustainable development. During this significant gathering, attended by SIDS leaders and global partners, he emphasized the necessity of collective effort in realizing the vision of resilient prosperity for these small islands.
Whipps referenced the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS) as an essential blueprint for achieving resilience, praising his co-host, Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda, for his leadership in establishing the SIDS Centre of Excellence. This development represents a concrete step in the journey from vulnerability to resilience.
While SIDS are determined to support one another, Whipps emphasized that external partnerships remain crucial. He expressed gratitude for organizations like the PVBLIC Foundation, which played a key role in the Centre’s establishment alongside the Global SIDS Data Hub. These partnerships signify hope and reiterate the enduring commitment from the international community to support SIDS.
As Chair of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), Whipps urged international partners to enhance cooperation, reaffirming their shared commitment to ensuring that SIDS not only survive but flourish. This sentiment echoes the recent calls at various forums for substantial support, including financial frameworks like the Debt Sustainability Support Service (DSSS) and climate-oriented agendas such as the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF).
The establishment of the SIDS Centre of Excellence and the collaborative efforts around it mark a pivotal milestone in addressing the challenges faced by these island states. By drawing on international partnerships and recognizing the unique context of SIDS, there is potential for transformative change. These actions lay the groundwork for a future where SIDS can transcend their challenges, setting an example of resilience and innovation that could benefit similar vulnerable regions globally.